Mitsubishi Pajero Sport vs CUPRA Terramar
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 $51,540 before on-road costs, while the CUPRA Terramar opens at $53,990. That makes the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport the more affordable entry point by $2,450.
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 $56,694 and $59,389 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the CUPRA Terramar by roughly $3,420 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and CUPRA Terramar hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The CUPRA Terramar packs more ADAS features with 9 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 2 in the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and 7 in the CUPRA Terramar. The CUPRA Terramar adds a 360-degree camera that the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport misses.
Feature Showdown
The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the CUPRA Terramar gets a 12.9-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. 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 CUPRA Terramar. The CUPRA Terramar counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, heated front seats, power tailgate and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport gets cloth upholstery while the CUPRA Terramar offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 1-zone in the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and 3-zone in the CUPRA Terramar.
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 CUPRA Terramar responds with a 4-cyl Turbo Petrol MHEV making 110kW and 250Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.3 seconds.
The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport has the clear power advantage at 133kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the CUPRA Terramar is 2.2s 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, 266mm longer than the CUPRA Terramar at 4,519mm (2,681mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 131L in the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and 508L in the CUPRA Terramar, giving the CUPRA Terramar a 377L advantage.
For towing, the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport leads with a 3,100kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 1,300kg 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
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,309/year for the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and $1,625/year for the CUPRA Terramar. That is a $684 annual difference in favour of the CUPRA Terramar.
Estimated annual total: $2,309 (Mitsubishi Pajero Sport) vs $1,625 (CUPRA Terramar). The CUPRA Terramar saves you roughly $684 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 5 years / 999,999km (CUPRA Terramar). The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Mitsubishi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the CUPRA Terramar if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer CUPRA's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport takes 4 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The CUPRA Terramar will save you roughly $684 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the CUPRA Terramar 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.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and CUPRA Terramar?
The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is the cheapest at $51,540 before on-road costs. That undercuts the CUPRA Terramar by $2,450.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The CUPRA Terramar uses the least fuel at 5.7L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and CUPRA Terramar all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The CUPRA Terramar has the largest boot at 508L.
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 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport makes the most power at 133kW. The CUPRA Terramar is quickest to 100km/h in 9.3s.
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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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