Fortuner vs Pajero: Which Used SUV Lasts?

Shopping for a used SUV in Dubai and torn between the Toyota Fortuner and Mitsubishi Pajero? Here's the short answer: the Fortuner holds its value far better — a four-year-old one is still worth about 92% of what a one-year-old costs. The Pajero drops faster but that works in the buyer's favour: a 2020 model lists for roughly half what it cost new. For the Fortuner, the 2021 model year is the sweet spot on price versus age. For the Pajero, it's the 2020. And whichever you pick, an agency service history adds real money — cars with full records on our platform command about 14% more than identical ones with none.

Fortuner price in UAE: how it stacks up by year

The Fortuner barely flinches in value. According to CarSwitch listings data (July 2026), a three-year-old Fortuner still fetches about 96% of what a one-year-old example costs. That's remarkable — the typical mid-size SUV loses about a quarter of its value in the same period.

The 2021 model is where value gets interesting. It's listed around AED 108,000 — roughly AED 47,000 less than a new Fortuner — yet it's only five years old with about 70,000 km on the clock. That's the year where you save a meaningful amount without getting into high-mileage territory.

Go newer and the savings shrink. A 2023 Fortuner lists around AED 120,000 — only about 23% off new. Go older to 2019 and you're around AED 90,000, but with over 100,000 km.

Pajero price in UAE: bigger drop, bigger opportunity

The Pajero tells a completely different story. A 2020 model lists around AED 90,000 — about half of its roughly AED 175,000 new sticker. That's a saving of around AED 85,000 on a six-year-old SUV with about 66,000 km. It's hard to argue with that maths.

But the Pajero's faster value loss means older ones get very affordable, very quickly. A 2017 model sits around AED 43,000. A 2018 around AED 57,000. If you want a roomy, capable SUV and your budget is under AED 60,000, the Pajero is the one that gets you there — the Fortuner simply doesn't exist at that price unless you go past 2019.

"The 14% premium for a full service history is bigger than the gap between a base and fully loaded trim. If you're selling either of these SUVs, that stamped book matters more than the spec sheet."

Kamel Abbou, Country Manager, UAE, at CarSwitch

Fortuner vs Pajero: the numbers side by side

Why the Fortuner holds value and the Pajero doesn't

Toyota's reputation in the UAE isn't a mystery. Parts are everywhere, every independent garage knows the drivetrain, and buyer demand for used SUVs and sedans from Toyota stays consistently high. The Fortuner loses about 4% a year over its first four years. The typical mid-size SUV in the UAE loses roughly 10% a year over the same window.

The Pajero is a solid vehicle, but Mitsubishi carries less resale momentum in this market. And because the Pajero was discontinued globally, there's no new-generation buzz keeping it in buyers' minds. That said, mechanically, a well-kept Pajero is still a dependable truck — the V6 is proven and parts aren't expensive.

Service history: the hidden price lever

Across the SUVs on CarSwitch, cars with a full agency service record list about 14% higher than the same model with no history at all. On a Fortuner listed at AED 108,000, that gap is worth roughly AED 15,000. On a Pajero at AED 90,000, it's about AED 12,500.

If you're buying, always ask for the service book — and check it against the mileage. If you're selling, that folder of stamped receipts is the single most valuable thing you can hand over. Every car on CarSwitch goes through a 200-point inspection, so you'll know exactly what you're getting either way.

Trim level and accident history: what else moves the price

Trim matters more than most people think. A base-spec SUV lists about 7% less than a fully loaded version. A semi-loaded model sits about 4% below. If you don't need leather seats and a sunroof, a base Fortuner saves you around AED 8,000 at the AED 115,000 price point.

Accident history hits harder. Cars with a minor accident on record list about 9% below clean examples. On a Fortuner around AED 108,000, that's roughly AED 9,500 off — money that might or might not be justified depending on the repair quality. This is where an inspection-verified listing saves you from guessing.

What about negotiation?

Both the Fortuner and Pajero fall into the AED 100k–200k range for most of the model years people actually buy. On SUVs in that price range, we've seen Fortuners and Pajeros sell for around 7% below asking. That's not a rule — it's what we've observed on these models specifically. Some sell at asking; some go for more off. Come prepared with comparable listings and a clear inspection report, and you're in a strong position.

Which one should you buy?

If you plan to keep the car for three to four years and sell it, the Fortuner wins on residual value. You'll get more back when it's time to move on. A 2021 or 2022 model is the sweet spot — enough savings over new, low enough mileage to enjoy for years.

If you want to buy once and drive it until the wheels fall off — or if your budget is under AED 60,000 — the Pajero makes more sense. The 2020 model gives you the best balance of condition, mileage, and price. Older Pajeros from 2017–2018 are genuinely affordable workhorse SUVs.

Either way, look for agency service history. It's worth more than the trim level, more than the colour, and more than whether it was registered in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Browse inspection-verified used cars on CarSwitch — every listing comes with transparent pricing and a full condition report, so you'll know exactly what you're paying for. No hidden surprises. Start browsing your next car today.