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.
Includes a historical vehicle
Current, upcoming and historical vehicles can be compared side by side. Historical records keep their verified specifications, while price labels show last-listed context rather than current new-car availability.
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
Kona
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
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Archived cars use verified historical spec records. Rows remain comparable; unavailable historical values are shown plainly rather than estimated.
Spec
Kona
Pajero Sport
Model Introduced Year
2018
2017
Generation
Second generation Kona on Hyundai's K2 GEN platform; the design is more conservative than the first gen but better resolved
Third-generation Pajero Sport, 2025 facelift
Facelift History
Second generation launched globally in 2023 and brought to SA; softened styling compared to the sharper first gen, improved interior quality and tech
South African facelift launched in May 2025.
Facelift Launched Since
2023
Current specification
Tare Mass Kg
1460 kg
-
Facelift Version Ending
Not confirmed
Current
Body Style
Not confirmed
SUV
Model Year
Not confirmed
2026
Production Status
Not confirmed
active
Segment
Not confirmed
Seven-seat ladder-frame SUV
Vehicle Type
Not confirmed
Passenger vehicle
Spec
Kona
Pajero Sport
Length
4355 mm
4825 mm
Width
1825 mm
1815 mm
Height
1570 mm
1805 mm
Wheelbase
2660 mm
2800 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
165 mm
218 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
50 l
68 l
Boot/Cargo Space
466 l
193 l
Kerb Weight
1460 kg
2080 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
7 seats
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
Not confirmed
190 mm
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
Not confirmed
2775 kg
Payload Capacity
Not confirmed
695 kg
Towing Capacity
Not confirmed
2850 kg
Number of Rows
Not confirmed
3 rows
Minimum Turning Radius
Not confirmed
5.6 m
Front Headroom
Not confirmed
1022 mm
Rear Headroom
Not confirmed
957 mm
Front Legroom
Not confirmed
1067 mm
Rear Legroom
Not confirmed
880 mm
Spec
Kona
Pajero Sport
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
-
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
-
Climate Control
Dual Zone Auto Climate
Dual-zone automatic with rear air conditioning
Power Windows
All
Front and rear
Keyless Entry
Yes
Yes
Push Button Start
Yes
Yes
Wireless Charging
Yes
No
Sunroof
Electric Panoramic Sunroof
Yes
Electric Tailgate
Yes
Yes
Rain Sensing Wipers
No
Yes
Auto Dimming Mirror
No
-
Rear Window Defroster
Yes
-
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Yes
-
12V Accessory Socket
12V
-
AC Type
Dual Zone Auto Climate
Dual-zone automatic with rear air conditioning
Boot Opener
Inside
-
Door Ajar Warning
Yes
-
Electric Folding Mirrors
Yes
-
Engine Check Warning
Yes
-
Engine Start Stop
Yes
Yes
Engine Start Stop Button
Yes
Yes
Front Armrest
Yes
-
Front Power Outlet
Yes
-
Fuel Lid Opener
Inside
-
Headlamp Height Adjust
Manual
-
Headlamp Washer
No
-
Power Mirrors
Yes
-
Push Button Start
Yes
Yes
Rear Reading Lamps
Yes
-
Service Reminder
Yes
-
Spare Wheel
Steel
Full-size alloy
Tachometer
Yes
-
Telescopic Steering
No
-
Tilt Steering
Yes
-
Trip Computer
Yes
-
Vanity Mirror
Yes
-
Air Conditioning
Dual Zone Auto Climate
Dual-zone automatic with rear air conditioning
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
-
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
-
Rim Size
18-inch Alloy
18-inch alloy
Sound System
8 Bose Premium
6
Unlocking
Yes
Yes
Wireless Charger
Yes
No
Spec
Kona
Pajero Sport
Engine
1-litre Turbocharged 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
998 cc
2442 cc
Cylinders
3
4
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
16
Valves per Cylinder
Not Officially Disclosed
4
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Direct Injection
Common Rail Direct Injection
Compression Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
15.5:1
Bore
Not Officially Disclosed
86 mm
Stroke
Not Officially Disclosed
105.1 mm
Maximum Power
88 kW @ 5500 rpm
133 kW @ 3500 rpm
Maximum Torque
172 Nm @ 1500 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
7-Speed DCT
8-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
185 km/h
180 km/h
0-100 km/h
10.5 sec
11.8 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
18.3 sec
Drive Modes
Eco, Normal
Gravel, Mud/Snow, Sand, Rock
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
No
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
4500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio
60.3 kW/tonne
63.9 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
117.8 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
Kona
Pajero Sport
Engine Position
Front
-
Gearbox
7-speed DCT Dual Clutch
8-Speed Automatic
Drivetrain Layout
FWD
Front-engine, selectable four-wheel drive
LSD Available
No
Active Limited Slip Differential (brake control)
Paddle Shifters
Yes
Yes
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Yes
Gearbox Type
Automatic
8-Speed Automatic
Transfer Case
Not confirmed
Super Select 4WD-II
Differential Lock
Not confirmed
Rear differential lock
Final Drive Ratio
Not confirmed
3.692
Number of Gears
Not confirmed
8
Clutch Type
Not confirmed
Torque converter
Gear Shift Type
Not confirmed
Floor-mounted selector
Drivetrain
Not confirmed
4WD
4WD Engagement
Not confirmed
Selectable electronically
4WD Hi Range
Not confirmed
Yes
4WD Lo Range
Not confirmed
Yes
4WD Selector
Not confirmed
Rotary selector
Automatic Shift Paddles
Not confirmed
Yes
Front Differential Lock
Not confirmed
No
Low Range Ratio
Not confirmed
2.566
Low Range
Not confirmed
Yes
Axle Layout
Not confirmed
4x4
Rear Differential Lock
Not confirmed
Yes
Transmission Speeds
Not confirmed
8
Spec
Kona
Pajero Sport
Claimed Mileage
15.5 km/l
12.3 km/l
City Mileage
12.5 km/l
9.9 km/l
Highway Mileage
19.0 km/l
14.2 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
50 l
68 l
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Euro 5
Distance To Empty
Yes
-
Low Fuel Warning
Yes
-
Fuel Tank Litres
50
68
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Not confirmed
No
Real-world Mileage
15.5 km/l
12.3 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Combined Driving Range
Not confirmed
84
Electric Consumption
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
Not confirmed
868 km
Range Real World Mixed
Not confirmed
781 km
Spec
Kona
Pajero Sport
Airbags
6
7
ABS
Yes
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Yes
Traction Control
Yes
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Yes
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Yes
Brake Assist
Yes
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Yes
No
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Central Locking
Yes
-
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Yes
Yes
Speed Alert System
Yes
-
Safety Rating
Not Rated (SA)
-
BA
Yes
Yes
Driver Airbag
Yes
Yes
EBD
Yes
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Yes
Stability Control
Yes
Yes
TCS
Yes
Yes
Front Parking Sensors
Not confirmed
Yes
AEB
No
No
Brake Override System
Not confirmed
Yes
Curtain Airbags
Not confirmed
Yes
Hill Hold
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
No
Seatbelt Reminder
Not confirmed
Yes
Side Airbags
Not confirmed
Yes
Knee Airbag
Not confirmed
Yes
ABS EBD
Yes
Yes
Spec
Kona
Pajero Sport
Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
No
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
No
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
No
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
No
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
No
Parking Sensors
Front & Rear
Yes
Rear View Camera
Yes
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
No
No
Traffic Sign Recognition
No
No
Auto Lights
Yes
-
Auto Wipers
No
Yes
Eco Mode
Yes
-
EV Mode
No
-
Sport Mode
No
-
Around View Monitor
Yes
Yes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not confirmed
No
Auto Highbeam
Not confirmed
No
Rear Parking Sensors
Not confirmed
Yes
Reverse Camera
Yes
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
No
Park Assist
Not confirmed
No
Blind Spot Warning
Yes
No
Forward Collision Warning
Not confirmed
No
Spec
Kona
Pajero Sport
Seat Material
Leather
Leather
Seat Adjustment
Power Driver
-
Heated Seats
Front
No
Ventilated Seats
Front
No
Steering Type
Electric
-
Steering Adjustment
Tilt & Telescopic
-
Ambient Lighting
Yes
No
Folding Rear Seats
60/40 Split
-
Front Armrest
Yes
-
Rear Armrest
No
-
Cup Holders
4
-
Steering Wheel Material
Leather
Leather
Instrument Cluster Type
Analogue + MID
-
Door Map Pockets
Yes
-
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
Yes
Adjustable Driver Seat
Manual
-
Adjustable Front Seat
Manual
-
Cooled Seats
No
-
Fabric Seats
Yes
-
Front Headrest
Yes
-
Leather Seats
No
-
Memory Seats
No
-
Rear Headrest
Yes
-
Driver Seat Adjustment
Not confirmed
Power adjustable
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Not confirmed
Manual adjustable
Seat Trim
Not confirmed
Leather-appointed
Spec
Kona
Pajero Sport
Infotainment System
10.25-inch Touchscreen
Smartphone-link Display Audio
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Yes
Android Auto
Yes
Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Yes
Number of Speakers
8 Bose Premium
6
Navigation System
Yes
-
Digital Instrument Cluster
10.25-inch Digital Cluster
Colour multi-information display
USB Ports
2 USB-A + 1 USB-C
Front and rear
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Yes
Yes
Wireless Android Auto
Yes
Yes
FM Radio
Yes
-
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Yes
-
Voice Recognition
Yes
-
AUX Input
Yes
-
Audio Controls On Steering
Yes
-
Infotainment Display
Touchscreen
-
Rear Usb
Yes
-
Audio Speakers
8 Bose Premium
6
Infotainment Screen
Not confirmed
8-inch
Touchscreen
Not confirmed
8-inch
Spec
Kona
Pajero Sport
LED Headlamps
Full LED
Yes
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
Yes
Fog Lamps
LED
Yes
Roof Rails
Yes
Yes
Alloy Wheel Design
18-inch Alloy
-
Rear Spoiler
Yes
-
Wing Mirror Type
Power Adjustable
-
Rear Wiper
Yes
-
Door Handle Finish
Body Coloured
-
Body Type
SUV
-
DRL
LED
Yes
Fog Lights
Yes
-
Front Fog Lights
Yes
-
Led Headlights
Full LED
Yes
Daytime Running Lights
LED
Yes
Exterior Mirror Electric
Yes
-
Front Fog Lamps
LED
Yes
Headlamps
Full LED
Yes
Headlight Type
Full LED
Yes
Headlights
Full LED
Yes
Exterior Colour Options
Not confirmed
White Diamond, Graphite Grey Metallic, Sterling Silver Metallic, Jet Black Mica
Panoramic Sunroof
Not confirmed
No
Spec
Kona
Pajero Sport
Terrain Modes
Not Available
Gravel, Mud/Snow, Sand, Rock
Locking Differential
No
Rear differential lock
Ramp Breakover Angle
20 deg
-
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Yes
Ground Clearance Max
165 mm
-
Ground Clearance Min
165 mm
-
Approach Angle
Not confirmed
30 deg
Departure Angle
Not confirmed
24.2 deg
Wading Depth
Not confirmed
700 mm
4WD System Type
Not confirmed
Super Select 4WD-II
Breakover Angle
Not confirmed
23.1 deg
Spec
Kona
Pajero Sport
Tyre Size
235/45 R18
265/60 R18
Wheel Type
18-inch Alloy
-
Front Brake Type
Disc
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Steel
Full-size alloy
Parking Brake Type
Manual
-
Tyre Load Index
91
-
Tyre Speed Rating
H
-
Wheel Rim Size
18-inch Alloy
18-inch alloy
Brake Type Front
Disc (Ventilated)
-
Brake Type Rear
Disc
-
Spare Tyre
Steel
Full-size alloy
Tyre Type
Tubeless Radial
-
Wheel Diameter
18-inch Alloy
18-inch alloy
Wheels
18-inch Alloy
-
Handbrake Type
Not confirmed
Electric parking brake
Spec
Kona
Pajero Sport
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
Double wishbone with coil spring
Rear Suspension
Multi-Link
Three-link rigid axle with coil spring
Chassis Type
Monocoque
-
Power Steering
Electric
-
Steering Column
Tilt
-
Front Suspension Type
MacPherson Strut
Double wishbone with coil spring
Rear Suspension Type
Multi-Link
Three-link rigid axle with coil spring
Spec
Kona
Pajero Sport
Service Interval
15000 km / 12 months
-
Maintenance Plan
3 Years / 45000 km
-
First Service At
15000
-
Service Plan Duration
4
5 years / 90,000 km; 10,000 km intervals
Service Plan Distance
4
5 years / 90,000 km; 10,000 km intervals
Alternator
120A
-
Service Plan
4
5 years / 90,000 km; 10,000 km intervals
Service Intervals
15000 km / 12 months
-
Accessory Battery Type
Lead-acid
-
Spec
Kona
Pajero Sport
Warranty Years
5
3 years / 100,000 km
Warranty Kilometers
5
3 years / 100,000 km
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
-
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
5 Years
-
Basic Warranty
5
3 years / 100,000 km
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
-
Warranty
5
3 years / 100,000 km
Spec
Kona
Pajero Sport
CO2 Emissions
120 g/km
214 g/km
Start Stop System
No
-
Variable Valve Timing
Yes
-
Fuel Octane Requirement
Unleaded 95
-
Fuel Evaporation Control
Yes
-
Spec
Kona
Pajero Sport
Ownership Role
Not confirmed
New vehicle sold through Mitsubishi Motors South Africa
Price Zar
Not confirmed
904990 ZAR
Pricing Role
Not confirmed
Official South African recommended retail price
Starting Price
Not confirmed
904990
Starting Price Zar
Not confirmed
904990
In depth: how these cars differ
This Kona 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: Kona 40 vs Pajero Sport 65.
Efficiency index: Kona 62 vs Pajero Sport 49.
Safety-equipment index: Kona 87 vs Pajero Sport 72.
Practicality index: Kona 67 vs Pajero Sport 71.
Ownership-cover index: Kona 65 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.
Specification Evidence Index
A transparent comparison of published catalogue fields. This is not a road-test score, owner rating or editorial review rating, and it appears only when every vehicle clears the same comparable-data threshold.
Evidence / 100
Evidence-index readout
Pajero Sport leads by 1 points
Kona and Pajero Sport are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Performance
Pajero Sport +25
Efficiency
Kona +13
Safety
Kona +15
Practicality
Pajero Sport +4
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
Pajero Sport
Performance
65/100
Efficiency
49/100
Safety
72/100
Practicality
71/100
Kona
Performance
40/100
Efficiency
62/100
Safety
87/100
Practicality
67/100
Ownership
65/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexMitsubishi Pajero Sport
leads the specification evidence index with 65 pts
vs 64 pts for Kona
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, Pajero Sport leads. However, Kona may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Related comparisons
Continue with closely related South African models and comparable body styles.
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.
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