Mitsubishi Pajero Sport vs Volvo XC40
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 Volvo XC40 opens at $52,900. That makes the Volvo XC40 the more affordable entry point by $90.
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 $58,190 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Volvo XC40 by roughly $1,140 in fuel alone.
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 Volvo XC40 gets a 9-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Interior trim differs: the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport gets cloth upholstery while the Volvo XC40 offers synthetic leather.
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 Volvo XC40 responds with a Petrol making 145kW and 300Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels.
The Volvo XC40 has the clear power advantage at 145kW vs 133kW. 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, 345mm longer than the Volvo XC40 at 4,440mm (2,702mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 131L in the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and 452L in the Volvo XC40, giving the Volvo XC40 a 321L 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 diameter
Average
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 $2,081/year for the Volvo XC40. That is a $228 annual difference in favour of the Volvo XC40.
Estimated annual total: $2,309 (Mitsubishi Pajero Sport) vs $2,081 (Volvo XC40). The Volvo XC40 saves you roughly $228 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 (Volvo XC40). The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport if: You value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Mitsubishi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volvo XC40 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Volvo's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Volvo XC40 takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Volvo XC40 will save you roughly $228 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Volvo XC40 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 Volvo XC40?
The Volvo XC40 is the cheapest at $52,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport by $90.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Volvo XC40 uses the least fuel at 7.3L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mitsubishi Pajero Sport all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Volvo XC40 has the largest boot at 452L.
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 Volvo XC40 makes the most power at 145kW.
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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