The Mitsubishi Montero Sport III 2.5 DI-D Super Select 4WD, produced from 2015 to 2019, represents the third generation of Mitsubishi’s popular mid-size SUV. While not officially sold in the United States under the Montero Sport name, it is closely related to the Pajero Sport sold in many international markets, including Australia and parts of Asia and Latin America. This vehicle occupies the segment of body-on-frame SUVs, designed to offer a blend of off-road capability, passenger comfort, and practicality for families. The “DI-D” designation signifies Mitsubishi’s direct-injection diesel engine, and the “Super Select 4WD” system highlights its advanced four-wheel-drive technology.
Mitsubishi Montero Sport III: Overview
The Montero Sport III was designed to appeal to buyers seeking a robust and versatile SUV. It served as a key model for Mitsubishi in markets where demand for traditional, rugged SUVs remained strong. The third generation brought significant updates in styling, technology, and refinement compared to its predecessors. It aimed to balance off-road prowess with on-road comfort, making it suitable for both daily commuting and adventurous excursions. The vehicle’s seven-seat configuration further enhanced its practicality for larger families.
Engine & Performance
The Montero Sport III 2.5 DI-D is powered by a 2.5-liter inline-four cylinder diesel engine, designated the 4D56. This engine produces 136 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and 324 Nm (238.97 lb.-ft.) of torque at 2,000 rpm. The engine utilizes a turbocharger with an intercooler and a diesel commonrail fuel injection system to optimize performance and fuel efficiency. The longitudinal engine layout contributes to a balanced weight distribution. The power-to-weight ratio is 14.7 kg/Hp, or 68 Hp/tonne, while the torque-to-weight ratio is 6.2 kg/Nm, or 162 Nm/tonne. The vehicle achieves a maximum speed of 168 km/h (104.39 mph). The engine’s 17:1 compression ratio is typical for a diesel engine designed for efficiency and power. The engine is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission, delivering power to all four wheels via Mitsubishi’s Super Select 4WD system.
Design & Features
The Montero Sport III is a five-door SUV with a body-on-frame construction, providing enhanced durability and off-road capability. It features a spacious interior with seating for up to seven passengers, arranged in a 2-3-2 configuration. The exterior design incorporates a more modern and aggressive aesthetic compared to earlier generations, with a prominent front grille, sculpted body lines, and distinctive headlight clusters. Key features include the Super Select 4WD system, which allows the driver to seamlessly switch between two-wheel drive, four-wheel drive high range, and four-wheel drive low range, providing optimal traction for various terrains. Safety features, while varying by market, typically include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and multiple airbags. The vehicle’s ride height of 218 mm (8.58 in) provides ample ground clearance for off-road adventures. Approach, departure, and ramp-over angles of 30°, 24.6°, and 23.1° respectively, further enhance its off-road capabilities. 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.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Montero Sport |
| Generation | Montero Sport III |
| Type (Engine) | 2.5 DI-D (136 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 | 168 km/h (104.39 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 2 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 14.7 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.2 kg/Nm |
| Power | 136 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Torque | 324 Nm @ 2000 rpm (238.97 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | 4D56 |
| Engine displacement | 2477 cm3 (151.16 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 91.1 mm (3.59 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 95 mm (3.74 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 17:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 6.5 l (6.87 US qt | 5.72 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 8.2 l (8.66 US qt | 7.21 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 2000 kg (4409.25 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2710 kg (5974.53 lbs.) |
| Max load | 710 kg (1565.28 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 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 | 11.2 m (36.75 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | All wheel drive (4×4). ICE drives rear wheels, front wheels engaged via clutch. |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Gearbox type | Manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Coil spring, Double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Rigid axle suspension, Transverse stabilizer, Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 294 mm |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 265/70 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 7J x 16 |
The Mitsubishi Montero Sport III 2.5 DI-D Super Select 4WD offered a compelling package for buyers seeking a capable and versatile SUV. Its robust construction, advanced four-wheel-drive system, and comfortable interior made it a popular choice in markets where it was available. While not sold in the US, it represents a significant vehicle in Mitsubishi’s global lineup, showcasing their expertise in developing durable and capable off-road vehicles.
