Mazda CX-5 vs Mitsubishi Pajero: which should you buy?
Specs, prices, running costs and Kenyan-road suitability compared — Mazda CX-5 2.2 diesel (2017+) vs Mitsubishi Pajero 3.2 DI-D.
The short answer
The Mazda CX-5 is cheaper to buy, stronger on hills and when loaded and cheaper to fuel. The Mitsubishi Pajero is more powerful, copes better with bumps and murram, and has more seats.
Side by side
| Mazda CX-5 Mazda CX-5 2.2 diesel (2017+) | Mitsubishi Pajero Mitsubishi Pajero 3.2 DI-D | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical price | KES 3M–4.3M | KES 3M–5M |
| Power | 187 hp | 197 hp |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 441 Nm |
| Engine | 2.2L 4-cyl turbo diesel | 3.2L 4-cyl turbo diesel |
| Fuel economy | 15.5 km/L | 10 km/L |
| Fuel per month* | KES 22,000 | KES 34,200 |
| Ground clearance | 210 mm | 235 mm |
| Drivetrain | AWD | 4WD |
| Gearbox | Automatic | Automatic |
| Seats | 5 | 7 |
| Parts cost | Medium | Medium |
| Reliability estimate | 4.4/5 | 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 CX-5 if…
- Highway and upcountry travel
- Good fuel economy in an SUV
- A premium feel without premium prices
- Murram-ready210 mm of ground clearance handles murram, potholes and tall estate bumps.
- Hill & load ready450 Nm of torque climbs Mai Mahiu with a full load without strain.
- Parts easy to findMazda spares are easy to find in Nairobi and major towns, and most mechanics know them.
- Easy overtaking187 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
Mazda CX-5 or Mitsubishi Pajero — which is better?
The Mazda CX-5 is cheaper to buy, stronger on hills and when loaded and cheaper to fuel. The Mitsubishi Pajero is more powerful, copes better with bumps and murram, and has more seats. Choose the CX-5 for: highway and upcountry travel, good fuel economy in an SUV, A premium feel without premium prices. Choose the Pajero for: off-road and upcountry driving, large families, value compared to a Prado.
Which is more fuel efficient, the CX-5 or the Pajero?
The 2.2L 4-cyl turbo diesel Mazda CX-5 returns about 15.5 km/L (≈ KES 22,000/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 CX-5 has 210 mm of ground clearance (AWD); the Pajero has 235 mm (4WD). The Pajero copes better with tall bumps, potholes and murram.
Which is cheaper to buy and maintain?
Typical prices: Mazda CX-5 KES 2.3M–4.3M, Mitsubishi Pajero KES 3M–5M. Parts: CX-5 Medium cost — Parts available in Nairobi; diesel servicing needs the right specialist. Pajero Medium cost — Parts available; fewer specialists than Toyota.