Mitsubishi Pajero Sport -vs- Isuzu MU-X on towing and touring

QUESTION

Mainly for 2 of us (my wife and I) and eventually will be towing a van. I think that means I can tow anything (completely loaded) up to around 2700kg. Please correct me if I am incorrect. Also, I think with the Pajero Sport I can add 750kg to the vehicle and 640kg to the Isuzu. I am talking fuel, towball, etc, etc. Again please correct me if I am incorrect.

I would also be interested in anything you think I should add from the dealership as far as extras. towball, bull bar, etc, etc. I am in your hands here.

Thank you. I really enjoy and appreciate your insights. So you are aware. we are intending on buying a vehicle, however, not sure when. It could be now, it could be in 12 months. Your thoughts are again appreciated.

Thank you again John and keep up the great work - Andrew

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ANSWER

Basically I think the Pajero Sport is a superior proposition which tows at least equally well based on the numbers. Pajero Sport has an 8sp auto (vs 6sp in MU-X) so it’s better able to match the required revs to the driving conditions. Additionally, the Pajero Sport’s Super Select II transfer case allows 4H with the centre diff unlocked, meaning you can use 4H on a high traction surface. If it gets slippery, you can lock the centre diff in 4H mode. And for serious all-terrain driving there’s also 4L with the centre diff locked.

So, the big difference here is the addition of that 4H (centre diff unlocked) mode. This is a big win for driving in the wet, and on dirt roads with variable conditions.

The Isuzu uses just 2H, 4H and 4L - there’s no mode of operation compatible with 4H on a high traction surface.

In my view the Mitsubishi is better to drive (less agricultural) as well as being significantly cheaper and more polished.

Check out the numbers below.

Isuzu MU-X LS-T 4X4

Undiscounted drive-away price (approx): $62,400

Manufactured: Thailand

Engine: 3.0-litre turbocharged diesel
Power: 130kW @ 3600rpm
Torque: 430Nm @ 2000-2200rpm

Transmission: 6sp auto

Max tow capacity: 3000kg
Max towball download: 300kg
Kerb weight: 2157kg
Gross vehicle mass (GVM): 2750kg
Gross combination mass (GCM): 5750kg

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport GLS (5-seat)

Undiscounted drive-away price (approx): $56,200

Manufactured: Thailand

Engine: 2.4-litre turbocharged diesel
Power: 133kW @ 3500rpm
Torque: 430Nm @ 2500rpm

Transmission: 8sp auto

Max tow capacity: 3100kg
Max towball download: 310kg
Kerb weight: 2065kg
Gross vehicle mass (GVM): 2775kg
Gross combination mass (GCM): 5400kg

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TOWING ANALYSIS

Assuming you have a 2700kg trailer (fully loaded at that weight) and it imposes a towball download of 270kg on the vehicle (10%):

Isuzu:

5750kg (GCM) - 2157kg (kerb wt) - 2700kg (trailer) = 893kg of potential payload before exceeding the GCM limit.

2750kg (GVM) - 2157kg (kerb wt) - 270kg (towball download) = 323kg of potential payload without exceeding the GVM limit. Remember that the towball download is part of the vehicle’s GVM.

Obviously you cannot exceed the GCM or the GVM. Therefore you are limited to 323 kilos of payload with that 2700kg trailer hitched to the MU-X. Remember the payload comprises the passengers, the equipment and accessories fitted (including the towbar).

Mitsubishi:

5400kg (GCM) - 2065kg (kerb wt) - 2700kg (trailer) = 635kg of potential payload before exceeding the GCM limit.

2775kg (GVM) - 2065kg (kerb wt) - 270kg (towball download) = 440kg of potential payload without exceeding the GVM limit. Again, remember that the towball download is part of the vehicle’s GVM.

CONCLUSION

In heavy towing like this, both vehicles are limited by GVM. (As in, you’ll exceed the GVM far earlier than the GCM by adding payload to the vehicle with the trailer hitched up.)

The Pajero Sport is capable of carrying 117kg more payload than the MU-X when towing the above trailer. That’s 36 per cent more payload. Given that payload is so severely compromised with a heavy trailer on board, the Pajero Sport’s additional payload capacity is a distinct advantage, but even so, you should try to limit the fitment of unnecessary accessories (such as a bullbar).

I don’t see how you derived your 750kg and 640kg payloads for the vehicles - but hopefully you can see how I derived the numbers above.

Hope this helps - you’ll probably have to re-think what you were planning on carrying in the vehicle, or (even better) reduce the mass of the trailer you intend to carry. In my view it’s a poor choice to tow a trailer heavier than the vehicle towing it. So if I were you I would aim for a trailer weighing no more than about 2.1 tonnes fully loaded.

Sing out when you’re ready to buy - we can assist with a discount.

• Heavy towing basics

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