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.
Data checked: specs 24 Jun 2026, price 19 Aug 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.
$38,490RRP
- no option data for this car
No price
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
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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. We can confirm 5 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Kia Sportage, against 0 on the Mitsubishi Pajero.
Both include the essentials: a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Kia Sportage and 6 in the Mitsubishi Pajero.
Recalls on our record
Kia Sportage
- 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-006112 · 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: 2009
- REC-006109 · 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: 2013 - 2014
- 10 more on the model page.
Mitsubishi Pajero
- 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-001050 · published 28 Aug 2019Due to inadequate welding strength, the front right side suspension lower control arm may fail at one of the weld joints.Year range on the notice: 2016 - 2019
- REC-001032 · published 29 Jun 2016The turn signal and lighting switch connector terminals may become worn during switch operation due to insufficient rigidity.Year range on the notice: the notice prints no build range
- 3 more on the model page.
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 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.
The Mitsubishi Pajero counters with heated front seats and Rockford Acoustic Design audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
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.
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 CarSorted Score calls this a draw (75 vs 65). The Kia Sportage and Mitsubishi Pajero trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. 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.
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 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 on crash rating: 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 with the seats up.
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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