Pajero Sport II vs Forester III (SH): which is better?
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport II (2008–2016) vs Subaru Forester III (SH) (2008–2013): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport II
Subaru Forester III (SH)Specifications
| Mitsubishi Pajero Sport II | Subaru Forester III (SH) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2008–2016 | 2008–2013 |
| Body | SUV | crossover SUV |
| Fuel | diesel | petrol |
| Engines | 2.5 diesel | 2.5 |
| Power, up to | 178 hp | 172 hp |
| Torque, up to | 350 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | all-wheel drive | all-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 695 mm | 4 560 mm |
| Width | 1 815 mm | 1 780 mm |
| Height | 1 840 mm | 1 700 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 800 mm | 2 615 mm |
| Ground clearance | 215 mm | 215 mm |
| Fuel tank | 70 L | 64 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 29 450 ₸ | ≈ 29 450 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
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.
Subaru Forester III (SH)
Pros
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- High ground clearance: 215 mm
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Subaru EJ (2.0–2.5) engine: head gasket leaks
Engine (Subaru EJ (2.0–2.5)): head gasket leaks; oil consumption; head gasket on the EJ253.
Which one to choose
- Pajero Sport II — if you care more about: power, torque, 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: Pajero Sport II or Forester III (SH)?
Pajero Sport II: up to 178 hp, Forester III (SH): up to 172 hp.
Which has more ground clearance?
Pajero Sport II: 215 mm, Forester III (SH): 215 mm.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: Pajero Sport II — about 29 450 ₸, Forester III (SH) — about 29 450 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.