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.
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
XUV3XO
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
XUV3XO
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
XUV3XO
Model Introduced Year
2017
Not Available
Generation
Third-generation Pajero Sport, 2025 facelift
Current local listing
Facelift History
South African facelift launched in May 2025.
Not listed by current South African source page.
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
Active
Segment
Seven-seat ladder-frame SUV
SUV
Vehicle Type
Passenger vehicle
SUV
Tare Mass Kg
-
1362 kg
Spec
Pajero Sport
XUV3XO
Length
4825 mm
3990 mm
Width
1815 mm
1821 mm
Height
1805 mm
1647 mm
Wheelbase
2800 mm
2600 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
218 mm
201 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
190 mm
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
68 l
42 l
Boot/Cargo Space
193 l
364 l
Kerb Weight
2080 kg
1362 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2775 kg
-
Payload Capacity
695 kg
-
Towing Capacity
2850 kg
-
Seating Capacity
7 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
3 rows
-
Doors
5 doors
-
Minimum Turning Radius
5.6 m
5.3 m
Front Headroom
1022 mm
-
Rear Headroom
957 mm
-
Front Legroom
1067 mm
-
Rear Legroom
880 mm
-
Spec
Pajero Sport
XUV3XO
Engine
2.4-litre Intercooled Turbocharged Diesel
1.2-litre Turbocharged Petrol
Engine Code
4N15
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Diesel
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
2442 cc
1197 cc
Cylinders
4
3
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
82 kW @ 5000 rpm
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
FWD
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
6-Speed Automatic
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
60.2 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
206.7 Nm/tonne
146.8 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
XUV3XO
Gearbox
8-Speed Automatic
Automatic
Drivetrain Layout
Front-engine, selectable four-wheel drive
Front-wheel drive
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
6
Transmission Type
Automatic
6-speed automatic
Clutch Type
Torque converter
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Type
Floor-mounted selector
Not Applicable
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 Applicable
Front Differential Lock
No
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
8-Speed Automatic
6-speed automatic
Low Range Ratio
2.566
Not Applicable
Low Range
Yes
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
4x4
Front-wheel drive
Rear Differential Lock
Yes
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
8
6
Spec
Pajero Sport
XUV3XO
Claimed Mileage
12.3 km/l
18 km/l
City Mileage
9.9 km/l
14.7 km/l
Highway Mileage
14.2 km/l
20.8 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
68 l
42 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 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
68
42
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
XUV3XO
Airbags
7
6
ABS
Yes
Not Available
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Standard
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
Standard
Brake Assist
Yes
Not Available
Tyre Pressure Monitor
No
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Not Available
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Yes
Seat belt reminder for all passengers
Front Parking Sensors
Yes
Front parking sensors
AEB
No
Not Available
BA
Yes
Not Available
Brake Override System
Yes
Not Available
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Standard
Driver Airbag
Yes
Standard
EBD
Yes
Not Available
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Not Available
Hill Hold
Yes
Not Available
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
No
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Not Available
Seatbelt Reminder
Yes
Seat belt reminder for all passengers
Side Airbags
Yes
Standard
Stability Control
Yes
Standard
TCS
Yes
Not Available
Knee Airbag
Yes
Not Available
ABS EBD
Yes
Not Available
Spec
Pajero Sport
XUV3XO
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
Blind View Monitoring
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
No
Not Available
Parking Sensors
Yes
Reverse parking sensors
Rear View Camera
Yes
Rear view camera
360 Degree Camera
Yes
360-degree surround view system
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
Standard
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Reverse parking sensors
Reverse Camera
Yes
Rear view camera
Adaptive Cruise Control
No
Not Available
Park Assist
No
Not Available
Around View Monitor
Yes
360-degree surround view system
Blind Spot Warning
No
Blind View Monitoring
Forward Collision Warning
No
Not Available
Spec
Pajero Sport
XUV3XO
Seat Material
Leather
Leatherette
Heated Seats
No
Not Applicable
Ventilated Seats
No
Not Applicable
Ambient Lighting
No
Not Applicable
Steering Wheel Material
Leather
Not Applicable
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
Standard
Driver Seat Adjustment
Power adjustable
Height-adjustable driver seat
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Manual adjustable
Height-adjustable driver seat
Seat Trim
Leather-appointed
Leatherette
Rear Armrest
-
Rear armrest with cup holder
Front Shoulder Room
-
Not Applicable
Rear Shoulder Room
-
Not Applicable
Rear AC Vents
-
Standard
Spec
Pajero Sport
XUV3XO
Climate Control
Dual-zone automatic with rear air conditioning
Dual-zone climate control
Power Windows
Front and rear
Standard
Keyless Entry
Yes
Remote keyless entry
Push Button Start
Yes
Push button start
Wireless Charging
No
Standard
Sunroof
Yes
Skyroof
Electric Tailgate
Yes
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Yes
Standard
AC Type
Dual-zone automatic with rear air conditioning
Dual-zone climate control
Load Bed Length
-
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
-
Not Applicable
Automatic Headlamps
-
Standard
Auto Dimming Mirror
-
Standard
Boot Space Seats Folded
-
364 l
Follow Me Home Headlamps
-
Standard
12V Accessory Socket
-
12V socket
Front Armrest
-
Front armrest with storage
Loadbox Length Mm
-
Not Applicable
Loadbox Width Mm
-
Not Applicable
Spec
Pajero Sport
XUV3XO
Infotainment System
Smartphone-link Display Audio
10.25-inch HD infotainment
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Wired Apple CarPlay
Android Auto
Yes
Wireless Android Auto
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Not Available
Number of Speakers
6
6
Digital Instrument Cluster
Colour multi-information display
10.25-inch digital cluster
USB Ports
Front and rear
Front USB-A and rear USB-C
Infotainment Screen
8-inch
10.25-inch HD infotainment
Touchscreen
8-inch
10.25-inch HD infotainment
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Yes
Wired Apple CarPlay
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
-
Steering audio control
Spec
Pajero Sport
XUV3XO
LED Headlamps
Yes
Not Available
Daytime Running Lamps
Yes
LED signature lamp
Fog Lamps
Yes
LED front fog lamps
Roof Rails
Yes
Standard
Exterior Colour Options
White Diamond, Graphite Grey Metallic, Sterling Silver Metallic, Jet Black Mica
See OEM source page for colour availability.
Headlights
Yes
Not Available
Panoramic Sunroof
No
Skyroof
Rear Wiper
-
Standard
Spec
Pajero Sport
XUV3XO
Approach Angle
30 deg
Not Available
Departure Angle
24.2 deg
Not Available
Wading Depth
700 mm
Not Available
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
Ground Clearance Max
-
Not Applicable
Ground Clearance Min
-
Not Applicable
Spec
Pajero Sport
XUV3XO
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
R16 steel wheels
Handbrake Type
Electric parking brake
Electronic parking brake
Parking Brake Type
-
Electronic parking brake
Electric Park Brake
-
Electronic parking brake with auto hold
Spec
Pajero Sport
XUV3XO
Front Suspension
Double wishbone with coil spring
MacPherson strut with anti-roll bar
Rear Suspension
Three-link rigid axle with coil spring
Torsion beam with coil springs
Front Track Width
-
Not Applicable
Rear Track Width
-
Not Applicable
Spec
Pajero Sport
XUV3XO
CO2 Emissions
214 g/km
Not Applicable
Fuel Octane Requirement
-
Petrol
Spec
Pajero Sport
XUV3XO
Service Plan
5 years / 90,000 km; 10,000 km intervals
5 years / 100 000 km
Spec
Pajero Sport
XUV3XO
Ownership Role
New vehicle sold through Mitsubishi Motors South Africa
South Africa market model
Price Zar
904990 ZAR
374999 ZAR
Pricing Role
Official South African recommended retail price
flagship
Starting Price
904990
259999
Starting Price Zar
904990
259999
Spec
Pajero Sport
XUV3XO
Warranty
3 years / 100,000 km
5 years / 150 000 km
Basic Warranty
3 years / 100,000 km
5 years / 150 000 km
In depth: how these cars differ
This Pajero Sport and XUV3XO 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 XUV3XO 40.
Efficiency index: Pajero Sport 49 vs XUV3XO 69.
Safety-equipment index: Pajero Sport 72 vs XUV3XO 84.
Practicality index: Pajero Sport 71 vs XUV3XO 66.
Ownership-cover index: Pajero Sport not separately scored vs XUV3XO 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 XUV3XO 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 1 points
Pajero Sport and XUV3XO are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Performance
Pajero Sport +25
Efficiency
XUV3XO +20
Safety
XUV3XO +12
Practicality
Pajero Sport +5
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
XUV3XO
Performance
40/100
Efficiency
69/100
Safety
84/100
Practicality
66/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexMitsubishi Pajero Sport
leads the specification evidence index with 65 pts
vs 64 pts for XUV3XO
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, Pajero Sport leads. However, XUV3XO 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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