The Mitsubishi Montero Sport III 2.4 MIVEC (181 Hp) Super Select 4WD, produced between 2015 and 2019, represents the third generation of Mitsubishi’s popular mid-size SUV. While not widely sold in the United States, the Montero Sport (known as the Pajero Sport in many international markets) is a significant vehicle in regions like Southeast Asia, Australia, and Latin America, offering a robust and capable platform for both on and off-road driving. This generation marked a substantial upgrade over its predecessors, focusing on improved comfort, technology, and fuel efficiency while retaining the Montero Sport’s reputation for durability and off-road prowess.
Mitsubishi Montero Sport III: Overview
The Montero Sport III occupies the mid-size SUV segment, competing with vehicles like the Toyota Fortuner, Isuzu MU-X, and Ford Everest in its primary markets. It’s designed to cater to families and individuals needing a versatile vehicle capable of handling daily commutes, long journeys, and challenging terrain. The “Super Select 4WD” system is a key feature, providing drivers with a range of drive modes to optimize performance for various conditions. This generation saw a shift towards more refined interiors and a greater emphasis on safety features compared to earlier Montero Sport models.
Engine & Performance
The Montero Sport III 2.4 MIVEC is powered by a 2.4-liter inline-four cylinder diesel engine, designated the 4N15. This engine produces 181 horsepower at 3500 rpm and 430 Nm (317.15 lb.-ft.) of torque at 2500 rpm. The engine utilizes a turbocharger with an intercooler and a diesel commonrail fuel injection system to maximize power and efficiency. The power-to-weight ratio is 11.1 kg/Hp, or approximately 90 Hp/tonne, while the torque-to-weight ratio stands at 4.7 kg/Nm, or 213.9 Nm/tonne. The engine’s longitudinal front-engine layout contributes to balanced handling. Power is delivered to all four wheels via a six-speed manual transmission and Mitsubishi’s Super Select 4WD system. This system allows the driver to switch between two-wheel drive (2H), four-wheel drive with a locked center differential (4H), and four-wheel drive with a locked center and rear differential (4HLc), providing optimal traction for a variety of surfaces. The vehicle achieves a maximum speed of 180 km/h (111.85 mph).
Design & Features
The Montero Sport III features a traditional SUV body style with a five-door configuration and seating for up to seven passengers. Its design incorporates a more modern and aggressive aesthetic compared to previous generations, with a prominent front grille, sculpted body lines, and a robust overall appearance. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4785 mm (188.39 in.) in length, 1815 mm (71.46 in.) in width, and 1805 mm (71.06 in.) in height, with a wheelbase of 2800 mm (110.24 in.). Ground clearance is a substantial 218 mm (8.58 in.), enhancing its off-road capability.
Inside, the Montero Sport III offers a more refined and comfortable cabin. Features include air conditioning, power windows, and a basic audio system. Later models often included upgraded infotainment systems with touchscreen displays and smartphone integration. Safety features, while varying by market and trim level, typically include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and multiple airbags. The vehicle’s kerb weight is 2010 kg (4431.29 lbs.), with a maximum permissible weight of 2710 kg (5974.53 lbs.) and a maximum load capacity of 700 kg (1543.24 lbs.).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Montero Sport |
| Generation | Montero Sport III |
| Type (Engine) | 2.4 MIVEC (181 Hp) Super Select 4WD |
| Start of production | 2015 |
| End of production | 2019 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Off-road vehicle, SUV |
| Seats | 7 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Maximum speed | 180 km/h (111.85 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 2 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.1 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.7 kg/Nm |
| Power | 181 Hp @ 3500 rpm |
| Torque | 430 Nm @ 2500 rpm (317.15 lb.-ft. @ 2500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | 4N15 |
| Engine displacement | 2442 cm3 (149.02 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 86 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 105.1 mm (4.14 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 15.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 8.4 l (8.88 US qt | 7.39 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 7.7 l (8.14 US qt | 6.78 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 2010 kg (4431.29 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2710 kg (5974.53 lbs.) |
| Max load | 700 kg (1543.24 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 68 l (17.96 US gal | 14.96 UK gal) |
| Length | 4785 mm (188.39 in.) |
| Width | 1815 mm (71.46 in.) |
| Height | 1805 mm (71.06 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2800 mm (110.24 in.) |
| Front track | 1520 mm (59.84 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1515 mm (59.65 in.) |
| Front overhang | 880 mm (34.65 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 1105 mm (43.5 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 218 mm (8.58 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.2 m (36.75 ft.) |
| Approach angle | 30° |
| Departure angle | 24.2° |
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle | 23.1° |
| Drivetrain Architecture | All wheel drive (4×4). ICE drives rear wheels, front wheels engaged via clutch. |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Coil spring, Double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Rigid axle suspension, Transverse stabilizer, Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 320 mm |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 265/60 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 7.5J x 18 |
The Mitsubishi Montero Sport III 2.4 MIVEC Super Select 4WD offered a compelling package for buyers seeking a capable, comfortable, and reliable SUV. Its robust construction, advanced 4WD system, and efficient diesel engine made it a popular choice in its target markets, cementing its position as a key player in the mid-size SUV segment.
