Isuzu MU-X vs Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
Too close to call on resale: both keep about 74% of their value over three years. Decide on the deal, not the badge.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| MU-X | Pajero Sport | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 752 300 | R 789 990 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 13 149/m | R 13 808/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 86% | 86% |
| Retained after 3 years | 74% | 74% |
| Value after 3 years | R 558 031 | R 585 989 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 194 269 | R 204 001 |
| Value after 5 years | R 468 416 | R 491 883 |
| Our tier | Workhorse bakkie & ladder-frame SUV | Workhorse bakkie & ladder-frame SUV |
Isuzu MU-X →
Isuzu's D-Max-based seven-seater arrived in South Africa in 2018 to take on the Fortuner and Everest. It sells in smaller volumes than the Toyota but has a loyal following among towing and touring buyers. Ladder-frame toughness and diesel-only engines help it retain value in the used market.
Known for: fortuner-rivalling seven-seat diesel 4x4
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport →
Built on the Triton platform, the Pajero Sport is Mitsubishi's rival to the Fortuner and Everest in South Africa. The 2.4 DI-D versions are well equipped and usually undercut the Toyota on price, and limited runs like the Shogun edition keep interest up. It sells in small numbers, so depreciation is heavier than a Fortuner but used buys are strong value.
Known for: seven-seat 4x4 value against the fortuner
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Isuzu MU-X or the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport?
They are close to inseparable: 74% vs 74% retained after three years. Buy on price, spec and the deal you can get, not on resale.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Isuzu MU-X loses about R 194 269 over three years and the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport loses about R 204 001. Fuel, insurance and servicing can narrow or widen that, but the depreciation gap is the number to start from.
What do they cost per month?
On typical finance (10% deposit, 72 months, 11.75%), the Isuzu MU-X runs about R 13 149 per month and the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport about R 13 808, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.