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.
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.
2.2D 4WD ExecutiveDiesel8-Speed AutomaticDiscontinued model
ZAR 899,900last listed
Discontinued modelVerified historical specifications remain visible for owner and used-car comparisons.
⚡ 147 kW🔧 440 Nm⛽ 13.8 km/l
+Add a 3rd car
Decision summary
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport vs Hyundai Santa Fe: the short answer
Santa Fe has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Pajero Sport remains close.
Recorded price context
Pajero Sport:
current from
ZAR 789,990
·
Santa Fe:
last listed from
ZAR 899,900
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
Pajero Sport
Santa Fe
Maximum Power
Pajero Sport133 kW @ 3500 rpm
Santa Fe147 kW @ 3800 rpm
Maximum Torque
Pajero Sport430 Nm @ 2500 rpm
Santa Fe440 Nm @ 1750 rpm
Engine Size
Pajero Sport2442 cc
Santa Fe2199 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
Pajero Sport12.3 km/l
Santa Fe13.8 km/l
Ground Clearance
Pajero Sport218 mm
Santa Fe188 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
Nothing stands out clearly here.
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Fewer listed safety features
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:General Use
Specification evidence leader
Santa Fe
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger listed safety equipment
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
No obvious weak spots to flag.
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished EfficiencyPublished Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
Pajero Sport
Buyers who prefer this derivative's confirmed specification mix
Santa Fe
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
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
Pajero Sport
Santa Fe
Model Introduced Year
2017
2001
Generation
Third-generation Pajero Sport, 2025 facelift
Fifth generation Santa Fe on Hyundai's i-GMP platform; 'Sensuous Sportiness' design with distinctive parametric LED lighting signature
Facelift History
South African facelift launched in May 2025.
Fifth generation launched in SA in 2022; significant styling and interior quality upgrade; distinctive boxy design language with vertical lighting
Facelift Launched Since
Current specification
2022
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Not confirmed
Body Style
SUV
SUV
Model Year
2026
Not confirmed
Production Status
active
discontinued
Segment
Seven-seat ladder-frame SUV
SUV
Vehicle Type
Passenger vehicle
SUV
Tare Mass Kg
-
1980 kg
Spec
Pajero Sport
Santa Fe
Length
4825 mm
4830 mm
Width
1815 mm
1900 mm
Height
1805 mm
1750 mm
Wheelbase
2800 mm
2815 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
218 mm
188 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
190 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Tank Capacity
68 l
67 l
Boot/Cargo Space
193 l
703 l
Kerb Weight
2080 kg
1980 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2775 kg
Not Officially Disclosed
Payload Capacity
695 kg
Not Officially Disclosed
Towing Capacity
2850 kg
Not Officially Disclosed
Seating Capacity
7 seats
7 seats
Number of Rows
3 rows
3 rows
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.6 m
Not Officially Disclosed
Front Headroom
1022 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Rear Headroom
957 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Front Legroom
1067 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Rear Legroom
880 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
Pajero Sport
Santa Fe
Engine
2.4-litre Intercooled Turbocharged Diesel
2.2-litre Turbocharged Diesel
Engine Code
4N15
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Diesel
Diesel
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
2442 cc
2199 cc
Cylinders
4
4
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
Valves
16
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
4
Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Common Rail Direct Injection
Common Rail Direct Injection
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 @ 3800 rpm
Maximum Torque
430 Nm @ 2500 rpm
440 Nm @ 1750 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
4WD
AWD
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
8-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
180 km/h
205 km/h
0-100 km/h
11.8 sec
8.5 sec
Quarter Mile
18.3 sec
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Gravel, Mud/Snow, Sand, Rock
Eco, Normal
Launch Control
No
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
4500 rpm
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
63.9 kW/tonne
74.2 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
206.7 Nm/tonne
222.2 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
Santa Fe
Gearbox
8-Speed Automatic
8-speed Automatic
Drivetrain Layout
Front-engine, selectable four-wheel drive
HTRAC AWD
LSD Available
Active Limited Slip Differential (brake control)
Yes
Transfer Case
Super Select 4WD-II
Not Officially Disclosed
Differential Lock
Rear differential lock
Not Officially Disclosed
Paddle Shifters
Yes
Yes
Final Drive Ratio
3.692
Not Officially Disclosed
Number of Gears
8
Not Officially Disclosed
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Clutch Type
Torque converter
Not Officially Disclosed
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Yes
Gear Shift Type
Floor-mounted selector
Not Officially Disclosed
Drivetrain
4WD
AWD
4WD Engagement
Selectable electronically
Not Officially Disclosed
4WD Hi Range
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
4WD Lo Range
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
4WD Selector
Rotary selector
Not Officially Disclosed
Automatic Shift Paddles
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Front Differential Lock
No
Not Officially Disclosed
Gearbox Type
8-Speed Automatic
Automatic
Low Range Ratio
2.566
Not Officially Disclosed
Low Range
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Axle Layout
4x4
AWD
Rear Differential Lock
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Transmission Speeds
8
Not Officially Disclosed
Engine Position
-
Front
Spec
Pajero Sport
Santa Fe
Claimed Mileage
12.3 km/l
13.8 km/l
City Mileage
9.9 km/l
11.0 km/l
Highway Mileage
14.2 km/l
17.5 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
68 l
67 l
Emission Standard
Euro 5
Euro 6
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Auto Start Stop
No
Not Officially Disclosed
Real-world Mileage
12.3 km/l
13.8 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
68
67
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
Distance To Empty
-
Yes
Low Fuel Warning
-
Yes
Spec
Pajero Sport
Santa Fe
Airbags
7
7
ABS
Yes
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Yes
Traction Control
Yes
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Yes
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Yes
Brake Assist
Yes
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
No
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Yes
Yes
Front Parking Sensors
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
AEB
No
Yes
BA
Yes
Yes
Brake Override System
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Driver Airbag
Yes
Yes
EBD
Yes
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Hill Hold
Yes
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
No
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Reminder
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Side Airbags
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Stability Control
Yes
Yes
TCS
Yes
Yes
Knee Airbag
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
ABS EBD
Yes
Yes
Central Locking
-
Yes
Speed Alert System
-
Yes
Safety Rating
-
Not Rated (SA)
Spec
Pajero Sport
Santa Fe
Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
No
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
No
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
No
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
No
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
No
Yes
Parking Sensors
Yes
Front & Rear
Rear View Camera
Yes
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
No
Yes
Driver Fatigue Alert
No
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
No
No
Auto Highbeam
No
Not Officially Disclosed
Auto Wipers
Yes
No
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Reverse Camera
Yes
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
No
Yes
Park Assist
No
Not Officially Disclosed
Around View Monitor
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Warning
No
Yes
Forward Collision Warning
No
Not Officially Disclosed
Auto Lights
-
Yes
Eco Mode
-
Yes
EV Mode
-
No
Sport Mode
-
No
Spec
Pajero Sport
Santa Fe
Seat Material
Leather
Leather
Heated Seats
No
Front & 2nd Row
Ventilated Seats
No
Front
Ambient Lighting
No
64-Colour Ambient
Steering Wheel Material
Leather
Leather
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
Yes
Driver Seat Adjustment
Power adjustable
Not Officially Disclosed
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Manual adjustable
Not Officially Disclosed
Seat Trim
Leather-appointed
Not Officially Disclosed
Seat Adjustment
-
Power 8-way
Steering Type
-
Electric
Steering Adjustment
-
Tilt & Telescopic
Folding Rear Seats
-
3rd Row Fold Flat
Front Armrest
-
Yes
Rear Armrest
-
No
Cup Holders
-
4
Instrument Cluster Type
-
Analogue + MID
Door Map Pockets
-
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
Spec
Pajero Sport
Santa Fe
Climate Control
Dual-zone automatic with rear air conditioning
Tri-Zone Auto Climate
Power Windows
Front and rear
All
Keyless Entry
Yes
Yes
Push Button Start
Yes
Yes
Wireless Charging
No
15W Wireless
Sunroof
Yes
Electric Panoramic Sunroof
Electric Tailgate
Yes
Yes
Rain Sensing Wipers
Yes
No
AC Type
Dual-zone automatic with rear air conditioning
Tri-Zone Auto Climate
Load Bed Length
-
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
-
Not Applicable
Auto Dimming Mirror
-
No
Rear Window Defroster
-
Yes
Follow Me Home Headlamps
-
Yes
12V Accessory Socket
-
12V
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
Full-size alloy
Steel
Tachometer
-
Yes
Telescopic Steering
-
No
Tilt Steering
-
Yes
Trip Computer
-
Yes
Vanity Mirror
-
Yes
Air Conditioning
Dual-zone automatic with rear air conditioning
Tri-Zone Auto Climate
Loadbox Length Mm
-
Not Applicable
Loadbox Width Mm
-
Not Applicable
Rim Size
18-inch alloy
20-inch Alloy
Sound System
6
8 Meridian Premium
Unlocking
Yes
Yes
Wireless Charger
No
15W Wireless
Spec
Pajero Sport
Santa Fe
Infotainment System
Smartphone-link Display Audio
12.3-inch Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Yes
Android Auto
Yes
Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Yes
Number of Speakers
6
8 Meridian Premium
Digital Instrument Cluster
Colour multi-information display
12.3-inch Digital Cluster
USB Ports
Front and rear
2 USB-A + 2 USB-C
Infotainment Screen
8-inch
Not Officially Disclosed
Touchscreen
8-inch
Not Officially Disclosed
Navigation System
-
Yes
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
6
8 Meridian Premium
Spec
Pajero Sport
Santa Fe
LED Headlamps
Yes
Full LED Parametric
Daytime Running Lamps
Yes
LED
Fog Lamps
Yes
LED
Roof Rails
Yes
Yes
Exterior Colour Options
White Diamond, Graphite Grey Metallic, Sterling Silver Metallic, Jet Black Mica
Not Officially Disclosed
Headlights
Yes
Full LED Parametric
Panoramic Sunroof
No
Not Officially Disclosed
Alloy Wheel Design
-
20-inch Alloy
Rear Spoiler
-
Yes
Wing Mirror Type
-
Power Adjustable
Rear Wiper
-
Yes
Door Handle Finish
-
Body Coloured
Body Type
-
SUV
DRL
Yes
LED
Fog Lights
-
Yes
Front Fog Lights
-
Yes
Led Headlights
Yes
Full LED Parametric
Daytime Running Lights
Yes
LED
Exterior Mirror Electric
-
Yes
Front Fog Lamps
Yes
LED
Headlamps
Yes
Full LED Parametric
Headlight Type
Yes
Full LED Parametric
Spec
Pajero Sport
Santa Fe
Approach Angle
30 deg
Not Officially Disclosed
Departure Angle
24.2 deg
Not Officially Disclosed
Wading Depth
700 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Terrain Modes
Gravel, Mud/Snow, Sand, Rock
Not Available
Locking Differential
Rear differential lock
No
4WD System Type
Super Select 4WD-II
Not Officially Disclosed
Breakover Angle
23.1 deg
Not Officially Disclosed
Ramp Breakover Angle
-
20 deg
Hill Descent Control
Yes
Not Available
Ground Clearance Max
-
188 mm
Ground Clearance Min
-
188 mm
Spec
Pajero Sport
Santa Fe
Tyre Size
265/60 R18
255/45 R20
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Full-size alloy
Steel
Wheel Rim Size
18-inch alloy
20-inch Alloy
Handbrake Type
Electric parking brake
Not Officially Disclosed
Wheel Type
-
20-inch Alloy
Parking Brake Type
-
Manual
Tyre Load Index
-
91
Tyre Speed Rating
-
H
Brake Type Front
-
Disc (Ventilated)
Brake Type Rear
-
Disc
Spare Tyre
Full-size alloy
Steel
Tyre Type
-
Tubeless Radial
Wheel Diameter
18-inch alloy
20-inch Alloy
Wheels
-
20-inch Alloy
Spec
Pajero Sport
Santa Fe
Front Suspension
Double wishbone with coil spring
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Three-link rigid axle with coil spring
Multi-Link
Chassis Type
-
Monocoque
Power Steering
-
Electric
Steering Column
-
Tilt
Front Suspension Type
Double wishbone with coil spring
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension Type
Three-link rigid axle with coil spring
Multi-Link
Spec
Pajero Sport
Santa Fe
CO2 Emissions
214 g/km
188 g/km
Start Stop System
-
No
Variable Valve Timing
-
Yes
Fuel Octane Requirement
-
Diesel
Fuel Evaporation Control
-
Yes
Spec
Pajero Sport
Santa Fe
Service Plan
5 years / 90,000 km; 10,000 km intervals
4
Service Interval
-
15000 km / 12 months
Maintenance Plan
-
3 Years / 45000 km
First Service At
-
15000
Service Plan Duration
5 years / 90,000 km; 10,000 km intervals
4
Service Plan Distance
5 years / 90,000 km; 10,000 km intervals
4
Alternator
-
120A
Service Intervals
-
15000 km / 12 months
Accessory Battery Type
-
Lead-acid
Spec
Pajero Sport
Santa Fe
Ownership Role
New vehicle sold through Mitsubishi Motors South Africa
Private and family
Price Zar
904990 ZAR
899900 ZAR
Pricing Role
Official South African recommended retail price
Historical listed price
Starting Price
904990
899900
Starting Price Zar
904990
899900
Spec
Pajero Sport
Santa Fe
Warranty
3 years / 100,000 km
5
Warranty Years
3 years / 100,000 km
5
Warranty Kilometers
3 years / 100,000 km
5
Roadside Assistance
-
5 Years
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
-
5 Years
Basic Warranty
3 years / 100,000 km
5
Roadside Assistance
-
5 Years
In depth: how these cars differ
This Pajero Sport and Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe 74.
Efficiency index: Pajero Sport 49 vs Santa Fe 55.
Safety-equipment index: Pajero Sport 72 vs Santa Fe 98.
Practicality index: Pajero Sport 71 vs Santa Fe 89.
Ownership-cover index: Pajero Sport not separately scored vs Santa Fe 65.
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 Santa Fe 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
Santa Fe leads by 13 points
Santa Fe has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Pajero Sport remains close.
Performance
Santa Fe +9
Efficiency
Santa Fe +6
Safety
Santa Fe +26
Practicality
Santa Fe +18
Moderate difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
Santa Fe
Performance
74/100
Efficiency
55/100
Safety
98/100
Practicality
89/100
Ownership
65/100
Pajero Sport
Performance
65/100
Efficiency
49/100
Safety
72/100
Practicality
71/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexHyundai Santa Fe
leads the specification evidence index with 78 pts
vs 65 pts for Pajero Sport
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, Santa Fe 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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