Mitsubishi Pajero Sport vs Isuzu MU-X - The better pick

Ever since the arrival in Australia in late 2015, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport has been a hit amongst the SUV fans for its aerodynamical look. Initially introduced as a five-seater, Pajero Sport expanded to seven-seater option at the end of 2015. While on the other hand, the Isuzu MU-X has been a tough competitor to the Pajero Sport in the SUV segment for its value for money. Both the cars share quite a few similarities and give a healthy competition to each other as the demand for practical seven-seater family crossover SUVs rise. 

The Pajero Sport is offered in a total of four trims namely, GLX five-seat, GLS, GLS seven-seat, and the Exceed seven-seat. The price range for the Pajero Sport ranges between $45,990-$59,990. While Isuzu offers its MU-X in a total of three variants, namely ISUZU MU-X LS-M, ISUZU MU-X LS-U, and the ISUZU MU-X LS-T. All of the MU-X give their users an option of four-wheel-drive or a front-wheel-drive, ranging in between $35,888 to $57,990.

While both the cars are a chart-toppers in their respective fields, given below are some of the most basic yet important aspects for comparison between the base models of Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Isuzu MU-X:

Dimensions

Between the two base variants, the Isuzu MU-X LS-M 4x2 is wider than its Mitsubishi Pajero Sport GLX rival by a noticeable margin. Also, the Pajero Sport lags behind when its compared with the wheelbase of Isuzu MU-X, with the latter’s overall height being visually very apparent. It is clear that Isuzu MU-X outweighs the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport in the dimensional comparison.

Exterior

With its styling of a large upright face with a sports chrome-accented grille that is connected to the sleek LED headlamps, the Pajero Sport gets a unique styling while the Isuzu MU-X gets a more simple and convenient styling with a Bi-LED projector set-up at front with auto-leveling feature and LED daytime running lights. While both the cars share similar exterior features, they lag the presence of sunroof along with the absence of ventilated disc brakes in the front braking of the Isuzu MU-X. 

Interior

While the interior of both the cars in discussion carries a 7-inch infotainment system as standard across all variants, the Pajero Sport specs sheet features a new design for the multi-function steering wheel along with a redesigned console and centre stack and a handful tech for driver’s assistance.

Lastly, the infotainment system included in the Isuzu MU-X specs sheet lags in supporting Apple CarPlay but comes accompanied by a back seat USB charging port. 

Engine and Transmission

In terms of performance, the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport beats the Isuzu MU-X with over 6 hp of the overall power difference. The punchier engine of the Sport might set a difference but both the vehicles share the same amount of torque figures. However, the Pajero Sport is capable of hitting from 0 to 100 km per hour in lesser record time than the Isuzu MU-X. 

Safety

Both the vehicles share hill descent control, traction control, and ABS with EBD. However, the Isuzu MU-X LS-M 4x2 gets additional safety ratings for the presence of rear airbags, day & night rearview mirror, and the door ajar warning amongst several others over its base variant. 

Price

Overall, the Isuzu MU-X price tag reads lesser than the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport price throughout all its cars in the lineup even though it can be had with a large engine. Additionally, in the Isuzu MU-X, the users get to choose between a 4x4 or 4x2 set up across the lineup. On the other hand, the Pajero Sport does boast better equipment in its higher trim options. 

Verdict

Although both the cars are a major chart-topper in the SUV segment, selecting one amongst them can be a tough job. The Pajero can be an option for customers who want to go with improved and sharp looks with greater engine output and a greater boot space while the Isuzu MU-X can be selected by those customers who are willing to choose a more safe and economical car with a modest look.

Also read: Mitsubishi is about to expand its hybrid range to complement electrified Outlander