Mitsubishi Pajero Sport vs BYD Sealion 8
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.
Price Breakdown
The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport starts from $52,990 before on-road costs, while the BYD Sealion 8 opens at $56,990. That makes the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport the more affordable entry point by $4,000.
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 $58,289 and $62,689 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the BYD Sealion 8 by roughly $10,120 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and BYD Sealion 8 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The BYD Sealion 8 packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 1 in the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and 9 in the BYD Sealion 8. The BYD Sealion 8 adds a 360-degree camera that the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport misses.
Feature Showdown
The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the BYD Sealion 8 gets a 15.6-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the BYD Sealion 8. The BYD Sealion 8 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats and power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport uses a Diesel producing 133kW and 430Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a 4WD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 11.5 seconds.
The BYD Sealion 8 responds with a Plug-in Hybrid making 205kW and 490Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 4.3 seconds.
The BYD Sealion 8 has the clear power advantage at 205kW vs 133kW. In the real-world sprint, the BYD Sealion 8 is 7.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport measures 4,785mm long on a 2,800mm wheelbase, 255mm shorter than the BYD Sealion 8 at 5,040mm (2,950mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BYD Sealion 8 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 131L in the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and 400L in the BYD Sealion 8, giving the BYD Sealion 8 a 269L advantage. The BYD Sealion 8 seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport leads with a 3,100kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 2,100kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m 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 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,309/year for the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and $285/year for the BYD Sealion 8. That is a $2,024 annual difference in favour of the BYD Sealion 8.
Estimated annual total: $2,309 (Mitsubishi Pajero Sport) vs $285 (BYD Sealion 8). The BYD Sealion 8 saves you roughly $2,024 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 10 years / 200,000km (Mitsubishi Pajero Sport) vs 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Sealion 8). The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport if: You want the lower entry price, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Mitsubishi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BYD Sealion 8 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BYD Sealion 8 takes 4 of 7 key spec categories. The BYD Sealion 8 will save you roughly $2,024 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the BYD Sealion 8 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.
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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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