VS
At a Glance
Power
132 kW
133 kW
Torque
265 Nm
430 Nm
Fuel
6.3 l/100km
8.1 l/100km
Towing
1650 Kg
2700 Kg
0-100 km/h
8.8 s
—
Engine
1598 cc
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 132 kW while the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport produces 133 kW. On fuel, the Sportage returns 6.3 l/100km while the Pajero Sport uses 8.1 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R766 995 for the Sportage and R789 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
132 kW
133 kW
Torque
265 Nm
430 Nm
0-100 kph
8.8 s
—
Top Speed
201 Km/h
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1598 cc
2442 cc
Engine Layout
inline
—
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
7
8
Drive Wheels
front
rear
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.3 l/100km
8.1 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
54 l
68 l
CO2 Emissions
149 g/km
214 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4515 mm
4825 mm
Width
1865 mm
1815 mm
Height
1650 mm
1805 mm
Wheelbase
2680 mm
2800 mm
Ground Clearance
170 mm
218 mm
Kerb Weight
1497 Kg
1980 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
7
Load Volume
591-1780 l
193-813 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1650 Kg
2700 Kg
Load Capacity
—
620 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ 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
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
3
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
100000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
6
5
Service Plan Distance
90000
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 (6.3 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R766 995)
Less power than rival (132 kW vs 133 kW)
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
More powerful engine (133 kW)
Higher towing capacity (2700 Kg)
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 6.3 l/100km 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 132 kW and 265 Nm of torque while the Pajero Sport delivers 133 kW and 430 Nm of torque. The Pajero Sport is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Sportage and Pajero Sport?
The Sportage starts from R766 995 and the Pajero Sport from R789 990. The Sportage is cheaper by R22 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 1650 Kg and the Pajero Sport can tow 2700 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.