Toyota Fortuner vs Ford Everest vs Mitsubishi Pajero Sport: which one has the lowest running costs?
The Toyota Fortuner faces off against two of its nearest 7-seater rivals in the form of the Ford Everest and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport to see which model range offers the best value for money.
The recently updated Toyota Fortuner moves the bar for what is acceptable in a modern 7-seater just that little bit further, making it tough for the competition to keep up. More power, improved refinement and additional driver assistance systems have many wondering whether the Toyota Fortuner should be their next car.
Related: Toyota Fortuner updated for 2020/21
Before one runs out to go and sign on the dotted line, it's always worth checking out the opposition, in this case, the venerable Ford Everest and the oft-forgotten Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. All three offer combinations of diesel engines, 4x4 drive systems and enough interior space to swing an, admittedly small, cat.
Purchase price
As time passes, vehicles naturally become more expensive to acquire. It's a tale as old as time and the three vehicles compared here have suffered a similar fate. We're looking at the high- and low-end of the respective vehicles price range and calculating the average monthly instalments based on the following criteria. It's worth noting that your individual credit profile will further dictate what sort of finance deal you are able to secure and the figures below serve merely as an estimate.
Monthly instalments are calculated over a period of 72-months with a 10% deposit and no balloon or residual. The interest rate is set at 13%.
Toyota Fortuner
There are seven models in the current Fortuner range, including three 2.4-litre models and four 2.8-litre models. Prices range from as low as R581 000 for the Fortuner 2.4GD-6 with a manual gearbox and 2-wheels drive to the 2.8GD-6 4x4 VX model, the new range-topper.
Using the above calculations, the entry-level model should cost you R10 589.99 pm while the flagship model will cost R14 661.02 pm.
Ford Everest
The Ford Everest range offers you seven different derivatives. These range from the cheapest 2.2TDCi XLS model through to the 2.0Bi-Turbo 4WD Limited model on the high end of the scale.
At the low end, the 2.2TDCi XLS will cost you R10 074.08 pm. The opposite end of the spectrum will see you spending R14 897.89 pm on the 2.0B-Turbo Limited model.
Mitsubishi Pajero
Where you're spoiled for choice with the Toyota and Ford, Mitsubishi makes it a little easier by offering you a choice of only three models. All three run the same 2.4-litre turbodiesel engine and automatic gearbox, but offer a selection of trims and drivetrains.
The cheapest Pajero Sport will cost you R11 384.82 each month while the most expensive model will set you back R12 830.16 per month.
Fuel Consumption
Fuel consumption is always a tricky one as there are many variables at play. Everything from the environment to the driving style and everything in between. As such, we're only able to go on the manufacturer claims and you may find that you either do better or worse, depending on these factors.
| Make and Model |
Average claimed fuel consumption (litres/100 km) |
| Toyota | |
| Fortuner 2.4GD-6 | 6.8 |
| Fortuner 2.4GD-6 Auto | 7.2 |
| Fortuner 2.4GD-6 4x4 (auto) | 7.6 |
| Fortuner 2.8GD-6 Auto | 7.6 |
| Fortuner 2.8GD-6 VX Auto | 7.6 |
| Fortuner 2.8GD-6 4x4 (auto) | 7.9 |
| Fortuner 2.8GD-6 VX 4x4 (auto) | 7.9 |
| Ford | |
| Everest 2.2TDCi XLS | 7.3 |
| Everest 2.0SiT XLT | 7.1 |
| Everest 2.0SiT XLT 4WD | 7.1 |
| Everest 2.0Bi-Turbo XLT | 7.6 |
| Everest 3.2TDCi XLT 4WD | 8.2 |
| Everest 2.0Bi-Turbo XLT 4WD | 7.6 |
| Everest 2.0Bi-Turbo Limited 4WD | 7.6 |
| Mitsubishi | |
| Pajero Sport 2.4DI-D | 8.0 |
| Pajero Sport 2.4DI-D 4x4 | 8.1 |
| Pajero Sport 2.4DI-D 4x4 Exceed | 8.1 |
Warranties and Service plans
All three of the competitive models offer at least the bare minimum in the way of warranties. The Toyota Fortuner is backed by a 3-year/100 000 km warranty and the Mitsubishi Pajero is backed by the same. The Ford steps it up with an additional year and an extra 20 000 km for a warranty that will cover the vehicle for 4-years/120 000 km.
The Fortuner is sold with a 9-service/90 000 km service plan while the Pajero gets a 5-year/90 000 km service plan. The Ford Everest is bundled with a 6-year/90 000 km service plan for additional peace of mind.
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