VS
At a Glance
Power
133 kW
136 kW
Torque
430 Nm
247 Nm
Fuel
8.1 l/100km
7.9 l/100km
Towing
2850 Kg
1500 Kg
Engine
2442 cc
2498 cc
Choosing between the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and the Subaru Forester is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport delivers 133 kW while the Subaru Forester produces 136 kW. On fuel, the Pajero Sport returns 8.1 l/100km while the Forester uses 7.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R904 990 for the Pajero Sport and R790 000 for the Forester. 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
133 kW
136 kW
Torque
430 Nm
247 Nm
Top Speed
—
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2442 cc
2498 cc
Engine Layout
inline
boxer
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
—
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
8.1 l/100km
7.9 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
68 l
63 l
CO2 Emissions
214 g/km
180 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4825 mm
4655 mm
Width
1815 mm
1830 mm
Height
1805 mm
1730 mm
Wheelbase
2800 mm
2670 mm
Ground Clearance
218 mm
220 mm
Kerb Weight
2080 Kg
1636 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
7
5
Load Volume
193-813 l
496-1174 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2850 Kg
1500 Kg
Load Capacity
695 l
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
9
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
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
3
5
Warranty Distance
100000 Km
150000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
—
Service Plan Years
5
—
Service Plan Distance
90000
—
Service Intervals
10000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Subaru Forester
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Forester
Fuel Economy
Forester
Value
Forester
Practicality
Pajero Sport
Pros & Cons
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
Higher towing capacity (2850 Kg)
Factory service plan included
Higher fuel consumption (8.1 l/100km)
Less power than rival (133 kW vs 136 kW)
Higher starting price
Subaru Forester
More powerful engine (136 kW)
Better fuel economy (7.9 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R790 000)
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Pajero Sport or Forester?
The Pajero Sport uses 8.1 l/100km and the Forester uses 7.9 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Forester 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 Pajero Sport or Forester?
The Pajero Sport produces 133 kW and 430 Nm of torque while the Forester delivers 136 kW and 247 Nm of torque. The Forester is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Pajero Sport and Forester?
The Pajero Sport starts from R904 990 and the Forester from R790 000. The Forester is cheaper by R114 990 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Pajero Sport or Forester?
The Pajero Sport has a braked towing capacity of 2850 Kg and the Forester can tow 1500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Pajero Sport or the Forester?
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.