When it comes to reputation and sales volume, the Toyota Fortuner is the undisputed king of the local SUV market. The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, however, is a compelling alternative.
The Toyota Fortuner has become a South African staple since it was introduced to our market back in 2006. Its reputation among locals has strengthened significantly over the years, propelling its sales figures well into the thousands every month, comfortably besting every other SUV out there.
If we focus on the bakkie-based SUV segment, it’s a landslide win for the Fortuner, with competitors such as the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport rarely surpassing 200 units a month. Despite this, when we tested the 4×4 in December 2017 and the 2×4 in June 2018, it was the Pajero Sport that placed higher than the Fortuner in our Match-up sections. But while the Mitsubishi is still mechanically the same as previously tested, the flagship Fortuner has recently undergone several alterations.
The most notable changes to the top-of-therange VX model are the uprated 150 kW turbodiesel engine and variable-ratio power-steering system that debuted in the Hilux we tested in December 2020. These additions do, however, come at a cost and the Fortuner now boasts a significantly higher price tag than the Pajero Sport.
The changes
Both the Fortuner and Pajero Sport have been handed subtle cosmetic enhancements. Unfortunately for the Toyota, locals will not be able to enjoy the dynamic front-end design that’s available on the Thailand-market Legender model, revealed in June 2020. Our units, instead, sport slight revisions to the front grille, headlamps and lower bumper. Changes to the rear are minimal; the only noticeable difference being the taillamp arrays. As our test unit was the VX model, a chrome beltline had been applied, as well as a roof spoiler and Fortuner-badged centre garnish on the tailgate.
Step inside and you’ll notice that the Fortuner’s cabin remains largely unchanged, but some effort has gone into creating a more upmarket atmosphere. The brown faux-leather upholstery has been swapped out for a black finish, while a new instrument cluster and eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as seen in the updated Hilux, further enhances the cabin. Other than this, what else does the VX gain over the pre-facelift flagship? Placing a major focus on safety, this Fortuner comes with Toyota’s Safety Sense package comprising pre-collision intervention, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control and roadsign recognition. The driver and passenger also benefit from heated seats.
Aesthetic revisions to the Pajero Sport, on the other hand, are notable with the enhanced Dynamic Shield face as seen on the revised Triton bakkie, a particularly bold new addition. Changes to the rear are less dramatic, comprising a redesigned faux-diffuser and tailgatemounted spoiler. Apart from the new 18-inch alloys and repositioned side-steps, the silhouette remains the same.
Changes to the cabin are minor, with improved elbow space for the front occupants, an upgraded centre console and soft-padded cruise control, lane-departure warning and active emergency braking are missing, though.
Behind the wheel
Despite both being rugged bakkie-based SUVs with five-link coil spring solid axles at the rear, they are distinctly different to pilot. Suburban driving showed the Pajero Sport to be better suited to the road thanks to a more refined chassis, steering system and engine. Its strongest suit remains the eight-speed Aisin torque finishes for the door and knee trims. Like its rival here, the Pajero Sport also features an eight-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a digital instrument display. On this Exceed model, replacing the previous model’s Shogun trim, a tilt-and-slide sunroof, electronically operated tailgate with dualkick sensors and Mitsubishi Remote Control Connectivity have been fitted. Convenience and safety features such as adaptive converter transmission, which provides fluid power delivery to the wheels with smooth gearshifts.
This drivetrain has greatly contributed to our rating the Pajero Sport so highly over the years since our first test. Thanks to its variable-flow control power-steering system, the Toyota is not as tiring to pilot through urban settings as its predecessor; however, it still feels marginally less resolved than the Pajero Sport. Where the Fortuner really shines is off the beaten path. Both vehicles – sporting comprehensive 4×4 systems with rear diff locks – are highly capable over gravel and rock but it’s the Fortuner’s effective suspension setup, aided by excellent clearances and wheel travel, that helps soften the blows off-road better than the Pajero Sport.
The Fortuner possesses superior steering feedback over gravel, too Improved motive power from the Fortuner’s uprated engine – which now produces its peak torque at a higher engine speed due to a larger turbocharger – couldn’t translate into marked performance gains on our test strip. This is especially surprising when you consider its 27 kW and 70 N.m advantage.
By and large, our test figures showed the 2,8 GD-6 Fortuner to be faster than before, but its 0-100 km/h time of 11,31 seconds is still 0,16 seconds slower than the less powerful Pajero Sport. Contrary to this are the in-gear acceleration results, where the Toyota bests the Mitsubishi throughout the range. From 60-80 km/h, the Fortuner is 0,08 seconds faster, while the 100- 120 km/h acceleration run showed a 0,95-second improvement.
The Fortuner’s larger turbocharger has had a negative effect on fuel economy, though. The CAR fuel index claims an average fuel consumption of 9,48 L/100 km, however, we found that figure to be closer to 11,10 L/100 km in real-world driving conditions. This is higher than the 10,20 L/100 km over the same route for the Pajero Sport.
The difference in braking efficacy is another area where the Fortuner loses out to the Pajero Sport. From 100-0 km/h, the Toyota averaged a time of 3,27 seconds, rating it average by our standards. The Pajero Sport’s average braking time of 3,17 seconds garnered a good rating.
Packaging
Despite an overall length that’s 10 mm shy of the Fortuner, the Pajero Sport’s wheelbase is 15 mm longer. As a result of this effective packaging, the Mitsubishi has an additional 3 mm of kneeroom in the second row and 44 mm in the third row. Unlike the Fortuner, however, the second row of seats is not adjustable. Working in the Mitsubishi’s favour is a third row of seats that can be folded into the floor but, curiously, our measurements showed its 392 litres of boot space to be less than that of the Toyota.
Utility space on the other hand is slightly larger at 1 304 litres. The Pajero Sport is 66 mm lower than the Fortuner so its loading height is better accessible. While the Fortuner does have improved boot space, it is still burdened with that cumbersome stowage arrangement for the third row of seats. As for driver comfort, both SUVs provide commendable ergonomics courtesy of reachand-rake adjustable steering. At 946 mm, the Pajero Sport’s maximum headroom is the most generous of the two; besting the Fortuner’s 896 mm.
Value proposition
While the Toyota has a more comprehensive suite of safety features compared to the Mitsubishi, its R100 505 premium is a big ask considering their performance is so closely matched. Although subjective, the team consensus is that the Pajero Sport displays better levels of perceived quality and a more upmarket cabin ambience. As for aftersales, the Fortuner counters with an overall parts basket that is R22 563 less than the Pajero Sport’s. Individual parts such as the headlamp, windscreen and camchain are significantly cheaper than those supplied by Mitsubishi. The Fortuner’s nine-service plan is especially beneficial to owners who cover great distances throughout the year. Considering both vehicles’ service plans span 90 000 km, the value proposition is, once again, closely matched.
Keyword: ROAD TEST: Toyota Fortuner vs. Mitsubishi Pajero Sport