Sorento I (BL) vs Pajero III (V60): which is better?
Kia Sorento I (BL) (2002–2009) vs Mitsubishi Pajero III (V60) (1999–2006): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Kia Sorento I (BL)
Mitsubishi Pajero III (V60)Specifications
| Kia Sorento I (BL) | Mitsubishi Pajero III (V60) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2002–2009 | 1999–2006 |
| Body | SUV | SUV |
| Fuel | diesel | petrol |
| Engines | 2.5 CRDi | 3.0 V6 |
| Power, up to | 170 hp | 177 hp |
| Torque, up to | 392 Nm | 255 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | all-wheel drive | all-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 590 mm | 4 795 mm |
| Width | 1 863 mm | 1 875 mm |
| Height | 1 730 mm | 1 855 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 710 mm | 2 780 mm |
| Ground clearance | — | 235 mm |
| Fuel tank | 80 L | 90 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 29 450 ₸ | ≈ 42 425 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Kia Sorento I (BL)
Pros
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Large tank: 80 L
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Hyundai/Kia D4CB engine (2.5 CRDi): timing chain (stretch)
- Hyundai/Kia automatic: jolts on 2–3 shifts and when braking
Engine (Hyundai/Kia D4CB (2.5 CRDi)): timing chain (stretch); injectors and injection pump on poor fuel; burnt injector washers.
Gearbox (Hyundai/Kia automatic): kicks on the 2–3 shift and when braking; solenoid and clutch pack wear at high mileage.
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
- Sorento I (BL) — if you care more about: torque, kz tax 2026.
- Pajero III (V60) — if you care more about: power, wheelbase, fuel tank.
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: Sorento I (BL) or Pajero III (V60)?
Sorento I (BL): up to 170 hp, Pajero III (V60): up to 177 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: Sorento I (BL) — about 29 450 ₸, 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.