Mitsubishi Pajero Vs Nissan Pathfinder

pathfinder1
Nisan Pathfinder
VS
Mistubishi Pajero

Welcome to our comparison of the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder Vs the 2013 Mistubishi Pajero comparison review. The two models are near the end of their model lives so we are taking one last look, for would be buyers after the last of the traditional 4WD wagons now called SUVs. 

There is nothing really bad about the Nissan Pathfinder it was just never as good as its competitors. It just didn’t feel worth the cost when it was competing against the Pajero and the 120 series Land cruiser Prado. It simply used too many parts from the Navara and was not as refined or felt good to sit in. We never like it driving this particular model.

The Mitsubishi Pajero was the leader for many years but due to mis-steps in a variety of areas and the lack of corporate stability meant it  was overlooked. The overly modern design did not sit well with the conservative middle class which bought these cars until the upgrade about 6 years ago. However it was too late and it now looks old inside and outside. The good news is that the technology and engines are still up to date it just needs more refinement and materials updating. We always liked the petrol model.

Mitsubishi Pajero Vs Nissan Pathfinder exterior: The Pathfinder series has always looked good and stands the test of time very well. The Mitsubishi Pajero after 2008 was not bad looking either, unfortunately the addition of too much bling over the years didn’t help its aging especially in 2013! In the end the Pathfinder looks better.

Mitsubishi Pajero Vs Nissan Pathfinder interior: The interior of the Pajero has good quality materials in parts that look good and solid to touch but it does show its age with very thin doors and frames, afeeling of a car designed in the early 2000’s. The Pathfinder feels cheaper overall but better in only some parts but gee it’s quite expensive for what is essentially a Navara commercial ute. Of note in the Pajero is a good sounding Rockford Fostgate stereo which beats easily beats the Pathfinder and the Prado of en car entertainment. 

Mitsubishi Pajero Vs Nissan Pathfinder engines and technology: Both cars have great 4WD system and will cope with almost anything a normal person would take them. Unfortunately there are no other tech features like cameras or even conveniences like 240V power sockets to  boast. Engines are modern diesels but lack lack the latest fuel saving technology in the latest small SUVs. The Pathfinder is also interesting overweight which indicates toughness or lack of modern engineering! In terms of engines the Pathfinder has the option of the regular 2.5 diesel or same powerhouse V6 diesel and currently the most power one in the country from the Navara. 

From past experience and comparing both cars now, the Mitsubishi Pajero is the choice of the older models – easily. The Mitsubishi is simply the better car although it could do with a more subtle exterior face lift BUT not like what they’ve done with the Outlander because it would then look like the latest Land Rover which is simply awkward on the road.  Unless Nissan drops the prices of the Pathfinder or at lest the top end 550 model we don’t think it can compete.

Nissan Pathfinder
Mitsubishi Pajero
Nissan Pathfinder interior
Engines  
YD25 – IL4 Diesel
Turbo-charged – Intercooler 
2.5 Litre (2488cc)
Claimed 140Kw @ 5600RPM
Claimed 450Nm @ 4400RPM

V9X – V6 Diesel
Turbo-charged – Intercooler 
Direct Injection – Common Rail
3 Litre (2991cc)
Claimed 170Kw @ 3750RPM
Claimed 550Nm @ 1750RPM

6G75
V6 Petrol
Single Cam 24 value MIVEC EFI
3.8 Litre (3828cc)
Claimed 175Kw @ 5500RPM (Manual)
Claimed 184Kw @ 6000RPM (Auto)
Claimed 329Nm @ 2750RPM

4M41
IL4 Diesel
DOHC 16 valve
Turbo charged with intercooler
Direct injection
3.2 Litre (3200cc)
Claimed 118Kw @3800RPM (Manual)
Claimed 125Kw @2000RPM (Auto)
381Nm @ 2000RPM (Manual)
373Nm @ 2000RPM (Auto)
2009 UPGRADE
147Kw @ 3800RPM
441Nm @ 2000RPM

 

Weight  
Kerb weight UP TO 2374 Kg
Towing capacity up to 3000Kg 

Kerb weight FROM 1900Kg
Towing capacity up to 3000Kg

Fuel capacity & consumption  
Up to 80 litres
IL4 Diesel 8.5 litres per 100km (Auto)
V6 Diesel 9.3 litres per 100km (Auto)

88 litres
V6 Petrol 13.5(M) 13.7(A) litres per 100km
IL4 Diesel 9.2(M) 10.6(A) litres per 100km

Other specifications  
5 or 6 speed Auto or 6 speed manual
Overall height/width 1781/1848
Overall length/wheelbase 4813/2853
Track (front/rear) 1570/1570
Tyre size: 255-65-17
NCAP safety rating 4/5

5 speed Auto or 5 speed manual
Overall height/width 1900/1875
Overall length/wheelbase 4900/2780
Track (front/rear) 1570/1570
NCAP safety rating 4/5

Capability   
Angle of: (degrees) 
Approach  Departure Breakover 
Min ground clearance 
Water Fording depth NAmm Max
4WD system: AWD with selectable modes 

Angle of: (degrees)
Approach 36.6
Departure 25
Minimum ground clearance 225mm
4WD system: AWD with selectable modes 

Performance  
  Mitsubishi Performance figures
Petrol: Max Speed: 200Kph 0-100Kph:10.8secs 
Diesel: Max Speed: 180Kph 0-100Kph: 11.1secs
Pricing  
2013 $48,990 – 76,390 AUD
2012 $48,990 – 76,390 AUD
*Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing, specifications, on-road costs, accessories and specials etc.. everything as usual is subject to change!

2013 $50,590 – 73,990 AUD
2010 $49,690 – 76,790 AUD
*Always check with the dealer
for up to date pricing, on-roads
and specials accessories etc…