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.
Taigo starts ZAR 275,490 cheaperPajero Sport from ZAR 789,990 · Taigo from ZAR 514,500
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Pajero Sport
Taigo
Maximum Power
133 kW @ 3500 rpm
85 kW
Maximum Torque
430 Nm @ 2500 rpm
200 Nm
Engine Size
2442 cc
1000 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
12.3 km/l
16.1 km/l
Ground Clearance
218 mm
168 mm
Boot / Load Bay
193 l
440 l
Airbags
7
6
Kerb Weight
2080 kg
1220 kg
Seating Capacity
7 seats
5 seats
Warranty
3 years / 100,000 km
3 years / 120 000 km
= leads in this spec
The Bottom Line
Pajero Sport and Taigo are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Pajero Sport
+29 pts
Efficiency
Taigo
+14 pts
Safety
Taigo
+9 pts
Practicality
Pajero Sport
+5 pts
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
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
Taigo
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
Taigo
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
Pajero Sport
Taigo
Model Introduced Year
2017
Current local generation year not confirmed
Generation
Third-generation Pajero Sport, 2025 facelift
Current South African Taigo listing; generation notes should be kept tied to the local model year and confirmed derivative data.
Facelift History
South African facelift launched in May 2025.
Model-year updates can affect trim, wheels, screens, safety equipment and colours. Use the latest South African price list when checking a specific vehicle.
Facelift Launched Since
Current specification
Original current-generation version
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
SUV
SUV
Model Year
2026
Current
Production Status
active
published
Segment
Seven-seat ladder-frame SUV
SUV
Vehicle Type
Passenger vehicle
SUV
Color Note
-
Colour availability changes by model year, production batch and dealer stock, check the current colour selector before ordering.
Dealer Stock Note
-
Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup
Drivetrain Note
-
4x2 configuration for the local line-up
Tare Mass Kg
-
1220 kg
Spec
Pajero Sport
Taigo
Length
4825 mm
4266 mm
Width
1815 mm
1757 mm
Height
1805 mm
1515 mm
Wheelbase
2800 mm
2554 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
218 mm
168 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
190 mm
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
68 l
40 l
Boot/Cargo Space
193 l
440 l
Kerb Weight
2080 kg
1220 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2775 kg
1710 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
5.4 m
Front Headroom
1022 mm
-
Rear Headroom
957 mm
-
Front Legroom
1067 mm
-
Rear Legroom
880 mm
-
Spec
Pajero Sport
Taigo
Engine
2.4-litre Intercooled Turbocharged Diesel
3-cylinder SI engine 1.0 l TSI, 85 kW
Engine Code
4N15
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Diesel
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
2442 cc
1000 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
85 kW
Maximum Torque
430 Nm @ 2500 rpm
200 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
69.7 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
206.7 Nm/tonne
163.9 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
Taigo
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
Taigo
Claimed Mileage
12.3 km/l
16.1 km/l
City Mileage
9.9 km/l
13.0 km/l
Highway Mileage
14.2 km/l
19.0 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
16.1 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
Taigo
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
Taigo
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
Taigo
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
-
Standard
Front Shoulder Room
-
Not Applicable
Rear Shoulder Room
-
Not Applicable
Interior Colour Options
-
Black
Fabric Seats
-
Cloth
Armrest Front
-
Standard
Interior Courtesy Lamps
-
Cabin trim, seating material, screen layout and driver-assistance equipment vary by derivative. Compare the chosen Taigo grade before assuming a feature is included.
Performance
Pajero Sport +29
Efficiency
Taigo +14
Safety
Taigo +9
Practicality
Pajero Sport +5
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Catalogue-index leader
Pajero Sport
Performance
65/100
Efficiency
49/100
Safety
72/100
Practicality
71/100
Taigo
Performance
36/100
Efficiency
63/100
Safety
81/100
Practicality
66/100
How to Read This Comparison
🏆Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
leads the catalogue index with 65 pts
vs 61 pts for Taigo
In Hagalu's source-backed catalogue index, Pajero Sport leads. However, Taigo 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 Pajero Sport and Taigo 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: Pajero Sport 65 vs Taigo 36.
Efficiency index: Pajero Sport 49 vs Taigo 63.
Safety-equipment index: Pajero Sport 72 vs Taigo 81.
Practicality index: Pajero Sport 71 vs Taigo 66.
Ownership-cover index: Pajero Sport not separately scored vs Taigo 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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