An off-road capable mid-size SUV is ideal for the adventurous family that gets out on weekends. These vehicles are a South African staple and account for a large share of SUVs sold in SA. For many years, sales figures were dominated by Toyota, Ford, Isuzu and Mitsubishi, but recently Chinese-manufactured vehicles have begun eroding that dominance.
Related: GWM adds diesel power to Tank 300 range!
GWM has been leading the charge with its Tank series, offering 300- and 500-model variants with various drivetrains. With diesel hitting record highs, many consumers are now taking a long, hard look at what a diesel-powered model will cost them to own and run. If you’re looking at the total cost of ownership (TCO), the winner now depends on how long you plan to keep the vehicle.
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport vs Toyota Fortuner vs Isuzu muX: Which one has the lowest running costs?
Fuel consumption
Fuel will be your largest recurring expense. In real-world South African conditions, the Mitsubishi usually edges out the others.
| Vehicle | Engine | Claimed (L/100km) | Real-world |
| Mitsubishi Pajero Sport | 2.4L DI-D | 8.1 | 8.5 – 9.5 |
| Toyota Fortuner | 2.8L GD-6 | 7.9 | 9.0 – 10.5 |
| GWM Tank 300 | 2.4L TD | 8.9 | 10.5 – 12.0 |
The Verdict: The Pajero Sport is the most aerodynamic and, generally, the most fuel-efficient. The Tank 300’s boxy design creates significant wind drag at highway speeds, increasing its fuel consumption above that of its rivals.
Maintenance & Warranty
All three come with comprehensive service plans, meaning your out-of-pocket costs for scheduled items are essentially zero for the first few years.
GWM Tank 300: Offers a massive 7-year/200 000km warranty and a 7-year/75 000km service plan. This provides the best "peace of mind" for long-term mechanical failures.
Toyota Fortuner: Typically comes with a 9-service/90 000km service plan. Toyota’s parts basket is famously well-priced and available even in the most remote areas.
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport: Offers a 5-year/90 000km service plan. While reliable, Mitsubishi parts can occasionally be pricier than Toyota’s.
Depreciation
This is where the Fortuner dominates. In the South African market, a used Fortuner is practically "liquid gold."
Toyota Fortuner: Holds roughly 75-85% of its value after 3 years.
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport: Holds roughly 65-70% of its value.
GWM Tank 300: As a newer entrant, its resale is still stabilising. Early data suggests it sits around 60-65%.
Example: If you buy a Fortuner for R900k and a Tank 300 for R800k, the Fortuner might still be worth R700k in three years, while the Tank 300 might be worth R500k. The cheaper car actually costs you R100 000 more in lost value.
Summary
| Factor | GWM Tank 300 Diesel | Toyota Fortuner | Mitsubishi Pajero Sport |
| Purchase price | Lowest (Best value) | Highest | Mid-range |
| Fuel efficiency | Average | Average | Good |
| Service costs | Free (Long Plan) | Low (Part Pricing) | Moderate |
| Resale value | Moderate/unproven | Excellent | Good |
Verdict
While the GWM Tank 300 Diesel has the lowest entry price, the Toyota Fortuner is consistently the cheapest to own over a 3- to 5-year period due to its unmatched resale value. The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport occupies the middle ground, often offering the best balance of fuel efficiency and purchase price.
Choose the Toyota Fortuner if you want the lowest overall cost over 3–5 years. The money you lose on fuel and the higher purchase price is more than recovered when you sell it.
Choose the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport if you do high mileage and want the lowest monthly fuel bill without sacrificing reliability.
Choose the GWM Tank 300 if you want the most features for your money today and plan to keep the car for 7+ years to take full advantage of that long warranty.
