VS
At a Glance
Power
130kW@4000
133 kW
Torque
392Nm@1800
430 Nm
Fuel
6.5
8.1 l/100km
Towing
1600
2850 Kg
0-100 km/h
9.8
—
Engine
1995
2442 cc
Choosing between the KIA SPORTAGE and the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The KIA SPORTAGE delivers 130kW@4000 while the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport produces 133 kW. On fuel, the SPORTAGE returns 6.5 while the Pajero Sport uses 8.1 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R379 995 for the SPORTAGE and R904 990 for the Pajero Sport. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
130kW@4000
133 kW
Torque
392Nm@1800
430 Nm
0-100 kph
9.8
—
Top Speed
194
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1995
2442 cc
Engine Layout
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
DIESEL
diesel
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
MANUAL
automatic
Number of Gears
5
8
Drive Wheels
ALL
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✗
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.5
8.1 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
58
68 l
CO2 Emissions
174
214 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4445
4825 mm
Width
1855
1815 mm
Height
1635
1805 mm
Wheelbase
2640
2800 mm
Ground Clearance
172
218 mm
Kerb Weight
1574
2080 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
7
Load Volume
—
193-813 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1600
2850 Kg
Load Capacity
1887
695 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
ESC
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
7
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✗
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✗
—
Reversing Camera
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✗
—
Sunroof
✗
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✗
—
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
60
3
Warranty Distance
100000
100000 Km
Service Plan
S
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
5
Service Plan Distance
—
90000
Service Intervals
15000
10000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Pajero Sport
Fuel Economy
SPORTAGE
Value
SPORTAGE
Practicality
Pajero Sport
Pros & Cons
KIA SPORTAGE
Better fuel economy (6.5)
Lower starting price (R379 995)
No factory service plan
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
Higher towing capacity (2850 Kg)
Factory service plan included
Higher fuel consumption (8.1 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the SPORTAGE or Pajero Sport?
The SPORTAGE uses 6.5 and the Pajero Sport uses 8.1 l/100km on the combined cycle. The SPORTAGE is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the SPORTAGE or Pajero Sport?
The SPORTAGE produces 130kW@4000 and 392Nm@1800 of torque while the Pajero Sport delivers 133 kW and 430 Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the SPORTAGE and Pajero Sport?
The SPORTAGE starts from R379 995 and the Pajero Sport from R904 990. The SPORTAGE is cheaper by R524 995 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the SPORTAGE or Pajero Sport?
The SPORTAGE has a braked towing capacity of 1600 and the Pajero Sport can tow 2850 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the SPORTAGE or the Pajero Sport?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.