Mitsubishi Pajero Sport vs smart #1
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 smart #1 opens at $54,900. That makes the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport the more affordable entry point by $1,910.
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 $60,390 respectively.
The smart #1 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 smart #1 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The smart #1 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 smart #1. The smart #1 adds a 360-degree camera that the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport misses.
Feature Showdown
The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the smart #1 gets a 12.8-inch display and 9.2-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 smart #1. The smart #1 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, heated front seats, power tailgate, Beats audio 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 smart #1 offers leather. Climate control is 1-zone in the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and 2-zone in the smart #1.
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 smart #1 responds with a Electric making 200kW and 343Nm, paired to a single-speed automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.7 seconds.
The smart #1 has the clear power advantage at 200kW vs 133kW. In the real-world sprint, the smart #1 is 4.8s 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, 515mm longer than the smart #1 at 4,270mm (2,750mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 131L in the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and 203L in the smart #1, giving the smart #1 a 72L advantage.
For towing, the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport leads with a 3,100kg braked capacity vs 1,600kg. That 1,500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.1m 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 11.1m 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 / 150,000km (smart #1). 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 smart #1 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer smart's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and smart #1 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. If boot space matters, the smart #1 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 smart #1?
The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is the cheapest at $52,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the smart #1 by $1,910.
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 smart #1 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The smart #1 has the largest boot at 203L.
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 smart #1 makes the most power at 200kW. The smart #1 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.7s.
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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