A proper head-to-head in South Africa — compare price, performance,
fuel economy or electric range, safety and the details that shape long-term ownership.
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Pajero Sport
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Full Specs, Side by Side
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Spec
NX
Pajero Sport
Model Introduced Year
2023
2017
Generation
Second-generation Lexus NX mid-size luxury SUV
Third-generation Pajero Sport, 2025 facelift
Facelift History
Current South African range includes petrol, self-charging hybrid and plug-in-hybrid derivatives
South African facelift launched in May 2025.
Facelift Launched Since
Current South African range includes petrol, self-charging hybrid and plug-in-hybrid derivatives
Current specification
Facelift Version Ending
Current South African specification checked 2026-07-17
Current
Body Style
SUV
SUV
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
published
active
Segment
Luxury SUV
Seven-seat ladder-frame SUV
Tare Mass Kg
1760-1860 kg
-
Vehicle Type
SUV
Passenger vehicle
Spec
NX
Pajero Sport
Length
4660 mm
4825 mm
Width
1865 mm
1815 mm
Height
1670 mm
1805 mm
Wheelbase
2690 mm
2800 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
195 mm
218 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
55 l
68 l
Boot/Cargo Space
520 l
193 l
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2370 kg
2775 kg
Towing Capacity
1000 kg
2850 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
7 seats
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.8 m
5.6 m
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
-
190 mm
Kerb Weight
-
2080 kg
Payload Capacity
-
695 kg
Number of Rows
-
3 rows
Front Headroom
-
1022 mm
Rear Headroom
-
957 mm
Front Legroom
-
1067 mm
Rear Legroom
-
880 mm
Spec
NX
Pajero Sport
Front Track Width
1605 mm
-
Rear Track Width
1625 mm
-
Front Suspension
MacPherson -
Double wishbone with coil spring
Rear Suspension
Double Wishbone -
Three-link rigid axle with coil spring
Spec
NX
Pajero Sport
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
-
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
-
Climate Control
Auto Dual zone
Dual-zone automatic with rear air conditioning
Power Windows
All/ All One Touch
Front and rear
Keyless Entry
Standard Smart Entry
Yes
Push Button Start
Push Start
Yes
Wireless Charging
Standard
No
Sunroof
Tilt & Slide,Panoramic
Yes
Electric Tailgate
Standard Power and Handsfree
Yes
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Yes
AC Type
Auto Dual zone
Dual-zone automatic with rear air conditioning
Heads Up Display
Standard
-
Air Conditioning
Auto Dual zone
Dual-zone automatic with rear air conditioning
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
-
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
-
Spec
NX
Pajero Sport
Engine
2.4-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
2400 cc
2442 cc
Cylinders
4
4
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
16
Valves per Cylinder
Not Officially Disclosed
4
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Petrol SFI + D-4ST
Common Rail Direct Injection
Compression Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
15.5:1
Bore
87.5 mm
86 mm
Stroke
99.5 mm
105.1 mm
Maximum Power
205 kW @ 6000 rpm
133 kW @ 3500 rpm
Maximum Torque
430 Nm
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
AWD
4WD
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
8-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
200 km/h
180 km/h
0-100 km/h
7.0 sec
11.8 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
18.3 sec
Drive Modes
Standard Eco, Normal, Sport, Sport S+
Gravel, Mud/Snow, Sand, Rock
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
No
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
4500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
63.9 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
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
NX
Pajero Sport
Gearbox
Automatic 8-speed
8-Speed Automatic
Drivetrain Layout
AWD
Front-engine, selectable four-wheel drive
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Super Select 4WD-II
Paddle Shifters
Standard
Yes
Number of Gears
8
8
Transmission Type
Automatic 8-speed
Automatic
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Floor-mounted selector
Drivetrain
AWD
4WD
4WD Engagement
Permanent all-wheel drive
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
8-Speed Automatic
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
2.566
Low Range
Not Applicable
Yes
Axle Layout
AWD
4x4
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Yes
Transmission Speeds
8
8
LSD Available
-
Active Limited Slip Differential (brake control)
Differential Lock
-
Rear differential lock
Final Drive Ratio
-
3.692
Clutch Type
-
Torque converter
Gear Shift Indicator
-
Yes
Spec
NX
Pajero Sport
Claimed Mileage
12.3 km/l
12.3 km/l
City Mileage
9.9 km/l
9.9 km/l
Highway Mileage
14.5 km/l
14.2 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
55 l
68 l
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
55
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
Emission Standard
-
Euro 5
Real-world Mileage
12.3 km/l
12.3 km/l
Spec
NX
Pajero Sport
Airbags
Side,Curtain,Driver,Passenger,Driver Knee
7
ABS
Standard
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Yes
Traction Control
Standard,,
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Standard
Yes
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard 2
Yes
Brake Assist
Standard
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
No
Engine Immobiliser
Siren/ Glass Break Sensor,Tilt Sensor,Ultra-Wide Band
Yes
Alarm System
Siren/ Glass Break Sensor,Tilt Sensor,Ultra-Wide Band
-
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Front + Rear/ Buzzer + Light
Yes
Front Parking Sensors
Standard Intelligent Clearance Sonar,Rear Cross Traffic Alert + Braking
Yes
AEB
Standard
No
BA
Standard
Yes
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Yes
Driver Airbag
Standard
Yes
EBD
Standard
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Siren/ Glass Break Sensor,Tilt Sensor,Ultra-Wide Band
Yes
Hill Hold
Standard
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
ELR,Pretensioner,Force Limiter,Tension Reducer -
Yes
Seatbelt Reminder
Front + Rear/ Buzzer + Light
Yes
Side Airbags
Standard
Yes
Stability Control
Standard
Yes
TCS
Standard,,
Yes
Knee Airbag
Standard
Yes
ABS EBD
Standard
Yes
Anti Theft Alarm
Siren/ Glass Break Sensor,Tilt Sensor,Ultra-Wide Band
-
Brake Override System
-
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
-
No
Spec
NX
Pajero Sport
Cruise Control
Standard Adaptive,All Speed
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard Adaptive,All Speed
No
Lane Keep Assist
Standard Steering Vibration,Lane Trace Assist
No
Lane Departure Warning
Standard Steering Vibration,Lane Trace Assist
No
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard With Rear Cross Traffic Alert,Safe Exit Assist
No
Parking Sensors
Standard Intelligent Clearance Sonar,Rear Cross Traffic Alert + Braking
Yes
Rear View Camera
Display Audio// Panoramic View Monitor
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Display Audio// Panoramic View Monitor
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Standard
No
Auto Highbeam
Standard
No
Auto Wipers
Auto,Rainsensing
Yes
Rear Parking Sensors
Standard Intelligent Clearance Sonar,Rear Cross Traffic Alert + Braking
Yes
Reverse Camera
Display Audio// Panoramic View Monitor
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard Adaptive,All Speed
No
Around View Monitor
Display Audio// Panoramic View Monitor
Yes
Blind Spot Warning
Standard With Rear Cross Traffic Alert,Safe Exit Assist
No
Forward Collision Warning
Standard
No
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
-
No
Driver Fatigue Alert
-
No
Traffic Sign Recognition
-
No
Park Assist
-
No
Spec
NX
Pajero Sport
Seat Material
F SPORT
Leather
Seat Adjustment
Driver + Passenger Power// Driver Memory
-
Heated Seats
Standard Driver and Passenger only
No
Ventilated Seats
Standard Front only
No
Folding Rear Seats
60:40 -
-
Rear Armrest
Standard
-
Cup Holders
Standard 4
-
Steering Wheel Material
3 Spoke/ F SPORT
Leather
Instrument Cluster Type
Standard TFT
-
Driver Lumbar Support
Driver 2-way,Power
-
60 40 Split Seat
60:40 -
Yes
Driver Seat Adjustment
Driver + Passenger Power// Driver Memory
Power adjustable
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Driver + Passenger Power// Driver Memory
Manual adjustable
Seat Trim
F SPORT
Leather-appointed
Ambient Lighting
-
No
Spec
NX
Pajero Sport
Infotainment System
Mark Levinson/ EMV
Smartphone-link Display Audio
Apple CarPlay
Standard
Yes
Android Auto
Standard
Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Yes
Number of Speakers
Standard 17
6
Navigation System
Standard/ EMV
-
Digital Instrument Cluster
Standard TFT
Colour multi-information display
USB Ports
Standard 5PCs
Front and rear
Infotainment Screen Size
Mark Levinson/ EMV
8-inch
Audio Speakers
Standard 17
6
Audio System
Mark Levinson/ EMV
-
Front Rear USB Charge Ports
Standard 5PCs
-
Infotainment Screen
Mark Levinson/ EMV
8-inch
Connected Services
Standard
-
Touchscreen
Mark Levinson/ EMV
8-inch
Spec
NX
Pajero Sport
LED Headlamps
Standard
Yes
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard LED
Yes
Fog Lamps
Standard LED
Yes
Roof Rails
Standard
Yes
Exterior Colour Options
White Nova, Sonic Titanium, Solar Storm Red, Poseidon Blue, Graphite Black GF, Terrane Khaki, Sonic Chrome, Sonic Copper
White Diamond, Graphite Grey Metallic, Sterling Silver Metallic, Jet Black Mica
Headlights
Standard
Yes
Panoramic Sunroof
Tilt & Slide,Panoramic
No
Spec
NX
Pajero Sport
Approach Angle
15.0 deg
30 deg
Departure Angle
25.0 deg
24.2 deg
Terrain Modes
Standard
Gravel, Mud/Snow, Sand, Rock
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Rear differential lock
4WD System Type
Permanent all-wheel drive
Super Select 4WD-II
Approach Angle Deg
15.0 deg
-
Departure Angle Deg
25.0 deg
-
Ground Clearance Max
195 mm
-
Ground Clearance Min
195 mm
-
Wading Depth
-
700 mm
Breakover Angle
-
23.1 deg
Spec
NX
Pajero Sport
Tyre Size
F:235-50RF R20 / R:235-50RF R20
265/60 R18
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Disc
Wheel Rim Size
20
18-inch alloy
Handbrake Type
Electric
Electric parking brake
Spare Wheel Type
-
Full-size alloy
Spec
NX
Pajero Sport
Service Interval
12 months / 15,000km
-
Service Plan
-
5 years / 90,000 km; 10,000 km intervals
Spec
NX
Pajero Sport
CO2 Emissions
185 g/km
214 g/km
Spec
NX
Pajero Sport
Ownership Role
Private luxury, family and business
New vehicle sold through Mitsubishi Motors South Africa
Price Zar
1276500 ZAR
904990 ZAR
Pricing Role
Flagship
Official South African recommended retail price
Starting Price
1276500
904990
Starting Price Zar
1276500
904990
Spec
NX
Pajero Sport
Warranty
7 years / 105,000km
3 years / 100,000 km
In depth: how these cars differ
This NX and Pajero Sport comparison uses the exact derivatives selected above for South Africa. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: NX 86 vs Pajero Sport 65.
Efficiency index: NX 49 vs Pajero Sport 49.
Safety-equipment index: NX 93 vs Pajero Sport 72.
Practicality index: NX 65 vs Pajero Sport 71.
Ownership-cover index: NX 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.
Model imagery
NX and Pajero Sport image comparison
Open an image for its full canonical file or visit the model page for the complete vehicle record.
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
NX leads by 10 points
NX has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Pajero Sport remains close.
Moderate difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
NX
Performance
86/100
Efficiency
49/100
Safety
93/100
Practicality
65/100
Pajero Sport
Performance
65/100
Efficiency
49/100
Safety
72/100
Practicality
71/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexLexus NX
leads the specification evidence index with 75 pts
vs 65 pts for Pajero Sport
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, NX leads. However, Pajero Sport 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 Africa models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the models and available derivatives in South Africa 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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