If you need seven seats, real off-road ability and the muscle to tow a caravan, the shortlist in Australia usually comes down to three ute-based wagons: the Ford Everest, the Isuzu MU-X and the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.
There is a big change to know about first. Mitsubishi has stopped importing the Pajero Sport for Australia, so it is now a run-out model sold from remaining dealer stock. Its replacement, the new Triton-based Mitsubishi Pajero, is on order now from $68,490 before on-road costs, with first deliveries due in December. That changes how you should shop it.
Everest and MU-X prices below are list prices before on-road costs. Pajero Sport prices are Mitsubishi's last published drive-away prices, and dealers may now go lower to clear stock. All figures are from our directory, sourced from each brand's Australian website and checked in November 2026.
The short answer
Most capable: the Ford Everest, especially with the 3.0 litre V6.
Best value: the Isuzu MU-X. It starts at $49,900 before on-road costs for a 4x2, or $55,900 for the cheapest 4x4.
Best deal right now, if you are quick: the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport in run-out, if your dealer has stock and is discounting it.
The numbers side by side
| Ford Everest | Isuzu MU-X | Mitsubishi Pajero Sport | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $58,990 to $83,490 plus on-road costs | $49,900 to $77,100 plus on-road costs | $56,120 to $70,987 drive-away (run-out) |
| Engines | 2.0 litre turbo diesel (125 kW, 405 Nm) or 3.0 litre V6 turbo diesel (184 kW, 600 Nm) | 2.2 litre turbo diesel (120 kW, 400 Nm) or 3.0 litre turbo diesel (140 kW, 450 Nm) | 2.4 litre turbo diesel (133 kW, 430 Nm) |
| Official fuel use | 7.1 L/100 km (2.0), 8.5 to 9.3 L/100 km (V6) | From 6.4 L/100 km (2.2 4x2) to 7.6 L/100 km (X-Terrain) | Not in our data |
| Braked towing | 3500 kg | 3500 kg | 3100 kg |
| Seats | 7 on most grades | 7 | 7 |
| Warranty | 5 years, unlimited km | 6 years or 150,000 km | 5 years, unlimited km; up to 10 years or 200,000 km with Mitsubishi dealer servicing |
| ANCAP | Five stars (2022) | Five stars (2022) | No current rating |
Ford Everest
The Everest is the class leader for good reason. It rides and handles better than the others on the road, the cabin feels the most modern, and the 3.0 litre V6 (184 kW, 600 Nm) is the strongest engine here by a long way. Every Everest in our directory is rated to tow 3500 kg.
The range starts with the Active 2.0 4WD at $58,990 before on-road costs and climbs through the Active V6 ($66,990), Sport, Wolftrak and Tremor to the Platinum V6 at $83,490. The V6 is the one to have if you tow heavy, and the Active V6 is the value sweet spot.
The catch is price. A well-specced V6 Everest costs $10,000 to $20,000 more than a comparable MU-X, and Ford's five-year warranty is shorter than Isuzu's.
Isuzu MU-X
The MU-X is the value champion and a favourite with caravanners. It also tows 3500 kg braked, and the 3.0 litre diesel (140 kW, 450 Nm) is famously durable.
You can start at $49,900 for the LS-M 2.2 4x2, but most buyers will want the 3.0 litre 4x4, which starts at $57,900 for the LS-M and tops out at $77,100 for the off-road focused X-Terrain. A 2.2 litre engine is also offered in 4x4 grades for buyers who do not need the bigger engine.
It is not as refined or as quick as the Everest V6, and the cabin feels more utilitarian. But the six-year, 150,000 km warranty and the lower prices make it a very easy choice for touring families.
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
The Pajero Sport has been a quiet achiever, with a smooth eight-speed auto, a proper 4WD system and a 3100 kg towing rating. Mitsubishi's last published drive-away prices ran from $56,120 for the GLX to $70,987 for the GSR.
It has been withdrawn from Australia because it would not meet new Australian Design Rules without expensive changes, so what is left in dealers is the last of it. It also has no current ANCAP rating. Mitsubishi's long conditional warranty, up to 10 years or 200,000 km when serviced at a Mitsubishi dealer, still applies to new stock.
Buy one only if the run-out deal is genuinely sharp. The new Pajero that replaces it is a big step up on paper, with a 150 kW, 480 Nm 2.4 litre diesel and 3500 kg towing, but it starts at $68,490 before on-road costs ($69,990 as a seven-seater), so it plays closer to the Everest V6 and Prado on price.
Which one should you buy
For heavy towing: the Everest V6 or the MU-X 3.0. Both are rated to 3500 kg.
For the lowest price: the MU-X LS-M, or a heavily discounted run-out Pajero Sport.
For the best on-road comfort and tech: the Everest.
For the longest standard warranty: the MU-X at six years or 150,000 km, or the Pajero Sport's conditional 10 years if you service at Mitsubishi.
Cartell Assessment
The Everest is the best of the three and the one to buy if the budget stretches. The MU-X is the smart money choice, giving away little in towing or toughness for thousands less. The Pajero Sport is a bargain hunter's play only, and its days are numbered. Also worth a look: the Toyota LandCruiser Prado from $73,200 and the new Mitsubishi Pajero from $68,490, both before on-road costs. If towing a caravan is the main job, read our best tow vehicles for caravans guide too.
See every grade on our Everest, MU-X and Pajero Sport pages.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport discontinued in Australia?
Yes. Mitsubishi has stopped importing it, and it is being sold from remaining dealer stock. The new Triton-based Pajero replaces it, priced from $68,490 before on-road costs, with first deliveries due in December 2026.
Which tows the most: Everest, MU-X or Pajero Sport?
The Ford Everest and Isuzu MU-X are both rated to tow 3500 kg braked. The Pajero Sport is rated to 3100 kg.
Which is cheapest?
The Isuzu MU-X LS-M 2.2 4x2 at $49,900 before on-road costs. The cheapest 4x4 MU-X is $55,900, and the cheapest Everest is $58,990.
Which has the longest warranty?
The Isuzu MU-X at six years or 150,000 km as standard. Mitsubishi offers up to 10 years or 200,000 km on the Pajero Sport, but only if every service is done at a Mitsubishi dealer.
