Isuzu D-Max vs Mitsubishi Pajero: which should you buy?
Specs, prices, running costs and Kenyan-road suitability compared — Isuzu D-Max 3.0 (2021+) vs Mitsubishi Pajero 3.2 DI-D.
The short answer
The Isuzu D-Max is stronger on hills and when loaded, cheaper to fuel and more reliable by our estimate, copes better with bumps and murram, and has cheaper parts. The Mitsubishi Pajero is cheaper to buy and more powerful, and has more seats.
Side by side
| Isuzu D-Max Isuzu D-Max 3.0 (2021+) | Mitsubishi Pajero Mitsubishi Pajero 3.2 DI-D | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical price | KES 4.5M–6.5M | KES 3M–5M |
| Power | 188 hp | 197 hp |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 441 Nm |
| Engine | 3.0L 4-cyl turbo diesel | 3.2L 4-cyl turbo diesel |
| Fuel economy | 12 km/L | 10 km/L |
| Fuel per month* | KES 28,500 | KES 34,200 |
| Ground clearance | 240 mm | 235 mm |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | 4WD |
| Gearbox | Automatic | Automatic |
| Seats | 5 | 7 |
| Parts cost | Low | Medium |
| Reliability estimate | 5/5 | 4.3/5 |
*1,500 km a month at KES 226.96 per litre of petrol (EPRA Nairobi, 15 Oct – 14 Nov 2026); diesel KES 227.76/L. Typical factory figures for the most common version of each.
Choose the D-Max if…
- Business and farm use
- Local dealer support
- Towing and loads
- Off-road capableLow-range 4WD and 240 mm of ground clearance for rough tracks, game drives and flooded roads.
- Hill & load ready450 Nm of torque climbs Mai Mahiu with a full load without strain.
- Parts everywhereIsuzu spares are sold in every town and on Kirinyaga Road, and every mechanic knows them.
- Easy overtaking188 hp makes overtaking lorries on the Nairobi–Nakuru highway quick and safe.
Choose the Pajero if…
- Off-road and upcountry driving
- Large families
- Value compared to a Prado
- Off-road capableLow-range 4WD and 235 mm of ground clearance for rough tracks, game drives and flooded roads.
- Hill & load ready441 Nm of torque climbs Mai Mahiu with a full load without strain.
- 7 seatsRoom for 7 — school runs, family trips and upcountry visits.
- Parts easy to findMitsubishi spares are easy to find in Nairobi and major towns, and most mechanics know them.
- Easy overtaking197 hp makes overtaking lorries on the Nairobi–Nakuru highway quick and safe.
Frequently asked questions
Isuzu D-Max or Mitsubishi Pajero — which is better?
The Isuzu D-Max is stronger on hills and when loaded, cheaper to fuel and more reliable by our estimate, copes better with bumps and murram, and has cheaper parts. The Mitsubishi Pajero is cheaper to buy and more powerful, and has more seats. Choose the D-Max for: business and farm use, local dealer support, towing and loads. Choose the Pajero for: off-road and upcountry driving, large families, value compared to a Prado.
Which is more fuel efficient, the D-Max or the Pajero?
The 3.0L 4-cyl turbo diesel Isuzu D-Max returns about 12 km/L (≈ KES 28,500/month for 1,500 km) and the 3.2L 4-cyl turbo diesel Mitsubishi Pajero about 10 km/L (≈ KES 34,200/month), at KES 226.96 per litre of petrol (EPRA Nairobi, 15 Oct – 14 Nov 2026).
Which is better for Kenyan roads?
The D-Max has 240 mm of ground clearance (4WD); the Pajero has 235 mm (4WD). The D-Max copes better with tall bumps, potholes and murram.
Which is cheaper to buy and maintain?
Typical prices: Isuzu D-Max KES 4.5M–6.5M, Mitsubishi Pajero KES 3M–5M. Parts: D-Max Low cost — Excellent local dealer and parts support. Pajero Medium cost — Parts available; fewer specialists than Toyota.