The Mitsubishi Montero Sport I 3.5 XLS, produced from 1998 to 2004, represents the first generation of Mitsubishi’s mid-size SUV designed to compete in the increasingly popular sport utility vehicle segment. While not officially sold in the United States under the Montero Sport name, it was a significant vehicle in markets like Asia, Latin America, and Europe, often marketed under different names like Pajero Sport. This vehicle aimed to provide a blend of off-road capability, family practicality, and relative affordability, establishing a foothold for Mitsubishi in the growing SUV market. The 3.5 XLS variant, equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, was a popular choice for buyers seeking a balance of power and efficiency.
Mitsubishi Montero Sport I 3.5 XLS: An Overview
The Montero Sport I was built on a robust ladder-frame chassis, a design choice prioritizing durability and off-road performance over the unibody construction becoming more common in passenger vehicles. This first generation established the core characteristics that would define subsequent Montero Sport models: a capable four-wheel-drive system, a spacious interior, and a focus on practicality. The 3.5 XLS trim level offered a step up in terms of features and engine performance compared to base models, making it a well-rounded option for families and adventurers alike.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Montero Sport I 3.5 XLS is a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine, producing 203 horsepower at 5000 rpm and 300 Newton-meters (221.27 lb-ft) of torque at 3000 rpm. This engine, with a displacement of 3497 cm3 (213.4 cu. in.), features a naturally aspirated configuration, multi-port fuel injection, and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 9.6 kg/Hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 6.5 kg/Nm. This powertrain delivers adequate performance for both on-road driving and moderate off-road excursions. The engine is longitudinally mounted in the front of the vehicle. Fuel economy figures are rated at 15 liters per 100 kilometers (15.7 US mpg, 18.8 UK mpg, 6.7 km/l) in urban conditions, 10 liters per 100 kilometers (23.5 US mpg, 28.2 UK mpg, 10 km/l) on the extra-urban cycle, and 12 liters per 100 kilometers (19.6 US mpg, 23.5 UK mpg, 8.3 km/l) combined. Power is delivered to all four wheels through a 5-speed manual transmission.
Design & Features
The Montero Sport I is a five-door, five-seat SUV with a traditional body-on-frame construction. Its design reflects the late 1990s aesthetic, characterized by boxy lines and a relatively high ground clearance. The vehicle measures 4725 mm (186.02 in) in length, 1775 mm (69.88 in) in width, and 1900 mm (74.8 in) in height, with a wheelbase of 2725 mm (107.28 in). The interior prioritizes practicality and space, offering comfortable seating for five passengers. A key feature is the generous cargo capacity, ranging from 1350 liters (47.67 cu. ft.) with the rear seats up to 2600 liters (91.82 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. Safety features for the era included an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and hydraulic power steering. The vehicle’s kerb weight is 1955 kg (4310.04 lbs), with a maximum permissible weight of 2650 kg (5842.25 lbs) and a maximum load capacity of 695 kg (1532.21 lbs). The Montero Sport I rides on 265/70 R16 tires, contributing to its off-road capability.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Montero Sport |
| Generation | Montero Sport I |
| Type (Engine) | 3.5 XLS (203 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1998 |
| End of production | 2004 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Off-road vehicle, SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 15 l/100 km (15.7 US mpg, 18.8 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 10 l/100 km (23.5 US mpg, 28.2 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 12 l/100 km (19.6 US mpg, 23.5 UK mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.6 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.5 kg/Nm |
| Power | 203 Hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Torque | 300 Nm @ 3000 rpm (221.27 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine displacement | 3497 cm3 (213.4 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 93 mm (3.66 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 85.8 mm (3.38 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Kerb Weight | 1955 kg (4310.04 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2650 kg (5842.25 lbs.) |
| Max load | 695 kg (1532.21 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 1350 l (47.67 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 2600 l (91.82 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 92 l (24.3 US gal | 20.24 UK gal) |
| Length | 4725 mm (186.02 in.) |
| Width | 1775 mm (69.88 in.) |
| Height | 1900 mm (74.8 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2725 mm (107.28 in.) |
| Front track | 1465 mm (57.68 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1480 mm (58.27 in.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Torsion |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 265/70 R16 |
The Mitsubishi Montero Sport I 3.5 XLS, while not a high-volume seller in North America, remains a respected and capable SUV, particularly valued for its robust construction and off-road prowess. It represents a significant step in Mitsubishi’s SUV development and laid the groundwork for future generations of the Montero Sport.
