The Mitsubishi Montero, known as the Pajero in many international markets, is a full-size SUV produced by Mitsubishi Motors. The second-generation Montero, produced between 1999 and 2006, represented a significant evolution of the model, offering increased refinement, improved off-road capability, and a more powerful engine lineup. This generation was not officially sold in the United States, but it enjoyed considerable popularity in Europe, Australia, Latin America, and Asia, where it competed with vehicles like the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado and Nissan Patrol. The 3.8 i V6 24V MIVEC variant, produced from 2002 to 2006, was a flagship model, offering a blend of on-road comfort and robust four-wheel-drive performance.
Mitsubishi Montero 3.8 i V6 24V MIVEC: An Overview
The Montero 3.8 i V6 MIVEC occupied a unique position in the SUV market. While offering seven-passenger seating and a spacious interior, it prioritized off-road prowess and durability over outright luxury. It was designed for buyers who needed a capable vehicle for both daily driving and adventurous excursions. The MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control) technology on the 3.8-liter V6 engine aimed to optimize performance and fuel efficiency across the rev range. This generation of Montero saw improvements in chassis rigidity and suspension tuning, enhancing both handling and ride quality.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Montero 3.8 i V6 MIVEC is its 6G75 engine, a 3.8-liter naturally aspirated V6. This engine produces 250 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 329 Nm (242.66 lb.-ft.) of torque at 2750 rpm. The engine features a 9.8:1 compression ratio and utilizes multi-port fuel injection. The longitudinally mounted engine is paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, delivering power to all four wheels via a sophisticated four-wheel-drive system. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 10.8 seconds, while 0 to 60 mph is achieved in approximately 10.3 seconds. The Montero 3.8 i V6 has a top speed of 200 km/h (124.27 mph). The weight-to-power ratio of 8.9 kg/Hp and weight-to-torque ratio of 6.7 kg/Nm contribute to its respectable performance. Fuel economy is rated at 17.4 US mpg combined (13.5 l/100 km), with 13.3 US mpg (17.7 l/100 km) in urban conditions and 21 US mpg (11.2 l/100 km) on the extra-urban cycle.
Design & Features
The second-generation Montero boasts a traditional SUV body style with a five-door configuration and seating for up to seven passengers. Its design emphasizes practicality and robustness, with a high ground clearance and a relatively boxy silhouette. The interior is designed for functionality, with durable materials and a focus on passenger space. Key features include a spacious trunk offering between 215 liters (7.59 cu. ft.) with all seats in use and a maximum of 1790 liters (63.21 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. Safety features, while not as advanced as modern SUVs, included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels. The Montero’s suspension utilizes a double wishbone setup at the front and a transverse stabilizer at the rear, providing a balance between ride comfort and off-road capability. The vehicle rides on 265/65 R17 tires mounted on 7.5J x 17 inch wheel rims.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Montero |
| Generation | Montero |
| Type (Engine) | 3.8 i V6 24V MIVEC (250 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2002 |
| End of production | 2006 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 7 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 17.7 l/100 km (13.3 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 11.2 l/100 km (21 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 13.5 l/100 km (17.4 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.3 sec |
| Maximum speed | 200 km/h (124.27 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.9 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.7 kg/Nm |
| Power | 250 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 329 Nm @ 2750 rpm (242.66 lb.-ft. @ 2750 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | 6G75 |
| Engine displacement | 3828 cm3 (233.6 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 95 mm (3.74 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 90 mm (3.54 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.8:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Kerb Weight | 2215 kg (4883.24 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2910 kg (6415.45 lbs.) |
| Max load | 695 kg (1532.21 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 215 l (7.59 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1790 l (63.21 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 88 l (23.25 US gal | 19.36 UK gal) |
| Length | 4900 mm (192.91 in.) |
| Width | 1875 mm (73.82 in.) |
| Height | 1870 mm (73.62 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2780 mm (109.45 in.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Transverse stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 265/65 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 7.5J X 17 |
The Mitsubishi Montero 3.8 i V6 MIVEC represents a capable and durable SUV that offered a compelling blend of on-road comfort and off-road performance. While not sold in the US market, it remains a popular choice for those seeking a reliable and versatile vehicle in regions where it was available.
