Pajero IV vs Pajero Sport II: which is better?
Mitsubishi Pajero IV (2006–2021) vs Mitsubishi Pajero Sport II (2008–2016): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Mitsubishi Pajero IV
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport IISpecifications
| Mitsubishi Pajero IV | Mitsubishi Pajero Sport II | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2006–2021 | 2008–2016 |
| Body | SUV | SUV |
| Fuel | petrol | diesel |
| Engines | 3.0 V6 | 2.5 diesel |
| Power, up to | 178 hp | 178 hp |
| Torque, up to | 261 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | all-wheel drive | all-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 900 mm | 4 695 mm |
| Width | 1 875 mm | 1 815 mm |
| Height | 1 900 mm | 1 840 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 780 mm | 2 800 mm |
| Ground clearance | 235 mm | 215 mm |
| Fuel tank | 88 L | 70 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 42 425 ₸ | ≈ 29 450 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Mitsubishi Pajero IV
Pros
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- High ground clearance: 235 mm
- Large fuel tank: 88 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.
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport II
Pros
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- High ground clearance: 215 mm
- Large tank: 70 L
Cons
- Mitsubishi 4N15/4D56 (diesel) engine: injectors and injection pump suffer from poor fuel
- Mitsubishi V4A51/V5A51 (INVECS-II) automatic: shocks as the valve body wears
Engine (Mitsubishi 4N15/4D56 (diesel)): injectors and injection pump on poor fuel; on 4N15 — DPF and EGR.
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
- Pajero IV — if you care more about: ground clearance, fuel tank.
- Pajero Sport II — if you care more about: torque, wheelbase, kz tax 2026.
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: Pajero IV or Pajero Sport II?
Pajero IV: up to 178 hp, Pajero Sport II: up to 178 hp.
Which has more ground clearance?
Pajero IV: 235 mm, Pajero Sport II: 215 mm.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: Pajero IV — about 42 425 ₸, Pajero Sport II — about 29 450 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.