Volkswagen Tayron 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 Volkswagen Tayron starts from $48,290 before on-road costs, while the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport opens at $52,990. That makes the Volkswagen Tayron the more affordable entry point by $4,700.
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 $53,119 and $58,289 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Volkswagen Tayron and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Volkswagen Tayron packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 2 in the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Volkswagen Tayron and 7 in the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. The Volkswagen Tayron adds a 360-degree camera that the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport misses.
Feature Showdown
The Volkswagen Tayron features a 12.9-inch touchscreen, while the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport gets a 8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Volkswagen Tayron stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging and power tailgate that you will not find on the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Volkswagen Tayron uses a Petrol producing 110kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.8 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 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the Volkswagen Tayron is 3.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Volkswagen Tayron measures 4,792mm long on a 2,791mm wheelbase, 7mm longer 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 570L in the Volkswagen Tayron and 131L in the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, giving the Volkswagen Tayron a 439L advantage. The Volkswagen Tayron seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport leads with a 3,100kg braked capacity vs 2,500kg. That 600kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m to 11.4m
Based on 11.2m 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 $2,166/year for the Volkswagen Tayron and $2,309/year for the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. That is a $143 annual difference in favour of the Volkswagen Tayron.
Estimated annual total: $2,166 (Volkswagen Tayron) vs $2,309 (Mitsubishi Pajero Sport). The Volkswagen Tayron saves you roughly $143 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen Tayron) vs 10 years / 200,000km (Mitsubishi Pajero Sport). The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Volkswagen Tayron if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Volkswagen'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
The Volkswagen Tayron takes 4 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Volkswagen Tayron will save you roughly $143 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Volkswagen Tayron 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, Volkswagen Tayron and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport?
The Volkswagen Tayron is the cheapest at $48,290 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport by $4,700.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Volkswagen Tayron uses the least fuel at 7.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Volkswagen Tayron 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 Volkswagen Tayron has the largest boot at 570L.
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 Volkswagen Tayron is quickest to 100km/h in 7.8s.
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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