Mitsubishi Pajero Sport vs Toyota Fortuner vs Isuzu muX: Which one has the lowest running costs?
When talking about 4x4-ready seven-seater SUVs in South Africa, there really are only four big names that come up in conversation: Ford's Everest, Toyota's Fortuner, the mu-X from Isuzu, and the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. How does the left field contender compare to its main rivals?
Only a few manufacturers dominate the D segment for seven-seater SUVs that are off-road capable. The king is undeniably the Toyota Fortuner, with the Isuzu mu-X trailing behind. The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is a left-field contender, but it has plenty to offer.
Related: Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 2.4DI-D 4x4 Aspire (2022) Review
It becomes a different story regarding how much these vehicles will cost to own and operate. So, how does the Pajero Sport stack up against these two machines?
Why Mitsubishi's Pajero Sport is South Africa's most underrated seven-seater SUV
Important figures
| Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 2.4DiD 4x4 Exceed | Toyota Fortuner 2.8GD-6 VX | Isuzu muX 3.0 TD LS | |
| Engine | 2.4L turbo diesel | 2.8L turbo diesel | 3.0 turbo diesel |
| Power | 133kW / 430Nm | 150kW / 500Nm | 140kW / 450Nm |
| Gearbox | 8 Speed Auto | 6 Speed Auto | 6 Speed Auto |
| Top Speed | Not Rated | 180km/h | Not Rated |
| Fuel Cons. (Claimed) | 8.1 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Cons. (As tested) | 9.3 L/100km | 9.2 L/100km | 7.5 L/100km |
| Driven Wheels | AWD | RWD | RWD |
| Airbags | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Warranty | 3 year / 100 000km | 3 year / 100 000km | 5 year / 120 000km |
| Service plan/Maintenance | 5-year service plan | 9 service plan | 5-year service plan |
| Duration | 90 000km | 90 000km | 90 000km |
| Price | R 904 990 | R 870 900 | R 852 600 |
The Isuzu mu-X is the clear winner here in terms of its engine size, fuel economy, and warranty/service plan. The Pajero Sport is simply the kind of vehicle that you get what you pay for, while the Fortuner is the most popular by far in terms of overall sales.
Repayments
These vehicles are aimed at large families interested in the outdoors, so buyers should expect a healthy 12% interest rate, depending on credit history, if they put down a 25% deposit or trade-in and finance over 72 months.
| Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 2.4DiD 4x4 Exceed | Toyota Fortuner 2.8GD-6 VX | Isuzu muX 3.0 TD LS | |
| Price | R 904 990 | R 870 900 | R 852 600 |
| 25% Deposit | R 226 247 | R 217 725 | R 213 150 |
| Monthly Installment | R 13 270 | R 12 770 | R 12 501 |
The Pajero Sport will cost the most to own in terms of the initial purchase price and monthly payments.
Service and maintenance
These new vehicles are available with service and maintenance plans that cover the costs of your services and maintenance for the first few years of ownership. Click here to see the difference between service and maintenance plans.
Due to the size of Toyota's dealer network and the proliferation of Fortuners on SA roads, it's safe to say that Toyota's out-of-plan service costs should be much lower than those of Isuzu and the Pajero Sport.
Examining the warranty and service plan exclusions closely is highly advisable to determine what you are and aren't covered for. Replacing parts of the AWD drive systems on the Pajero Sport could be prohibitively expensive.
Verdict
The mu-X is hard to beat when it comes to value for money. Overall, it is going to cost you the least to own and run versus the other two. It costs less to buy, less to service and less to run on a daily basis.
