Mitsubishi Pajero Sport vs Toyota Prado
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 Sport
From $52,990
SUV
Diesel
133kW
8.1 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
131L
Toyota Prado
From $73,200
SUV
2.8L 4-cyl Turbo-Diesel 48V V-Active
150kW
10.6 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
390L
Price Breakdown
The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport starts from $52,990 before on-road costs, while the Toyota Prado opens at $73,200. That makes the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport the more affordable entry point by $20,210.
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 $80,520 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport by roughly $3,560 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Toyota Prado hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Toyota Prado packs more ADAS features with 5 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 1 in the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and 9 in the Toyota Prado.
Feature Showdown
The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the Toyota Prado gets a 12.3-inch display. 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 Toyota Prado. The Toyota Prado counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
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 Toyota Prado responds with a 2.8L 4-cyl Turbo-Diesel 48V V-Active making 150kW and 500Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.6 seconds.
The Toyota Prado has the clear power advantage at 150kW vs 133kW. In the real-world sprint, the Toyota Prado is 1.9s 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, 205mm shorter than the Toyota Prado at 4,990mm (2,850mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Toyota Prado generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 131L in the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and 390L in the Toyota Prado, giving the Toyota Prado a 259L advantage.
For towing, the Toyota Prado leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 3,100kg. That 400kg 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 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.8m 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 $3,021/year for the Toyota Prado. That is a $712 annual difference in favour of the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.
Estimated annual total: $2,309 (Mitsubishi Pajero Sport) vs $3,021 (Toyota Prado). The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport saves you roughly $712 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 (Toyota Prado). The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Mitsubishi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota Prado if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Toyota Prado takes 4 of 7 key spec categories. The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport will save you roughly $712 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Toyota Prado 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 Toyota Prado?
The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is the cheapest at $52,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Toyota Prado by $20,210.
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 Toyota Prado all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Toyota Prado has the largest boot at 390L.
Which can tow the most?
The Toyota Prado has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport has the longest warranty at 10 years / 200k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Toyota Prado makes the most power at 150kW. The Toyota Prado is quickest to 100km/h in 9.6s.
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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