A proper head-to-head in South Africa — we cover price, performance,
petrol economy, safety and what it'll actually cost you to own each one long term.
CX-3 starts ZAR 349,990 cheaperCX-3 from ZAR 440,000 · Pajero Sport from ZAR 789,990
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
CX-3
Pajero Sport
Maximum Power
115 kW @ 6000 rpm
133 kW @ 3500 rpm
Maximum Torque
206 Nm @ 2800 rpm
430 Nm @ 2500 rpm
Engine Size
1998 cc
2442 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
15.9 km/l
12.3 km/l
Ground Clearance
155 mm
218 mm
Boot / Load Bay
230 l
193 l
Airbags
6
7
Kerb Weight
1270 kg
2080 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
7 seats
Warranty
5 Years/Unlimited km
3 years / 100,000 km
= leads in this spec
The Bottom Line
CX-3 and Pajero Sport are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Pajero Sport
+25 pts
Efficiency
CX-3
+12 pts
Safety
CX-3
+12 pts
Practicality
Pajero Sport
+23 pts
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
CX-3
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger listed safety equipment
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Efficiency
Catalogue-index leader
Pajero Sport
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Fewer listed safety features
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
CX-3
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Pajero Sport
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
CX-3
Pajero Sport
Model Introduced Year
2015
2017
Generation
Current first-generation DK-series Mazda CX-3
Third-generation Pajero Sport, 2025 facelift
Facelift History
The CX-3 has received successive equipment and design updates since its 2015 debut; Carbon and Individual now sit together at the top of the South African range.
South African facelift launched in May 2025.
Facelift Launched Since
2015
Current specification
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
SUV
SUV
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
Active
active
Segment
Compact crossover
Seven-seat ladder-frame SUV
Tare Mass Kg
1270 kg
-
Vehicle Type
SUV
Passenger vehicle
Spec
CX-3
Pajero Sport
Length
4275 mm
4825 mm
Width
1765 mm
1815 mm
Height
1542 mm
1805 mm
Wheelbase
2570 mm
2800 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
155 mm
218 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
48 l
68 l
Boot/Cargo Space
230 l
193 l
Kerb Weight
1270 kg
2080 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1735 kg
2775 kg
Payload Capacity
465 kg
695 kg
Towing Capacity
850 kg
2850 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
7 seats
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.7 m
5.6 m
Front Legroom
1058 mm
1067 mm
Rear Legroom
888 mm
880 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
-
Not Officially Disclosed
Number of Rows
-
3 rows
Front Headroom
-
1022 mm
Rear Headroom
-
957 mm
Spec
CX-3
Pajero Sport
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
-
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
-
Climate Control
Automatic
Dual-zone automatic with rear air conditioning
Power Windows
Front & Rear
Front and rear
Keyless Entry
Smart
Yes
Push Button Start
Standard
Yes
Wireless Charging
Standard
No
Sunroof
Standard
Yes
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Yes
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Yes
Boot Space Seats Folded
1140 l
-
AC Type
Automatic
Dual-zone automatic with rear air conditioning
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
-
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
-
Spec
CX-3
Pajero Sport
Engine
2-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
2.4-litre Intercooled Turbocharged Diesel
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
4N15
Fuel Type
Petrol
Diesel
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1998 cc
2442 cc
Cylinders
4
4
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
16
Valves per Cylinder
Not Officially Disclosed
4
Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Not Officially Disclosed
Common Rail Direct Injection
Compression Ratio
13.0:1
15.5:1
Bore
83.5 mm
86 mm
Stroke
91.2 mm
105.1 mm
Maximum Power
115 kW @ 6000 rpm
133 kW @ 3500 rpm
Maximum Torque
206 Nm @ 2800 rpm
430 Nm @ 2500 rpm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Drive Type
FWD
4WD
Transmission
6-Speed Automatic
8-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
197 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
0-100 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Sport
Gravel, Mud/Snow, Sand, Rock
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
90.6 kW/tonne
63.9 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
162.2 Nm/tonne
206.7 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
CX-3
Pajero Sport
Gearbox
6-Speed Auto
8-Speed Automatic
Drivetrain Layout
Front-engine, front-wheel drive
Front-engine, selectable four-wheel drive
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Super Select 4WD-II
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Rear differential lock
Paddle Shifters
Standard
Yes
Final Drive Ratio
4.325
3.692
Number of Gears
6
8
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Floor-mounted selector
Drivetrain
FWD
4WD
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
Selectable electronically
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Yes
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Yes
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Rotary selector
Automatic Shift Paddles
Standard
Yes
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
No
Gearbox Type
Automatic
8-Speed Automatic
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
2.566
Low Range
Not Applicable
Yes
Axle Layout
4x2
4x4
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Yes
Transmission Speeds
6
8
LSD Available
-
Active Limited Slip Differential (brake control)
Clutch Type
-
Torque converter
Gear Shift Indicator
-
Yes
Spec
CX-3
Pajero Sport
Claimed Mileage
15.9 km/l
12.3 km/l
City Mileage
12.8 km/l
9.9 km/l
Highway Mileage
18.7 km/l
14.2 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
48 l
68 l
Emission Standard
Euro stage IV
Euro 5
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Standard
No
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
48
68
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
84
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
868 km
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
781 km
Real-world Mileage
15.9 km/l
12.3 km/l
Spec
CX-3
Pajero Sport
Airbags
6
7
ABS
Standard
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Yes
Hill Start Assist
Not Available
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Yes
Brake Assist
Standard
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Front & Rear
Yes
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Yes
AEB
Not Available
No
BA
Standard
Yes
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Yes
Driver Airbag
Standard
Yes
EBD
Standard
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Yes
Hill Hold
Not Available
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
No
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Standard
Yes
Seatbelt Reminder
Front & Rear
Yes
Side Airbags
Standard
Yes
Stability Control
Standard
Yes
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Yes
ABS EBD
Standard
Yes
Traction Control
-
Yes
Child Safety Lock
-
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
-
No
Brake Override System
-
Yes
TCS
-
Yes
Spec
CX-3
Pajero Sport
Cruise Control
Standard
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
No
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
No
Lane Departure Warning
Not Available
No
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
No
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
No
Parking Sensors
Front & Rear
Yes
Rear View Camera
Standard
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
No
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
No
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
No
Auto Highbeam
Not Available
No
Auto Wipers
Standard
Yes
Rear Parking Sensors
Not Available
Yes
Reverse Camera
Standard
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
No
Around View Monitor
Not Available
Yes
Blind Spot Warning
Not Available
No
Park Assist
-
No
Forward Collision Warning
-
No
Spec
CX-3
Pajero Sport
Seat Material
Black Leather
Leather
Heated Seats
Not Available
No
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
No
Ambient Lighting
Not Available
No
Front Shoulder Room
1360 mm
-
Rear Shoulder Room
1281 mm
-
Steering Wheel Material
Standard
Leather
60 40 Split Seat
(60:40)
Yes
Driver Seat Adjustment
10-Way Power Adjustable (Driver)
Power adjustable
Passenger Seat Adjustment
10-Way Power Adjustable (Driver)
Manual adjustable
Seat Trim
Black Leather
Leather-appointed
Spec
CX-3
Pajero Sport
Infotainment System
Standard
Smartphone-link Display Audio
Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Yes
Android Auto
Standard
Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Yes
Number of Speakers
7
6
Digital Instrument Cluster
Not Available
Colour multi-information display
USB Ports
2
Front and rear
Infotainment Screen
8-Inch
8-inch
Touchscreen
8-Inch
8-inch
Spec
CX-3
Pajero Sport
LED Headlamps
Standard
Yes
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard
Yes
Alloy Wheel Design
Black Metallic + Machining
-
Exterior Colour Options
Aero Grey, Snowflake White Pearl, Jet Black, Machine Grey, Polymetal Grey, Platinum Quartz and Soul Red Crystal are listed, with Carbon availability limited to selected finishes.
White Diamond, Graphite Grey Metallic, Sterling Silver Metallic, Jet Black Mica
Headlights
Standard
Yes
Panoramic Sunroof
Standard
No
Fog Lamps
-
Yes
Roof Rails
-
Yes
Spec
CX-3
Pajero Sport
Departure Angle
25.7 deg
24.2 deg
Terrain Modes
Sport
Gravel, Mud/Snow, Sand, Rock
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Rear differential lock
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Super Select 4WD-II
Ground Clearance Max
155 mm
-
Ground Clearance Min
155 mm
-
Approach Angle
-
30 deg
Wading Depth
-
700 mm
Breakover Angle
-
23.1 deg
Spec
CX-3
Pajero Sport
Tyre Size
215/50R18
265/60 R18
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Solid disc
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Temporary spare 185/60 R16
Full-size alloy
Wheel Rim Size
18 X 7.0 J
18-inch alloy
Handbrake Type
Electronic
Electric parking brake
Spec
CX-3
Pajero Sport
Front Suspension
Macpherson strut
Double wishbone with coil spring
Rear Suspension
Torsion beam axle
Three-link rigid axle with coil spring
Spec
CX-3
Pajero Sport
CO2 Emissions
146 g/km
214 g/km
Spec
CX-3
Pajero Sport
Service Plan
3 Years/Unlimited km
5 years / 90,000 km; 10,000 km intervals
Spec
CX-3
Pajero Sport
Ownership Role
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
New vehicle sold through Mitsubishi Motors South Africa
Price Zar
551600 ZAR
904990 ZAR
Pricing Role
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
Official South African recommended retail price
Starting Price
551600
904990
Starting Price Zar
551600
904990
Spec
CX-3
Pajero Sport
Warranty
5 Years/Unlimited km
3 years / 100,000 km
Source-backed Catalogue Index
A transparent specification index shown only when every vehicle clears the minimum comparable-data threshold.
Weighted / 100
Catalogue-index readout
Pajero Sport leads by 7 points
CX-3 and Pajero Sport are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Performance
Pajero Sport +25
Efficiency
CX-3 +12
Safety
CX-3 +12
Practicality
Pajero Sport +23
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Catalogue-index leader
Pajero Sport
Performance
72/100
Efficiency
49/100
Safety
72/100
Practicality
71/100
CX-3
Performance
47/100
Efficiency
61/100
Safety
84/100
Practicality
48/100
How to Read This Comparison
🏆Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
leads the catalogue index with 67 pts
vs 60 pts for CX-3
In Hagalu's source-backed catalogue index, Pajero Sport leads. However, CX-3 may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Other Comparisons Worth Checking
See how similar cars go head-to-head — you might find a better fit than you expected.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the exact South African derivatives on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
Hagalu does not publish a guaranteed resale winner. Depreciation depends on age, mileage, condition, derivative, colour, supply and demand. Compare several current used-market listings and obtain trade-in valuations for equivalent examples before relying on a resale estimate.
Check the exact derivatives for drive type, ground clearance, tyres, approach and departure angles, wading depth and low-range gearing where officially disclosed. SUV styling or all-wheel drive alone does not prove that a vehicle is suitable for demanding off-road use.
Calculate each exact derivative using your monthly distance and a current fuel or electricity price, then add finance, insurance, scheduled service, tyres and licence costs. Hagalu does not claim a fixed monthly saving without those buyer-specific inputs.
It is worth more only when the exact price difference buys equipment, space, performance or ownership cover that matters to you. Compare like-for-like lifecycle states and derivatives; a current offer and a historical last-listed price are not directly equivalent.
In Depth — Breaking It All Down
This CX-3 and Pajero Sport comparison uses the exact South African derivatives selected above. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: CX-3 47 vs Pajero Sport 72.
Efficiency index: CX-3 61 vs Pajero Sport 49.
Safety-equipment index: CX-3 84 vs Pajero Sport 72.
Practicality index: CX-3 48 vs Pajero Sport 71.
Ownership-cover index: CX-3 not separately scored vs Pajero Sport not separately scored.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
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