Kia Sorento vs Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 30 Sep 2026, price 10 Sep 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
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Price Breakdown
The Kia Sorento starts from $54,380 before on-road costs, while the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport opens at $51,540. That makes the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport the more affordable entry point by $2,840.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $59,818 and $56,694 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Kia Sorento by roughly $2,850 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Recalls on our record
Kia Sorento
- REC-006557 · published 6 Mar 2026Due to a software error, the Instrument Cluster may display a blank screen or may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2025
- REC-006239 · published 3 Jan 2025Due to a software issue, the turn indicator light and/or the upper part of the Daytime Running Lights (DRL) may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2023 - 2024
- REC-006104 · published 9 Oct 2024The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), responsible for the Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Stability Control System and Traction Control System, can remain live even when the vehicle is switched off.Year range on the notice: 2010 - 2014
- 14 more on the model page.
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
- REC-005634 · published 20 Mar 2023The product was sold without the warning information that is required for products containing button/coin batteries.Year range on the notice: 2020 - 2022
- REC-001035 · published 5 Dec 2016Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has identified that insufficient anti corrosion coating was applied to the end cap on the outer tube of the tailgate gas springs, and this may result in corrosion.Year range on the notice: 2010 - 2016
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The Kia Sorento features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 4-inch digital dash, while the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport gets a 8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Kia Sorento stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and power tailgate — features our data doesn't list for the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Kia Sorento uses a Diesel producing 148kW and 440Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9 seconds.
The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport responds with a Diesel making 133kW and 430Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 11.5 seconds.
The Kia Sorento has the clear power advantage at 148kW vs 133kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Kia Sorento is 2.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Kia Sorento measures 4,815mm long on a 2,815mm wheelbase, 25mm shorter than the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport at 4,840mm (2,800mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia Sorento generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 179L in the Kia Sorento and 673L in the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, giving the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport a 494L advantage. Fold the rears and you get 1996L vs 1500L. The Kia Sorento seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport leads with a 3,100kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 1,100kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m to 11.6m
Based on 11.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,710/year for the Kia Sorento and $2,280/year for the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. That is a $570 annual difference in favour of the Kia Sorento.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Sorento) vs 10 years / 200,000km (Mitsubishi Pajero Sport). The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia Sorento if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Mitsubishi's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Kia Sorento: Top CarSorted Score, 79 vs 62
The Kia Sorento comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (79 vs 62), taking 3 of 7 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: practicality (Mitsubishi Pajero Sport ahead by 27), fuel economy (Kia Sorento ahead by 18), performance (Kia Sorento ahead by 12). The Kia Sorento will save you roughly $570 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport has a clear edge. The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport adds peace of mind with a longer 10-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
One enquiry, local dealers' best price on each. Free for you to use. If you buy, the dealer may pay us a commission.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Kia Sorento and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport?
The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is the cheapest at $51,540 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Kia Sorento by $2,840.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Kia Sorento uses the least fuel at 6L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Kia Sorento holds a 5-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport has the largest boot at 673L with the seats up (1,500L with the seats folded).
Which can tow the most?
The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,100kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport has the longest warranty at 10 years / 200k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Kia Sorento makes the most power at 148kW. The Kia Sorento is quickest to 100km/h in 9s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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