Santa Fe I (SM) vs Pajero III (V60): which is better?
Hyundai Santa Fe I (SM) (2000–2012) vs Mitsubishi Pajero III (V60) (1999–2006): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Hyundai Santa Fe I (SM)
Mitsubishi Pajero III (V60)Specifications
| Hyundai Santa Fe I (SM) | Mitsubishi Pajero III (V60) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2000–2012 | 1999–2006 |
| Body | crossover SUV | SUV |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 2.7 V6 | 3.0 V6 |
| Power, up to | 173 hp | 177 hp |
| Torque, up to | — | 255 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | all-wheel drive | all-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 500 mm | 4 795 mm |
| Width | 1 845 mm | 1 875 mm |
| Height | — | 1 855 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 620 mm | 2 780 mm |
| Ground clearance | — | 235 mm |
| Fuel tank | — | 90 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 40 325 ₸ | ≈ 42 425 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Hyundai Santa Fe I (SM)
Pros
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- No data
Mitsubishi Pajero III (V60)
Pros
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- High ground clearance: 235 mm
- Large fuel tank: 90 L
Cons
- Mitsubishi 6G72/6G75 (V6) engine: oil consumption (piston rings)
- Mitsubishi V4A51/V5A51 (INVECS-II) automatic: shocks as the valve body wears
Engine (Mitsubishi 6G72/6G75 (V6)): oil consumption (rings); timing belt and water pump wear.
Gearbox (Mitsubishi V4A51/V5A51 automatic (INVECS-II)): shocks when the valve body wears; overheating when wheels spin and with a heavy trailer.
Which one to choose
- Santa Fe I (SM) — if you care more about: kz tax 2026.
- Pajero III (V60) — if you care more about: power, wheelbase.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: Santa Fe I (SM) or Pajero III (V60)?
Santa Fe I (SM): up to 173 hp, Pajero III (V60): up to 177 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: Santa Fe I (SM) — about 40 325 ₸, Pajero III (V60) — about 42 425 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.