Mitsubishi Pajero vs Toyota Yaris Cross
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.
Mitsubishi Pajero
Price TBC
SUV
Diesel
3.2L 4M41 DID Turbo Diesel
141kW
9.1 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
1069L
Toyota Yaris Cross
From $26,990
SUV
Petrol
1.5L 3-cyclinder Petrol
88kW
5.4 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
390L
Toyota Yaris Cross: we're still completing kerb weight, 0-100km/h, warranty, ground clearance and turning circle.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mitsubishi Pajero and Toyota Yaris Cross hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Toyota Yaris Cross packs more ADAS features with 4 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 0 in the Mitsubishi Pajero.
Both include the essentials: a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Mitsubishi Pajero and 8 in the Toyota Yaris Cross.
Feature Showdown
The Mitsubishi Pajero features a 7-inch touchscreen, while the Toyota Yaris Cross gets a 7-inch display and 4.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Drivetrain
The Mitsubishi Pajero uses a 3.2L 4M41 DID Turbo Diesel producing 141kW and 441Nm of torque, sent through a 5-speed automatic (invecs-ii sports mode) to a 4WD layout.
The Toyota Yaris Cross responds with a 1.5L 3-cyclinder Petrol making 88kW and 145Nm, paired to a continuously variable transmission (auto cvt) driving the front wheels.
The Mitsubishi Pajero has the clear power advantage at 141kW vs 88kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mitsubishi Pajero measures 4,900mm long on a 2,780mm wheelbase, 720mm longer than the Toyota Yaris Cross at 4,180mm (2,560mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mitsubishi Pajero generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 1069L in the Mitsubishi Pajero and 390L in the Toyota Yaris Cross, giving the Mitsubishi Pajero a 679L advantage. The Mitsubishi Pajero seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Mitsubishi Pajero leads with a 3,000kg braked capacity vs 1,250kg. That 1,750kg 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
Interactive simulator: U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Average
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 9.9 m to swing round without stopping. Road is 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m: clears in one
U-turn on a standard street
7 m: 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
1.9 m wide: fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m: swings in
Narrow laneway
3.5 m: no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,594/year for the Mitsubishi Pajero and $1,539/year for the Toyota Yaris Cross. That is a $1,055 annual difference in favour of the Toyota Yaris Cross.
Estimated annual total: $2,594 (Mitsubishi Pajero) vs $1,539 (Toyota Yaris Cross). The Toyota Yaris Cross saves you roughly $1,055 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mitsubishi Pajero if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Mitsubishi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota Yaris Cross if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mitsubishi Pajero takes 3 of 4 key spec categories. The Toyota Yaris Cross will save you roughly $1,055 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mitsubishi Pajero has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mitsubishi Pajero and Toyota Yaris Cross?
The Toyota Yaris Cross is the cheapest at $26,990 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Toyota Yaris Cross uses the least fuel at 5.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mitsubishi Pajero and Toyota Yaris Cross all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mitsubishi Pajero has the largest boot at 1069L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mitsubishi Pajero has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mitsubishi Pajero makes the most power at 141kW.
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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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