Mitsubishi Pajero Sport vs Hyundai Santa Fe
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 Hyundai Santa Fe opens at $53,000. That makes the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport the more affordable entry point by $10.
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 $58,300 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Hyundai Santa Fe by roughly $1,855 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Hyundai Santa Fe hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Hyundai Santa Fe packs more ADAS features with 6 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 7 in the Hyundai Santa Fe.
Feature Showdown
The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the Hyundai Santa Fe gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Hyundai Santa Fe counters with power tailgate and BOSE audio that the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport does not offer. 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 Hyundai Santa Fe responds with a Petrol making 141kW and 232Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.2 seconds.
The Hyundai Santa Fe has the clear power advantage at 141kW vs 133kW. In the real-world sprint, the Hyundai Santa Fe is 3.3s 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, 45mm shorter than the Hyundai Santa Fe at 4,830mm (2,815mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai Santa Fe generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 131L in the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and 625L in the Hyundai Santa Fe, giving the Hyundai Santa Fe a 494L advantage. Fold the rears and you get 1500L vs 1949L. The Hyundai Santa Fe 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.
11.0m 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 $1,938/year for the Hyundai Santa Fe. That is a $371 annual difference in favour of the Hyundai Santa Fe.
Estimated annual total: $2,309 (Mitsubishi Pajero Sport) vs $1,938 (Hyundai Santa Fe). The Hyundai Santa Fe saves you roughly $371 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 (Hyundai Santa Fe). 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 Hyundai Santa Fe if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Hyundai Santa Fe takes 4 of 7 key spec categories. The Hyundai Santa Fe will save you roughly $371 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Hyundai Santa Fe 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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