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
ZS Pro
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
ZS Pro
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
ZS Pro
Model Introduced Year
2017
2025
Generation
Third-generation Pajero Sport, 2025 facelift
Current South African ZS Pro compact SUV with a 1.5-litre turbo engine, CVT and two-grade matrix.
Facelift History
South African facelift launched in May 2025.
Launched locally in 2025 while the value-led ZS remained current.
Facelift Launched Since
Current specification
2025
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
SUV
Five-door compact SUV
Model Year
2026
2025
Production Status
active
active
Segment
Seven-seat ladder-frame SUV
Compact SUV
Vehicle Type
Passenger vehicle
SUV
Spec
Pajero Sport
ZS Pro
Length
4825 mm
4430 mm
Width
1815 mm
1818 mm
Height
1805 mm
1635 mm
Wheelbase
2800 mm
2610 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
218 mm
161 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
190 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Tank Capacity
68 l
55 l
Boot/Cargo Space
193 l
443 l
Kerb Weight
2080 kg
1390 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2775 kg
1840 kg
Payload Capacity
695 kg
450 kg
Towing Capacity
2850 kg
500 kg
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
875 mm
Rear Headroom
957 mm
865 mm
Front Legroom
1067 mm
1060 mm
Rear Legroom
880 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
Pajero Sport
ZS Pro
Engine
2.4-litre Intercooled Turbocharged Diesel
1.5-litre Turbocharged Petrol
Engine Code
4N15
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Diesel
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
2442 cc
1496 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
Gasoline 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
125 kW
Maximum Torque
430 Nm @ 2500 rpm
275 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
CVT
Top Speed
180 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
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
Normal, Eco, Sport
Launch Control
No
No
Rev Limiter
4500 rpm
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
63.9 kW/tonne
89.93 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
206.7 Nm/tonne
197.84 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
ZS Pro
Gearbox
8-Speed Automatic
CVT
Drivetrain Layout
Front-engine, selectable four-wheel drive
Front-wheel drive
LSD Available
Active Limited Slip Differential (brake control)
Not Available
Transfer Case
Super Select 4WD-II
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Rear differential lock
Not Available
Paddle Shifters
Yes
Not Available
Final Drive Ratio
3.692
Not Officially Disclosed
Number of Gears
8
Not Applicable
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Clutch Type
Torque converter
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Standard
Gear Shift Type
Floor-mounted selector
Automatic
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 Available
Front Differential Lock
No
Not Available
Gearbox Type
8-Speed Automatic
Continuously Variable Transmission
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
Not Applicable
Spec
Pajero Sport
ZS Pro
Claimed Mileage
12.3 km/l
14.5 km/l
City Mileage
9.9 km/l
10.6 km/l
Highway Mileage
14.2 km/l
18.2 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
68 l
55 l
Emission Standard
Euro 5
EURO 5
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
No
Standard
Real-world Mileage
12.3 km/l
14.5 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
68
55
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
ZS Pro
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
Standard
AEB
No
Not Available
BA
Yes
Standard
Brake Override System
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
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
Standard
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Standard
Seatbelt Reminder
Yes
Standard
Side Airbags
Yes
Standard
Stability Control
Yes
Standard
TCS
Yes
Standard
Knee Airbag
Yes
Not Available
ABS EBD
Yes
Standard
Spec
Pajero Sport
ZS Pro
Cruise Control
Yes
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
No
Standard
Lane Keep Assist
No
Standard
Lane Departure Warning
No
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring
No
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
No
Standard
Parking Sensors
Yes
Front and rear
Rear View Camera
Yes
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Standard
Autonomous Emergency Braking
No
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
No
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
No
Standard
Auto Highbeam
No
Standard
Auto Wipers
Yes
Standard
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Standard
Reverse Camera
Yes
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
No
Standard
Park Assist
No
Not Available
Around View Monitor
Yes
Standard
Blind Spot Warning
No
Standard
Forward Collision Warning
No
Standard
Spec
Pajero Sport
ZS Pro
Seat Material
Leather
PVC
Heated Seats
No
Standard
Ventilated Seats
No
Not Available
Ambient Lighting
No
Standard
Steering Wheel Material
Leather
Leather
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
Standard
Driver Seat Adjustment
Power adjustable
Powered
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Manual adjustable
4-way manual
Seat Trim
Leather-appointed
PVC
Spec
Pajero Sport
ZS Pro
Climate Control
Dual-zone automatic with rear air conditioning
Automatic climate control
Power Windows
Front and rear
Standard
Keyless Entry
Yes
Standard
Push Button Start
Yes
Standard
Wireless Charging
No
Standard
Sunroof
Yes
Panoramic electric sunroof
Electric Tailgate
Yes
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Yes
Standard
AC Type
Dual-zone automatic with rear air conditioning
Automatic climate control
Spec
Pajero Sport
ZS Pro
Infotainment System
Smartphone-link Display Audio
12.3-inch touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Standard
Android Auto
Yes
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Standard
Number of Speakers
6
6
Digital Instrument Cluster
Colour multi-information display
Digital driver display
USB Ports
Front and rear
4
Infotainment Screen
8-inch
12.3-inch
Touchscreen
8-inch
12.3-inch
Spec
Pajero Sport
ZS Pro
LED Headlamps
Yes
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
Yes
Standard
Fog Lamps
Yes
Not Available
Roof Rails
Yes
Standard
Exterior Colour Options
White Diamond, Graphite Grey Metallic, Sterling Silver Metallic, Jet Black Mica
Arctic White, Black Pearl, Monument Silver, Diamond Red, Como Blue
Headlights
Yes
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof
No
Standard
Spec
Pajero Sport
ZS Pro
Approach Angle
30 deg
19.0 deg
Departure Angle
24.2 deg
28.0 deg
Wading Depth
700 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Terrain Modes
Gravel, Mud/Snow, Sand, Rock
Not Available
Locking Differential
Rear differential lock
Not Available
4WD System Type
Super Select 4WD-II
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
23.1 deg
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
Pajero Sport
ZS Pro
Tyre Size
265/60 R18
215/50R18
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Full-size alloy
Non-full-size
Wheel Rim Size
18-inch alloy
18-inch
Handbrake Type
Electric parking brake
Electronic
Spec
Pajero Sport
ZS Pro
Front Suspension
Double wishbone with coil spring
MacPherson
Rear Suspension
Three-link rigid axle with coil spring
Torsion Beam
Spec
Pajero Sport
ZS Pro
CO2 Emissions
214 g/km
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
Pajero Sport
ZS Pro
Service Plan
5 years / 90,000 km; 10,000 km intervals
5 years / 60,000 km
Spec
Pajero Sport
ZS Pro
Ownership Role
New vehicle sold through Mitsubishi Motors South Africa
Passenger vehicle
Price Zar
904990 ZAR
431500 ZAR
Pricing Role
Official South African recommended retail price
Current South African MSRP
Starting Price
904990
431500
Starting Price Zar
904990
431500
Spec
Pajero Sport
ZS Pro
Warranty
3 years / 100,000 km
7 years / 200,000 km
In depth: how these cars differ
This Pajero Sport and ZS Pro 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 ZS Pro 56.
Efficiency index: Pajero Sport 49 vs ZS Pro 58.
Safety-equipment index: Pajero Sport 72 vs ZS Pro 91.
Practicality index: Pajero Sport 71 vs ZS Pro 55.
Ownership-cover index: Pajero Sport not separately scored vs ZS Pro 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 ZS Pro 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 ZS Pro are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Performance
Pajero Sport +9
Efficiency
ZS Pro +9
Safety
ZS Pro +19
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
ZS Pro
Performance
56/100
Efficiency
58/100
Safety
91/100
Practicality
55/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexMitsubishi Pajero Sport
leads the specification evidence index with 65 pts
vs 65 pts for ZS Pro
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, Pajero Sport leads. However, ZS Pro 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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