Mitsubishi Pajero vs Toyota RAV4: which should you buy?
Specs, prices, running costs and Kenyan-road suitability compared — Mitsubishi Pajero 3.2 DI-D vs Toyota RAV4 2.0 (2019+).
The short answer
The Mitsubishi Pajero is cheaper to buy, more powerful and stronger on hills and when loaded, copes better with bumps and murram, and has more seats. The Toyota RAV4 is cheaper to fuel and more reliable by our estimate, and has cheaper parts.
Side by side
| Mitsubishi Pajero Mitsubishi Pajero 3.2 DI-D | Toyota RAV4 Toyota RAV4 2.0 (2019+) | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical price | KES 3M–5M | KES 4.5M–6.5M |
| Power | 197 hp | 169 hp |
| Torque | 441 Nm | 207 Nm |
| Engine | 3.2L 4-cyl turbo diesel | 2.0L 4-cyl |
| Fuel economy | 10 km/L | 14 km/L |
| Fuel per month* | KES 34,200 | KES 24,300 |
| Ground clearance | 235 mm | 200 mm |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | AWD |
| Gearbox | Automatic | CVT |
| Seats | 7 | 5 |
| Parts cost | Medium | Low |
| Reliability estimate | 4.3/5 | 4.7/5 |
*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 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.
Choose the RAV4 if…
- Families who want a newer SUV
- Mixed town and upcountry driving
- Safety features
- Murram-ready200 mm of ground clearance handles murram, potholes and tall estate bumps.
- Parts everywhereToyota spares are sold in every town and on Kirinyaga Road, and every mechanic knows them.
Frequently asked questions
Mitsubishi Pajero or Toyota RAV4 — which is better?
The Mitsubishi Pajero is cheaper to buy, more powerful and stronger on hills and when loaded, copes better with bumps and murram, and has more seats. The Toyota RAV4 is cheaper to fuel and more reliable by our estimate, and has cheaper parts. Choose the Pajero for: off-road and upcountry driving, large families, value compared to a Prado. Choose the RAV4 for: families who want a newer SUV, mixed town and upcountry driving, safety features.
Which is more fuel efficient, the Pajero or the RAV4?
The 3.2L 4-cyl turbo diesel Mitsubishi Pajero returns about 10 km/L (≈ KES 34,200/month for 1,500 km) and the 2.0L 4-cyl Toyota RAV4 about 14 km/L (≈ KES 24,300/month), at KES 226.96 per litre of petrol (EPRA Nairobi, 15 Oct – 14 Nov 2026).
Which is better for Kenyan roads?
The Pajero has 235 mm of ground clearance (4WD); the RAV4 has 200 mm (AWD). The Pajero copes better with tall bumps, potholes and murram.
Which is cheaper to buy and maintain?
Typical prices: Mitsubishi Pajero KES 3M–5M, Toyota RAV4 KES 4.5M–6.5M. Parts: Pajero Medium cost — Parts available; fewer specialists than Toyota. RAV4 Low cost — Toyota Kenya and independent garages support it well.