Hyundai Tucson vs Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
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 Hyundai Tucson starts from $38,900 before on-road costs, while the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport opens at $52,990. That makes the Hyundai Tucson the more affordable entry point by $14,090.
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 $42,790 and $58,289 respectively.
Safety Rundown
Both the Hyundai Tucson and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport packs more ADAS features with 1 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 0 in the Hyundai Tucson.
Both include the essentials: a reversing camera.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Drivetrain
The Hyundai Tucson uses a Petrol producing 115kW and 192Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.2 seconds.
The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport responds with a Diesel making 133kW and 430Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 11.5 seconds.
The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport has the clear power advantage at 133kW vs 115kW. In the real-world sprint, the Hyundai Tucson is 2.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Hyundai Tucson measures 4,640mm long on a 2,755mm wheelbase, 145mm shorter than the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport at 4,785mm (2,800mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 539L in the Hyundai Tucson and 131L in the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, giving the Hyundai Tucson a 408L advantage.
For towing, the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport leads with a 3,100kg braked capacity vs 1,650kg. That 1,450kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.4m to 11.8m
Based on 11.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
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 Hyundai Tucson and $2,309/year for the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.
Estimated annual total: $2,309 (Hyundai Tucson) vs $2,309 (Mitsubishi Pajero Sport). Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years (Hyundai Tucson) vs 10 years / 200,000km (Mitsubishi Pajero Sport). The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai Tucson if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport if: You prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Mitsubishi's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Hyundai Tucson and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. If boot space matters, the Hyundai Tucson 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, Hyundai Tucson and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport?
The Hyundai Tucson is the cheapest at $38,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport by $14,090.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Hyundai Tucson uses the least fuel at 8.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Hyundai Tucson and 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 Hyundai Tucson has the largest boot at 539L.
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 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport makes the most power at 133kW. The Hyundai Tucson is quickest to 100km/h in 9.2s.
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
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
