Mitsubishi Pajero Sport vs Subaru WRX Sportswagon
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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.
Data checked: specs 31 Aug 2026, price 10 Sep 2026
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Price Breakdown
The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport starts from $51,540 before on-road costs, while the Subaru WRX Sportswagon opens at $52,290. That makes the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport the more affordable entry point by $750.
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 $57,519 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the Subaru WRX Sportswagon gets a 11.6-inch display and 4.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
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 Subaru WRX Sportswagon responds with a Petrol making 202kW and 350Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.4 seconds.
The Subaru WRX Sportswagon has the clear power advantage at 202kW vs 133kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Subaru WRX Sportswagon is 5.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport measures 4,840mm long on a 2,800mm wheelbase, 85mm longer than the Subaru WRX Sportswagon at 4,755mm (2,670mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 673L in the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and 492L in the Subaru WRX Sportswagon, giving the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport a 181L advantage.
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 11.2m
Based on 11.2m 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
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,280/year for the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and $2,423/year for the Subaru WRX Sportswagon. That is a $143 annual difference in favour of the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.
Warranty: 10 years / 200,000km (Mitsubishi Pajero Sport) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru WRX Sportswagon). The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Mitsubishi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Subaru WRX Sportswagon if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport: Top CarSorted Score, 59 vs 57
The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (59 vs 57), taking 5 of 7 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: practicality (Mitsubishi Pajero Sport ahead by 29), performance (Subaru WRX Sportswagon ahead by 17), safety (Subaru WRX Sportswagon ahead by 15). The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport will save you roughly $143 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 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.
One enquiry, local dealers' best price on each. Free for you to use. If you buy, the dealer may pay us a commission.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Subaru WRX Sportswagon?
The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is the cheapest at $51,540 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Subaru WRX Sportswagon by $750.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport uses the least fuel at 8L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Subaru WRX Sportswagon carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. Check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport has the largest boot at 673L with the seats up (1,500L with the seats folded).
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 Subaru WRX Sportswagon makes the most power at 202kW. The Subaru WRX Sportswagon is quickest to 100km/h in 6.4s.
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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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