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 Suzuki XL6: the short answer
Pajero Sport has a modest catalogue-index lead, while XL6 remains close.
XL6 starts ZAR 432,090 cheaperPajero Sport from ZAR 789,990 · XL6 from ZAR 357,900
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
Pajero Sport
XL6
Maximum Power
Pajero Sport133 kW @ 3500 rpm
XL677 kW
Maximum Torque
Pajero Sport430 Nm @ 2500 rpm
XL6138 Nm
Engine Size
Pajero Sport2442 cc
XL61462 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
Pajero Sport12.3 km/l
XL616.1 km/l
Ground Clearance
Pajero Sport218 mm
XL60 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)
Specification evidence leader
Pajero Sport
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger listed safety equipment
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
XL6
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Fewer listed safety features
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 more complete listed safety equipment
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
XL6
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
Pajero Sport
XL6
Model Introduced Year
2017
2026
Generation
Third-generation Pajero Sport, 2025 facelift
Current market generation
Facelift History
South African facelift launched in May 2025.
Current market specification
Facelift Launched Since
Current specification
2026
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
SUV
MPV
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
active
active
Segment
Seven-seat ladder-frame SUV
MPV
Vehicle Type
Passenger vehicle
MPV
Spec
Pajero Sport
XL6
Length
4825 mm
4445 mm
Width
1815 mm
1775 mm
Height
1805 mm
1755 mm
Wheelbase
2800 mm
2740 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
218 mm
0 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
190 mm
150 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
68 l
45 l
Boot/Cargo Space
193 l
209 l
Kerb Weight
2080 kg
1275 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2775 kg
1810 kg
Payload Capacity
695 kg
535 kg
Towing Capacity
2850 kg
500 kg
Seating Capacity
7 seats
6 seats
Number of Rows
3 rows
3 rows
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.6 m
5.2 m
Front Headroom
1022 mm
1000 mm
Rear Headroom
957 mm
950 mm
Front Legroom
1067 mm
1050 mm
Rear Legroom
880 mm
900 mm
Spec
Pajero Sport
XL6
Engine
2.4-litre Intercooled Turbocharged Diesel
1.5-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
Engine Code
4N15
K15B/K15C
Fuel Type
Diesel
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
2442 cc
1462 cc
Cylinders
4
4
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
Valves
16
16
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Naturally Aspirated
Fuel System
Common Rail Direct Injection
Multi-point fuel injection
Compression Ratio
15.5:1
12.0:1
Bore
86 mm
73.0 mm
Stroke
105.1 mm
85.0 mm
Maximum Power
133 kW @ 3500 rpm
77 kW
Maximum Torque
430 Nm @ 2500 rpm
138 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
4-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
180 km/h
170 km/h
0-100 km/h
11.8 sec
9.5 sec
Quarter Mile
18.3 sec
16.5 sec
Drive Modes
Gravel, Mud/Snow, Sand, Rock
Not Officially Disclosed
Launch Control
No
No
Rev Limiter
4500 rpm
6500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio
63.9 kW/tonne
60.4 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
206.7 Nm/tonne
108.2 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
XL6
Gearbox
8-Speed Automatic
4-speed automatic
Drivetrain Layout
Front-engine, selectable four-wheel drive
2WD
LSD Available
Active Limited Slip Differential (brake control)
No
Transfer Case
Super Select 4WD-II
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Rear differential lock
No
Paddle Shifters
Yes
No
Final Drive Ratio
3.692
4.3
Number of Gears
8
4
Transmission Type
Automatic
4-speed automatic
Clutch Type
Torque converter
Torque converter / CVT
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Yes
Gear Shift Type
Floor-mounted selector
Floor-mounted selector
Drivetrain
4WD
2WD
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
No
Front Differential Lock
No
No
Gearbox Type
8-Speed Automatic
4-speed automatic
Low Range Ratio
2.566
Not Applicable
Low Range
Yes
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
4x4
Front driven axle
Rear Differential Lock
Yes
No
Transmission Speeds
8
4
Spec
Pajero Sport
XL6
Claimed Mileage
12.3 km/l
16.1 km/l
City Mileage
9.9 km/l
16.0 km/l
Highway Mileage
14.2 km/l
19.0 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
68 l
45 l
Emission Standard
Euro 5
Euro 6 equivalent
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
No
Yes
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
45
Combined Driving Range
84
700
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
868 km
650 km
Range Real World Mixed
781 km
600 km
Spec
Pajero Sport
XL6
Airbags
7
6
ABS
Yes
Not Applicable
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Yes
Traction Control
Yes
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Yes
No
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
Not Applicable
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Yes
Yes
Front Parking Sensors
Yes
No
AEB
No
No
BA
Yes
Yes
Brake Override System
Yes
Yes
Curtain Airbags
Yes
No
Driver Airbag
Yes
Yes
EBD
Yes
Not Applicable
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Hill Hold
Yes
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
No
No
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Reminder
Yes
Yes
Side Airbags
Yes
No
Stability Control
Yes
Yes
TCS
Yes
Yes
Knee Airbag
Yes
No
ABS EBD
Yes
Not Applicable
Spec
Pajero Sport
XL6
Cruise Control
Yes
Cruise control
Adaptive Cruise Control
No
No
Lane Keep Assist
No
No
Lane Departure Warning
No
No
Blind Spot Monitoring
No
Not Applicable
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
No
No
Parking Sensors
Yes
Rear
Rear View Camera
Yes
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Yes
No
Autonomous Emergency Braking
No
No
Driver Fatigue Alert
No
No
Traffic Sign Recognition
No
No
Auto Highbeam
No
Not Applicable
Auto Wipers
Yes
Yes
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Yes
Reverse Camera
Yes
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
No
No
Park Assist
No
No
Around View Monitor
Yes
No
Blind Spot Warning
No
Not Applicable
Forward Collision Warning
No
No
Spec
Pajero Sport
XL6
Seat Material
Leather
Fabric upholstery
Heated Seats
No
No
Ventilated Seats
No
No
Ambient Lighting
No
No
Steering Wheel Material
Leather
Urethane
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
Yes
Driver Seat Adjustment
Power adjustable
Manual adjustment
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Manual adjustable
Manual adjustment
Seat Trim
Leather-appointed
Fabric upholstery
Spec
Pajero Sport
XL6
Climate Control
Dual-zone automatic with rear air conditioning
Manual air conditioning
Power Windows
Front and rear
Yes
Keyless Entry
Yes
Yes
Push Button Start
Yes
Yes
Wireless Charging
No
No
Sunroof
Yes
No
Electric Tailgate
Yes
No
Rain Sensing Wipers
Yes
Not Applicable
AC Type
Dual-zone automatic with rear air conditioning
Manual air conditioning
Spec
Pajero Sport
XL6
Infotainment System
Smartphone-link Display Audio
Touchscreen infotainment system
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Apple CarPlay
Android Auto
Yes
Android Auto
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Yes
Number of Speakers
6
4
Digital Instrument Cluster
Colour multi-information display
Analogue instrument cluster with multi-information display
USB Ports
Front and rear
USB-A / USB-C
Infotainment Screen
8-inch
7
Touchscreen
8-inch
7
Spec
Pajero Sport
XL6
LED Headlamps
Yes
No
Daytime Running Lamps
Yes
LED
Fog Lamps
Yes
No
Roof Rails
Yes
No
Exterior Colour Options
White Diamond, Graphite Grey Metallic, Sterling Silver Metallic, Jet Black Mica
Multiple Suzuki factory exterior colours
Headlights
Yes
No
Panoramic Sunroof
No
No
Spec
Pajero Sport
XL6
Approach Angle
30 deg
Not Applicable
Departure Angle
24.2 deg
Not Applicable
Wading Depth
700 mm
Not Applicable
Terrain Modes
Gravel, Mud/Snow, Sand, Rock
Not Applicable
Locking Differential
Rear differential lock
No
4WD System Type
Super Select 4WD-II
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
23.1 deg
Not Applicable
Spec
Pajero Sport
XL6
Tyre Size
265/60 R18
195/60 R16
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Drum
Spare Wheel Type
Full-size alloy
Space-saver spare wheel
Wheel Rim Size
18-inch alloy
16
Handbrake Type
Electric parking brake
Manual parking brake
Spec
Pajero Sport
XL6
Front Suspension
Double wishbone with coil spring
MacPherson strut
Rear Suspension
Three-link rigid axle with coil spring
Torsion beam
Spec
Pajero Sport
XL6
CO2 Emissions
214 g/km
145 g/km
Spec
Pajero Sport
XL6
Service Plan
5 years / 90,000 km; 10,000 km intervals
5 Years / 90000 km
Spec
Pajero Sport
XL6
Ownership Role
New vehicle sold through Mitsubishi Motors South Africa
Suzuki ownership programme
Price Zar
904990 ZAR
250000 ZAR
Pricing Role
Official South African recommended retail price
Hagalu Research Team price estimate
Starting Price
904990
250000
Starting Price Zar
904990
250000
Spec
Pajero Sport
XL6
Warranty
3 years / 100,000 km
5 Years / 200000 km
In depth: how these cars differ
This Pajero Sport and XL6 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 XL6 34.
Efficiency index: Pajero Sport 49 vs XL6 62.
Safety-equipment index: Pajero Sport 72 vs XL6 67.
Practicality index: Pajero Sport 71 vs XL6 45.
Ownership-cover index: Pajero Sport not separately scored vs XL6 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 XL6 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 14 points
Pajero Sport has a modest catalogue-index lead, while XL6 remains close.
Performance
Pajero Sport +31
Efficiency
XL6 +13
Safety
Pajero Sport +5
Practicality
Pajero Sport +26
Moderate difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
Pajero Sport
Performance
65/100
Efficiency
49/100
Safety
72/100
Practicality
71/100
XL6
Performance
34/100
Efficiency
62/100
Safety
67/100
Practicality
45/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexMitsubishi Pajero Sport
leads the specification evidence index with 65 pts
vs 51 pts for XL6
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, Pajero Sport leads. However, XL6 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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