Mitsubishi Pajero Sport vs Nissan ARIYA
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 Nissan ARIYA opens at $54,990. That makes the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport the more affordable entry point by $2,000.
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 $60,489 respectively.
The Nissan ARIYA qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Nissan ARIYA hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Nissan ARIYA 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 7 in the Nissan ARIYA. The Nissan ARIYA adds a 360-degree camera that the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport misses.
Feature Showdown
The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the Nissan ARIYA gets a 12.3-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 Nissan ARIYA. The Nissan ARIYA counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, heated front 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 Nissan ARIYA responds with a Electric making 160kW and 300Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.5 seconds.
The Nissan ARIYA has the clear power advantage at 160kW vs 133kW. In the real-world sprint, the Nissan ARIYA is 4.0s 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, 190mm longer than the Nissan ARIYA at 4,595mm (2,775mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 131L in the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and 466L in the Nissan ARIYA, giving the Nissan ARIYA a 335L advantage.
0Turning 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
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 10 years / 200,000km (Mitsubishi Pajero Sport) vs 5 years / 300,000km (Nissan ARIYA). 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, or prefer Mitsubishi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Nissan ARIYA if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Nissan's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Nissan ARIYA trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. If boot space matters, the Nissan ARIYA 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 Nissan ARIYA?
The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is the cheapest at $52,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Nissan ARIYA by $2,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport uses the least fuel at 8.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Nissan ARIYA all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Nissan ARIYA has the largest boot at 466L.
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 Nissan ARIYA makes the most power at 160kW. The Nissan ARIYA is quickest to 100km/h in 7.5s.
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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