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 BAIC X55 Plus: the short answer
Pajero Sport and X55 Plus are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
X55 Plus starts ZAR 360,090 cheaperPajero Sport from ZAR 789,990 · X55 Plus from ZAR 429,900
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
Pajero Sport
X55 Plus
Maximum Power
Pajero Sport133 kW @ 3500 rpm
X55 Plus138 kW
Maximum Torque
Pajero Sport430 Nm @ 2500 rpm
X55 Plus305 Nm
Engine Size
Pajero Sport2442 cc
X55 Plus1498 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
Pajero Sport12.3 km/l
X55 Plus12.99 km/l
Ground Clearance
Pajero Sport218 mm
X55 PlusNot Officially Disclosed
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)
Specification evidence 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
X55 Plus
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
X55 Plus
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
X55 Plus
Model Introduced Year
2017
2024
Generation
Third-generation Pajero Sport, 2025 facelift
Current upgraded X55 Plus generation for South Africa, mechanically based around BAIC's Magic Core 1.5T engine, DCT380 seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and front-wheel drive.
Facelift History
South African facelift launched in May 2025.
The original X55 arrived locally in 2022. BAIC launched the upgraded X55 Plus in August 2024 with revised exterior details, a full-black interior, updated wheel and exhaust treatment, and additional connectivity features.
Facelift Launched Since
Current specification
2024
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
SUV
Five-door compact SUV
Model Year
2026
2024
Production Status
active
active
Segment
Seven-seat ladder-frame SUV
Compact SUV
Vehicle Type
Passenger vehicle
SUV
Spec
Pajero Sport
X55 Plus
Length
4825 mm
4620 mm
Width
1815 mm
1886 mm
Height
1805 mm
1680 mm
Wheelbase
2800 mm
2735 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
218 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
190 mm
160 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
68 l
53 l
Boot/Cargo Space
193 l
350 l
Kerb Weight
2080 kg
1480 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2775 kg
1970 kg
Payload Capacity
695 kg
490 kg
Towing Capacity
2850 kg
Not Officially Disclosed
Seating Capacity
7 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
3 rows
2 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
X55 Plus
Engine
2.4-litre Intercooled Turbocharged Diesel
1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine
Engine Code
4N15
A156T2H
Fuel Type
Diesel
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
2442 cc
1498 cc
Cylinders
4
4
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves
16
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
4
Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
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
138 kW
Maximum Torque
430 Nm @ 2500 rpm
305 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
FWD
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
7-Speed DCT
Top Speed
180 km/h
200 km/h
0-100 km/h
11.8 sec
7.7 sec
Quarter Mile
18.3 sec
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Gravel, Mud/Snow, Sand, Rock
Eco, Sport, Comfort, Smart
Launch Control
No
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
4500 rpm
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
63.9 kW/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
206.7 Nm/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
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
X55 Plus
Gearbox
8-Speed Automatic
7DCT
Drivetrain Layout
Front-engine, selectable four-wheel drive
FWD
LSD Available
Active Limited Slip Differential (brake control)
Not Officially Disclosed
Transfer Case
Super Select 4WD-II
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Rear differential lock
Not Officially Disclosed
Paddle Shifters
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Final Drive Ratio
3.692
Not Officially Disclosed
Number of Gears
8
7
Transmission Type
Automatic
7-speed dual-clutch transmission
Clutch Type
Torque converter
Not Officially Disclosed
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Gear Shift Type
Floor-mounted selector
Not Officially Disclosed
Drivetrain
4WD
Front-wheel drive
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 Officially Disclosed
Front Differential Lock
No
Not Officially Disclosed
Gearbox Type
8-Speed Automatic
Dual-clutch
Low Range Ratio
2.566
Not Applicable
Low Range
Yes
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
4x4
Front-wheel drive
Rear Differential Lock
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Transmission Speeds
8
7
Spec
Pajero Sport
X55 Plus
Claimed Mileage
12.3 km/l
12.99 km/l
City Mileage
9.9 km/l
Not Officially Disclosed
Highway Mileage
14.2 km/l
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Tank Capacity
68 l
53 l
Emission Standard
Euro 5
Euro VI
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Auto Start Stop
No
Not Officially Disclosed
Real-world Mileage
12.3 km/l
12.99 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Tank Litres
68
53
Combined Driving Range
84
Not Officially Disclosed
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Range Real World Highway
868 km
Not Officially Disclosed
Range Real World Mixed
781 km
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
Pajero Sport
X55 Plus
Airbags
7
6
ABS
Yes
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Standard
Traction Control
Yes
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Yes
Standard
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Standard
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Standard
Brake Assist
Yes
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
No
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Yes
Standard
Front Parking Sensors
Yes
Not Available
AEB
No
Not Available
BA
Yes
Standard
Brake Override System
Yes
Standard
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Standard
Driver Airbag
Yes
Standard
EBD
Yes
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Standard
Hill Hold
Yes
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
No
Not Officially Disclosed
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Not Available
Seatbelt Reminder
Yes
Standard
Side Airbags
Yes
Standard
Stability Control
Yes
Standard
TCS
Yes
Standard
Knee Airbag
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
ABS EBD
Yes
Standard
Spec
Pajero Sport
X55 Plus
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 Officially Disclosed
Parking Sensors
Yes
Standard
Rear View Camera
Yes
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
No
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
No
Standard
Traffic Sign Recognition
No
Not Officially Disclosed
Auto Highbeam
No
Not Officially Disclosed
Auto Wipers
Yes
Standard
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Standard
Reverse Camera
Yes
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
No
Not Available
Park Assist
No
Not Officially Disclosed
Around View Monitor
Yes
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
No
Not Available
Forward Collision Warning
No
Not Available
Spec
Pajero Sport
X55 Plus
Seat Material
Leather
Leather
Heated Seats
No
Not Available
Ventilated Seats
No
Not Available
Ambient Lighting
No
Not Available
Steering Wheel Material
Leather
Leather
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
Standard
Driver Seat Adjustment
Power adjustable
6-way manual
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Manual adjustable
6-way manual
Seat Trim
Leather-appointed
Leather
Spec
Pajero Sport
X55 Plus
Climate Control
Dual-zone automatic with rear air conditioning
Air conditioning
Power Windows
Front and rear
Standard
Keyless Entry
Yes
Standard
Push Button Start
Yes
Standard
Wireless Charging
No
Not Available
Sunroof
Yes
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Yes
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Yes
Standard
AC Type
Dual-zone automatic with rear air conditioning
Air conditioning
Spec
Pajero Sport
X55 Plus
Infotainment System
Smartphone-link Display Audio
BAIC DA head unit with radio, Bluetooth and smartphone connection
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Standard
Android Auto
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Standard
Number of Speakers
6
4
Digital Instrument Cluster
Colour multi-information display
10.25-inch LCD instrument screen
USB Ports
Front and rear
Front USB, rear USB and Type-C charging
Infotainment Screen
8-inch
10.1-inch central touchscreen
Touchscreen
8-inch
10.1-inch central touchscreen
Spec
Pajero Sport
X55 Plus
LED Headlamps
Yes
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
Yes
Standard
Fog Lamps
Yes
Standard
Roof Rails
Yes
Not Available
Exterior Colour Options
White Diamond, Graphite Grey Metallic, Sterling Silver Metallic, Jet Black Mica
Electric Yellow, Metallic Grey, Scarlet Red, Krypton Grey, Polar White, Turquoise Blue
Headlights
Yes
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof
No
Not Available
Spec
Pajero Sport
X55 Plus
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 Officially Disclosed
Locking Differential
Rear differential lock
Not Officially Disclosed
4WD System Type
Super Select 4WD-II
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
23.1 deg
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
Pajero Sport
X55 Plus
Tyre Size
265/60 R18
225/60 R18
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Solid disc
Spare Wheel Type
Full-size alloy
Space-saver spare wheel
Wheel Rim Size
18-inch alloy
18-inch
Handbrake Type
Electric parking brake
Electric parking brake
Spec
Pajero Sport
X55 Plus
Front Suspension
Double wishbone with coil spring
MacPherson independent suspension
Rear Suspension
Three-link rigid axle with coil spring
Multi-link independent suspension
Spec
Pajero Sport
X55 Plus
CO2 Emissions
214 g/km
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
Pajero Sport
X55 Plus
Service Plan
5 years / 90,000 km; 10,000 km intervals
5 Years / 60 000 km
Spec
Pajero Sport
X55 Plus
Ownership Role
New vehicle sold through Mitsubishi Motors South Africa
Private buyer ownership with BAIC South Africa warranty and service support
Price Zar
904990 ZAR
429900 ZAR
Pricing Role
Official South African recommended retail price
Current ex-showroom price
Starting Price
904990
429900
Starting Price Zar
904990
429900
Spec
Pajero Sport
X55 Plus
Warranty
3 years / 100,000 km
5 Years / 150 000 km
In depth: how these cars differ
This Pajero Sport and X55 Plus 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 X55 Plus 62.
Efficiency index: Pajero Sport 49 vs X55 Plus 53.
Safety-equipment index: Pajero Sport 72 vs X55 Plus 88.
Practicality index: Pajero Sport 71 vs X55 Plus 55.
Ownership-cover index: Pajero Sport not separately scored vs X55 Plus 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 X55 Plus 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
Pajero Sport leads by 0 points
Pajero Sport and X55 Plus are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Performance
Pajero Sport +3
Efficiency
X55 Plus +4
Safety
X55 Plus +16
Practicality
Pajero Sport +16
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
X55 Plus
Performance
62/100
Efficiency
53/100
Safety
88/100
Practicality
55/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexMitsubishi Pajero Sport
leads the specification evidence index with 65 pts
vs 65 pts for X55 Plus
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, Pajero Sport leads. However, X55 Plus 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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