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.
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport vs Volkswagen Polo: the short answer
Pajero Sport and Polo are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Polo starts ZAR 416,190 cheaperPajero Sport from ZAR 789,990 · Polo from ZAR 373,800
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
Pajero Sport
Polo
Maximum Power
Pajero Sport133 kW @ 3500 rpm
Polo147 kW
Maximum Torque
Pajero Sport430 Nm @ 2500 rpm
Polo320 Nm
Engine Size
Pajero Sport2442 cc
Polo2000 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
Pajero Sport12.3 km/l
Polo18.9 km/l
Ground Clearance
Pajero Sport218 mm
Polo133 mm
Strongest published figure in that row; no road-test winner is implied.
Independent editorial assessment
Hagalu editorial ratings
When a variant is selected, its rating out of five applies only to that exact derivative; a model-range review is not inherited. Editorial ratings are separate from the Specification Evidence Index out of 100 and are not customer ratings.
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
2.4L DI-DC 8-speed A/T 4X4 Exceed
Hagalu editorial rating
4.3/5★★★★★★★★★★
Desk research · Exact variant
Hagalu Editorial Team ·
Editorial assessment, not a customer rating. Not road-tested for this review.
Not yet rated means a complete review is not published; it does not mean the vehicle scored zero. Read the rating methodology.
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
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
Specification evidence leader
Polo
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger listed safety equipment
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Efficiency
Which One's Right for You?
Pajero Sport
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Polo
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
Pajero Sport
Polo
Model Introduced Year
2017
2018
Generation
Third-generation Pajero Sport, 2025 facelift
Sixth generation Polo on MQB-A0 platform
Facelift History
South African facelift launched in May 2025.
Facelift in 2022 with updated tech and styling
Facelift Launched Since
Current specification
2022
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
SUV
Hatchback
Model Year
2026
Current
Production Status
active
published
Segment
Seven-seat ladder-frame SUV
Hatchback
Vehicle Type
Passenger vehicle
Hatchback
Color Note
-
White, Black, Silver, Grey, Blue, Red
Dealer Stock Note
-
Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup
Drivetrain Note
-
4x2 configuration for the local line-up
Tare Mass Kg
-
1247 kg
Spec
Pajero Sport
Polo
Length
4825 mm
4074 mm
Width
1815 mm
1751 mm
Height
1805 mm
1431 mm
Wheelbase
2800 mm
2549 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
218 mm
133 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
190 mm
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
68 l
40 l
Boot/Cargo Space
193 l
305 l
Kerb Weight
2080 kg
1247 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2775 kg
1780 kg
Payload Capacity
695 kg
-
Towing Capacity
2850 kg
-
Seating Capacity
7 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
3 rows
-
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.6 m
10.6 m
Front Headroom
1022 mm
-
Rear Headroom
957 mm
-
Front Legroom
1067 mm
-
Rear Legroom
880 mm
-
Spec
Pajero Sport
Polo
Engine
2.4-litre Intercooled Turbocharged Diesel
Not Officially Disclosed
Engine Code
4N15
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Diesel
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
2442 cc
2000 cc
Cylinders
4
Not Officially Disclosed
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves
16
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
4
Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel System
Common Rail Direct Injection
Not Officially Disclosed
Compression Ratio
15.5:1
Not Officially Disclosed
Bore
86 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Stroke
105.1 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Maximum Power
133 kW @ 3500 rpm
147 kW
Maximum Torque
430 Nm @ 2500 rpm
320 Nm
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
4WD
Not Officially Disclosed
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
Not Officially Disclosed
Top Speed
180 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
0-100 km/h
11.8 sec
Not Officially Disclosed
Quarter Mile
18.3 sec
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Gravel, Mud/Snow, Sand, Rock
Not Officially Disclosed
Launch Control
No
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
4500 rpm
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
63.9 kW/tonne
117.9 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
206.7 Nm/tonne
256.6 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
Pajero Sport
Polo
Gearbox
8-Speed Automatic
DCT
Drivetrain Layout
Front-engine, selectable four-wheel drive
4x2
LSD Available
Active Limited Slip Differential (brake control)
Not Applicable
Transfer Case
Super Select 4WD-II
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Rear differential lock
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Yes
Not Applicable
Final Drive Ratio
3.692
Not Applicable
Number of Gears
8
Not Applicable
Transmission Type
Automatic
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Clutch Type
Torque converter
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Type
Floor-mounted selector
DCT
Drivetrain
4WD
4x2
4WD Engagement
Selectable electronically
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
Yes
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
Yes
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Rotary selector
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
Yes
Not Applicable
Front Differential Lock
No
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
8-Speed Automatic
DCT
Low Range Ratio
2.566
Not Applicable
Low Range
Yes
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
4x4
4x2
Rear Differential Lock
Yes
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
8
Not Applicable
Differential Type Front
-
Not Available
Differential Type Rear
-
Not Available
Transfer Case Guard
-
Not Available
Spec
Pajero Sport
Polo
Claimed Mileage
12.3 km/l
18.9 km/l
City Mileage
9.9 km/l
15.2 km/l
Highway Mileage
14.2 km/l
22.3 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
68 l
40 l
Emission Standard
Euro 5
Not Applicable
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
No
Not Applicable
Real-world Mileage
12.3 km/l
18.9 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
68
40
Combined Driving Range
84
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
868 km
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
781 km
Not Applicable
Spec
Pajero Sport
Polo
Airbags
7
6
ABS
Yes
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Not Available
Traction Control
Yes
Not Available
Hill Descent Control
Yes
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Not Available
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Not Available
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Not Available
Brake Assist
Yes
Not Available
Tyre Pressure Monitor
No
Not Available
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Not Available
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Yes
Not Available
Front Parking Sensors
Yes
Standard
AEB
No
Not Available
BA
Yes
Not Available
Brake Override System
Yes
Not Available
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Not Available
Driver Airbag
Yes
Not Available
EBD
Yes
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Not Available
Hill Hold
Yes
Not Available
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
No
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Not Available
Seatbelt Reminder
Yes
Not Available
Side Airbags
Yes
Not Available
Stability Control
Yes
Not Available
TCS
Yes
Not Available
Knee Airbag
Yes
Not Available
ABS EBD
Yes
Standard
Spec
Pajero Sport
Polo
Cruise Control
Yes
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
No
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
No
Not Available
Lane Departure Warning
No
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
No
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
No
Not Available
Parking Sensors
Yes
Front and rear
Rear View Camera
Yes
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
No
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
No
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
No
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
No
Not Available
Auto Wipers
Yes
Not Available
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Standard
Reverse Camera
Yes
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
No
Not Available
Park Assist
No
Not Available
Around View Monitor
Yes
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
No
Not Available
Forward Collision Warning
No
Not Available
EV Mode
-
Not Available
Rear View Camera
-
Standard
Reversing Camera
-
Standard
Spec
Pajero Sport
Polo
Seat Material
Leather
Cloth
Heated Seats
No
Not Applicable
Ventilated Seats
No
Not Applicable
Ambient Lighting
No
Not Applicable
Steering Wheel Material
Leather
Standard
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
Not Applicable
Driver Seat Adjustment
Power adjustable
Not Applicable
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Manual adjustable
Not Applicable
Seat Trim
Leather-appointed
Cloth
Steering Type
-
Standard
Front Armrest
-
Centre console
Front Shoulder Room
-
Not Applicable
Rear Shoulder Room
-
Not Applicable
Interior Colour Options
-
Black
Fabric Seats
-
Cloth
Interior Courtesy Lamps
-
Digital cockpit, infotainment screen, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, quality cabin materials
Interior Trim Colour
-
Black
Floor Mats
-
Standard
Interior Colours
-
Black
Spec
Pajero Sport
Polo
Climate Control
Dual-zone automatic with rear air conditioning
Standard
Power Windows
Front and rear
Not Available
Keyless Entry
Yes
Not Available
Push Button Start
Yes
Not Available
Wireless Charging
No
Not Available
Sunroof
Yes
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Yes
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Yes
Not Available
AC Type
Dual-zone automatic with rear air conditioning
Standard
Load Bed Length
-
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
-
Not Applicable
Boot Space Seats Folded
-
305 l
12V Accessory Socket
-
Standard
Climate Zones
-
Standard
Front Armrest
-
Centre console
Front Power Outlet
-
Standard
Fuel Consumption Combined
-
5.3
Multi Function Steering
-
Standard
Skid Plates
-
Not Available
Air Conditioning
Dual-zone automatic with rear air conditioning
Standard
Battery Preconditioning
-
Not Available
Bed Extender
-
Not Available
Canopy Fitment
-
Not Available
Centre Console
-
Standard
Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Difflock
-
Not Available
Front Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Intelligent Battery System
-
Not Available
Load Bed Cover
-
Not Available
Load Bed Light
-
Not Available
Load Bed Steps
-
Not Available
Loadbox Depth Mm
-
Not Available
Loadbox Length Mm
-
Not Applicable
Loadbox Rope Hooks
-
Not Available
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
-
Not Available
Loadbox Width Mm
-
Not Applicable
Manual Aircon
-
Standard
One Pedal Driving
-
Not Available
Power Socket 12v
-
Standard
Rear Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Rear Electric Motor
-
Not Available
Regenerative Braking Levels
-
Not Available
Source Model Column
-
polo
Sports Bar
-
Not Available
Tailgate Damper
-
Not Available
Tailgate Lock
-
Not Available
Tow Bar Type
-
Not Available
Trim Level
-
flagship
Variant Role
-
Performance-focused derivative
Vehicle To Grid
-
Not Available
Vehicle To Load
-
Not Available
Spec
Pajero Sport
Polo
Infotainment System
Smartphone-link Display Audio
SYNC
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Not Available
Android Auto
Yes
Not Available
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Not Available
Number of Speakers
6
Not Available
Digital Instrument Cluster
Colour multi-information display
Not Applicable
USB Ports
Front and rear
Not Available
Infotainment Screen
8-inch
SYNC
Touchscreen
8-inch
SYNC
Infotainment Screen Size
8-inch
SYNC
Connected Services
-
SYNC
Spec
Pajero Sport
Polo
LED Headlamps
Yes
Not Available
Daytime Running Lamps
Yes
Not Available
Fog Lamps
Yes
Not Available
Roof Rails
Yes
Not Available
Exterior Colour Options
White Diamond, Graphite Grey Metallic, Sterling Silver Metallic, Jet Black Mica
6
Headlights
Yes
Not Available
Panoramic Sunroof
No
Not Available
Body Type
-
Hatchback
Exterior Colour Options
-
6
Load Bed Liner
-
Not Available
Spec
Pajero Sport
Polo
Approach Angle
30 deg
-
Departure Angle
24.2 deg
-
Wading Depth
700 mm
-
Terrain Modes
Gravel, Mud/Snow, Sand, Rock
Not Available
Locking Differential
Rear differential lock
Not Applicable
4WD System Type
Super Select 4WD-II
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
23.1 deg
Not Available
Underbody Protection
-
Not Available
Approach Angle Deg
-
-
Departure Angle Deg
-
-
Energy Recovery Display
-
Not Available
Front Skid Plate Guard
-
Not Available
Ground Clearance Max
-
133 mm
Ground Clearance Min
-
133 mm
Off Road Descent Control
-
Not Available
Off Road Traction Assist
-
Not Available
Crawl Control
-
Not Available
Rear Skid Plate Guard
-
Not Available
Skid Plates Fuel Tank
-
Not Available
Skid Plates Transfer Case
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Mud
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Normal
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Rock
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Sand
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Snow
-
Not Available
Terrain Response System
-
Not Available
Underbody Camera
-
Not Available
Wading Depth Mm
-
-
Spec
Pajero Sport
Polo
Tyre Size
265/60 R18
Not Available
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Not Available
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Not Available
Spare Wheel Type
Full-size alloy
Not Available
Wheel Rim Size
18-inch alloy
Not Available
Handbrake Type
Electric parking brake
Not Applicable
Fifth Wheel Prep
-
Not Available
Leather Steering Wheel
-
Standard
Steering Wheel Trim
-
Standard
Spec
Pajero Sport
Polo
Front Suspension
Double wishbone with coil spring
Not Available
Rear Suspension
Three-link rigid axle with coil spring
Not Available
Front Track Width
-
1501 mm
Rear Track Width
-
1484 mm
Power Steering
-
Standard
Spec
Pajero Sport
Polo
CO2 Emissions
214 g/km
121 g/km
Hybrid System Type
-
Not Available
Fuel Octane Requirement
-
Petrol
Particulate Filter
-
Not Available
Idle CO2 Output
-
121
CO2 Emissions G Km
-
121
Spec
Pajero Sport
Polo
Service Plan
5 years / 90,000 km; 10,000 km intervals
Not Available
Spec
Pajero Sport
Polo
Ownership Role
New vehicle sold through Mitsubishi Motors South Africa
South Africa market model
Price Zar
904990 ZAR
585800 ZAR
Pricing Role
Official South African recommended retail price
Active local lineup
Starting Price
904990
585800
Starting Price Zar
904990
585800
Spec
Pajero Sport
Polo
Warranty
3 years / 100,000 km
3 years / 120 000 km
Basic Warranty
3 years / 100,000 km
3 years / 120 000 km
In depth: how these cars differ
This Pajero Sport and Polo 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: Pajero Sport 65 vs Polo 60.
Efficiency index: Pajero Sport 49 vs Polo 71.
Safety-equipment index: Pajero Sport 72 vs Polo 81.
Practicality index: Pajero Sport 71 vs Polo 55.
Ownership-cover index: Pajero Sport not separately scored vs Polo 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
Pajero Sport and Polo 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
Polo leads by 1 points
Pajero Sport and Polo are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Performance
Pajero Sport +5
Efficiency
Polo +22
Safety
Polo +9
Practicality
Pajero Sport +16
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
Polo
Performance
60/100
Efficiency
71/100
Safety
81/100
Practicality
55/100
Pajero Sport
Performance
65/100
Efficiency
49/100
Safety
72/100
Practicality
71/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexVolkswagen Polo
leads the specification evidence index with 66 pts
vs 65 pts for Pajero Sport
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, Polo 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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