Comparing the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and the Toyota Fortuner can be a difficult task, as both vehicles have a lot to offer. However, there are some key differences between the two that set the one apart from the other in terms of driving requirements, driving style and budget.
Which SUV Has Sold The Most Units In South Africa?
The Toyota Fortuner, introduced to the South African market in 2006, has become a staple among locals. Its reputation has strengthened significantly over the years, propelling its sales figures well into the thousands every month, far outweighing the Pajero Sport. The truth is, sales numbers are hardly a deciding factor as it all comes down to performance, reliability and value for money. Let’s take a closer look at some of the recent changes and how they compare.
How Does The Pajero Sport Design Match Up To The Toyota Fortuner?
Exterior Comparison
While the Fortuner and Pajero Sport have both received some small cosmetic changes, South African motorists won’t be able to experience the Toyota’s enhanced front-end design since it is only available in Thailand. The test car included slight updates to the front grille, headlamps and lower bumper. The only noticeable change on the rear was to the taillamp arrays. This VX model featured a chrome beltline, a roof spoiler and the Fortuner badge on the tailgate.
The Pajero Sport’s revised aesthetic is most notably the new and improved Dynamic Shield face, which was seen on the recently revised Triton bakkie. This addition makes quite a statement while changes to the rear are less dramatic with a redesigned faux diffuser and a tailgate-mounted spoiler. Although the new 18-inch alloy wheels and repositioned side steps give the Pajero Sport a more dynamic look, the overall silhouette remains largely the same.
Interior Styling And Feature Comparison
The Fortuner’s cabin looks largely the same upon first inspection, even though there have been some subtle changes.
The brown faux-leather upholstery has been replaced with black, and new instrumentation, as well as an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system complete with navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (as seen in the updated Hilux), have been added. Both the driver and front passenger seats are heated.
Besides this, Toyota improved safety by outfitting the Fortuner with its Safety Sense package. This includes features such as lane departure alerts, adaptive cruise control, and road sign recognition that work together to help avoid collisions.
The cabin on the Pajero Sport has changed as well – boasting more elbow space for those in the front seats, as well as an updated centre console with features such as soft-padded cruise control, lane-departure warning and active emergency braking.
The eight-inch LCD screen displays essential information like your car’s speed and how far you’ve travelled. You can also control key features from the steering wheel, like adaptive cruise control, hands-free voice commands, and audio entertainment for a safer, more convenient ride.
Not only does the new Mitsubishi Pajero have enough head- and legroom for seven people but its third-row seats fold down so it can double as a cargo carrier. A power tailgate makes it easy to load up luggage, groceries, or other bulky items—even a surfboard!
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport VS Toyota Fortuner Engine Specifications
The Toyota Fortuner comes with a 2.8-litre petrol engine that delivers 123 kW and 245 Nm of torque. The diesel variant is powered by the 2.8-litre 4-cylinder common rail inter-cooled turbocharged diesel engine delivering 132 kW and 420 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission and comes with an option of 4WD.
On the other hand, the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport features a 2.4-litre MIVEC Intercooled Turbo Diesel engine that churns out 133 kW and 430 Nm of torque. This impressive engine is mated to a 8-speed automatic transmission with an option of 4WD as well. While there is a 2.8-litre petrol version in other markets, it is not available in South Africa.
In terms of performance, the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport has better power and torque output than the Toyota Fortuner. The Pajero Sport also has a slight edge, reaching 0-100 km/h in 11.2 seconds compared to the Fortuner’s 11.31 seconds. The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and the Fortuner have a similar top speed of around 190 km/h while the fuel consumption figures vary slightly in favour of the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.
In real-world conditions, the average fuel economy of the Pajero Sport on a combined cycle is around 8.1-litres/100km* while the Toyota Fortuner is 7.9-litres/100 km*.
*Subject to our Fuel Consumption Disclaimer
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport VS Toyota Fortuner Safety Features
In terms of safety, both vehicles are well-equipped, featuring all the technology you’d expect from a luxury SUV. The Toyota Fortuner has safety equipment bundled into its Toyota Safety Sense (TSS). This includes the following:
- Roadsign recognition
- ABS & EBD
- Pre-collision system
- Lane departure alert
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- 7 Airbags
- Overspeed warning
- Anti-theft Engine Immobiliser
- Traction control
- Trailer Sway Control
- Electronic Stability Control
- Hill-Start Assist
- ISOFIX child anchor points at the rear
The Pajero Sport also has several advanced safety features. Some of the features include the following:
- 7 Airbags
- Active Stability and Traction Control
- Brake Assist
- Hill-Start Assist
- ABS & EBD
- ISOFIX child anchor points at the rear
- Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution
- Dusk Sensing Headlamps
- Rain Sensing Windscreen Wipers
- Rear Park Distance Control
- Rear View Camera
Conclusion
Both are luxury SUVs in every sense of the term, offering plenty of boot space and a roomy interior with comfortable seating for seven people. While the Pajero Sport outperforms the Fortuner in power output, fuel economy, styling and interior feel, the Fortuner slightly edges the Pajero Sport on safety features. However, these added extras come at a cost and you can expect the Toyota Fortuner to have a bigger price tag than the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.
In closing, the Toyota Fortuner and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport are both popular, reliable and off-road-capable vehicles. We invite you to test drive the Pajero and ask us anything about the range, before making a decision between the two.
