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Welcome to our comparison of the Mitsubishi Pajero vs Toyota Land Cruiser Prado for 2019. It’s been awhile since the last comparison of the two remaining genuine 4WD off road capable SUVs. They happen to be two of the original SUVs for those who came late… Our reasons and decision to buy the Prado over the Pajero still over 10 years ago still stands. Sure only two of us still have them but not kept for financial reasons but because their still going strong. The rest have downsized to the CX-5 and CR-V and the FJ Cruiser for other reasons mainly due to petrol costs or wanting a change than any actually wrong with them which is a testament to their reliability.
The Pajero has been on it’s last legs as a production model for a ages and it’s come to our attention as the Pajero ‘Final Edition’ has been released. This is probably the end of the model that has been in production for over 10 years. That said Mitsubishi have a track record of making their older cars and SUV for years even though the competition has released new and better models. After all why release a new one when the old one can be sold at bargain prices?
Mitsubishi Pajero vs Toyota Land Cruiser Prado exterior comparison : The Pajero hasn’t been updated for many years and essentially the same design released in 2006 but now with more chrome like trim. We don’t think the design has aged to badly and still looks modern enough in a 2019 carpark. And yes, the Chrome trim does make it look like an order model. The Land Cruiser Prado design has been refreshed with a new front end in 2017 but it’s not an improvement.
Mitsubishi Pajero vs Toyota Land Cruiser Prado interior comparison : The Pajero interior hasn’t changed much in 12 years and it is still a good design. It may be a conventional T-bar design but there are some nice touches. Overall it doesn’t feel cheap or particularly old although you can tell, like the thinner doors, switches and handles. In comparison the Prado interior has taken a step sideways rather than forward and arguably a step backwards. The Prado interior is no longer a premium place to be in, clearly targeted at commercial buyers because that is what it feels like. The materials are no doubt durable but the design is not up other Toyota’s. Most commercial journalists like integrated systems for the stereo system and so forth but I don’t think they have the longer terms or forward thinking – sure integration usually means arguably better to look at but they date quickly and missing functionality from a system that can be upgrade or replaced easily and that is why the Pajero wins this part of the comparison. Since many keep these SUVs for many years the ability to upgrade is crucial. That said many buyers don’t care about such things initially than complain after 12 months that they can’t upgrade it.
Mitsubishi Pajero vs Toyota Land Cruiser Prado engines and technology comparison : The latest update to the Prado means more safety systems including auto brakes in most models. However the single turbo diesel engine while has good specs on paper it underpowered in this SUV but it’s the most refined in the class. The Pajero has a more powerful engine although older and certainly more capacity but lacks the safety systems. They are overall pretty equal in other respects. Both 4WD are more electronic than relying on d=river ability and the Pajero being the first such system is still comparable to the Prado.
Mitsubishi Pajero vs Toyota Land Cruiser Prado road test: The Pajero drives great powerful and reasonably smooth but not as quiet or refined as the Prado with some steering feel and that implies it can handle sealed road better. However we don’t think there is much of a difference overall. The Prado is smoother and quiter and is clearly design for cruising long distances. In town the Prado’s diesel is also noisy and sounds rough although the car vibrations are completely isolated. When new the suspension is firmish until you hit a bump and you don’t really feel it. Amazing suspension for rough roads. If the Prado ever gets a new turbo petrol engine again it’ll be the best model to buy.
The conclusion and winner of the Mitsubishi Pajero vs Toyota Land Cruiser Prado comparison is neither. The Pajero is missing auto emergency brakes so can’t win. The Prado can’t win either because of the underpowered engine and less impressive interior design compared to the Pajero. With the amount of money you pay for the Prado you expect a better package. This is probably due to the lack of competition in the large 4WD SUV class. Ford Everest overpriced, underspecified and cheap looking, Holden Trailblazer, lots of power but poverty pack interior and unattractive to look at and more so the Isuzu MU-X. If auto brakes weren’t and issue the Mitsubishi Pajero is the one to buy as it’s great value but soon to be gone. It’s good value especially for the top spec models.
| Toyota Prado |
Mitsubishi Pajero |
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| Engines | |
| IL4 Diesel Turbo EFI DI CR 2.8 Litre (2755cc) Claimed 130Kw @ 3400 RPM Claimed 420Nm @ 1400 RPM |
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 FROM 2240Kg Towing capacity up to 3000kg |
Kerb weight 1900Kg Towing capacity up to 3000Kg |
| Fuel capacity & consumption | |
| Up to 150 litres IL4 Diesel 8 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 | |
| 6 speed Auto or Manual Overall height/width 1890/1885 Overall length/wheelbase 4995/2790 4WD system: 2WD or AWD NCAP safety rating 5/5 |
5 speed Auto 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 30.4 Departure 23.5 Breakover 21.1 Minimum ground clearance 219 mm Water Fording depth 700mm Max 4WD system: AWD with low range |
Angle of: (degrees) Approach 36.6 Departure 25 Breakover 23 Minimum ground clearance 225 mm Water Fording depth 700mm Max 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 |
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| Pricing | |
| 2019 $53,490 – 84,119 AUD 2017 $55,990 – 84,490 AUD 2015 $55,990 – 84,490 AUD 2014 $55,990 – 92,120 AUD 2013 $55,990 – 92,990 AUD |
2019 $49,990 – 63,990 AUD 2013 $50,590 – 73,990 AUD 2010 $49,690 – 76,790 AUD |
| *Specs and pricing change due to model grade and configuration or options. 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! | |







