Kia Sportage vs Mitsubishi Pajero
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.
Kia Sportage
From $38,490
SUV
Petrol
Petrol
115kW
8.1 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
543L
Mitsubishi Pajero
Price TBC
SUV
Diesel
3.2L 4M41 DID Turbo Diesel
141kW
9.1 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
1069L
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
Safety Rundown
Both the Kia Sportage and Mitsubishi Pajero hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Kia Sportage packs more ADAS features with 5 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 0 in the Mitsubishi Pajero.
Both include the essentials: a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Kia Sportage and 6 in the Mitsubishi Pajero.
Feature Showdown
The Kia Sportage features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 4-inch digital dash, while the Mitsubishi Pajero gets a 7-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Interior trim differs: the Kia Sportage gets cloth upholstery while the Mitsubishi Pajero offers fabric.
Drivetrain
The Kia Sportage uses a Petrol producing 115kW and 192Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout.
The Mitsubishi Pajero responds with a 3.2L 4M41 DID Turbo Diesel making 141kW and 441Nm, paired to a 5-speed automatic (invecs-ii sports mode) driving all four wheels.
The Mitsubishi Pajero has the clear power advantage at 141kW vs 115kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Kia Sportage measures 4,685mm long on a 2,755mm wheelbase, 215mm shorter than the Mitsubishi Pajero at 4,900mm (2,780mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mitsubishi Pajero generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 543L in the Kia Sportage and 1069L in the Mitsubishi Pajero, giving the Mitsubishi Pajero a 526L advantage. The Mitsubishi Pajero seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Mitsubishi Pajero leads with a 3,000kg braked capacity vs 1,650kg. That 1,350kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.4m to 11.4m
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.4m 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 $2,309/year for the Kia Sportage and $2,594/year for the Mitsubishi Pajero. That is a $285 annual difference in favour of the Kia Sportage.
Estimated annual total: $2,309 (Kia Sportage) vs $2,594 (Mitsubishi Pajero). The Kia Sportage saves you roughly $285 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Sportage) vs 10 years / 200,000km (Mitsubishi Pajero). The Mitsubishi Pajero has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: —10yr (Mitsubishi Pajero).
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia Sportage if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mitsubishi Pajero if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Mitsubishi's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mitsubishi Pajero takes 4 of 5 key spec categories. The Kia Sportage will save you roughly $285 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mitsubishi Pajero has a clear edge. The Mitsubishi Pajero 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.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Kia Sportage and Mitsubishi Pajero?
The Kia Sportage is the cheapest at $38,490 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Kia Sportage uses the least fuel at 8.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Kia Sportage and Mitsubishi Pajero all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mitsubishi Pajero has the largest boot at 1069L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mitsubishi Pajero has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Mitsubishi Pajero has the longest warranty at 10 years / 200k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mitsubishi Pajero makes the most power at 141kW.
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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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