The Mitsubishi Montero Sport I 3.5 XLS, produced from 1998 to 2004, represents Mitsubishi’s entry into the mid-size SUV market. While not officially sold in the United States under the Montero Sport name, it was a popular vehicle in numerous international markets, particularly in Asia, Latin America, and Europe, often marketed under different names like Pajero Sport. This first generation of the Montero Sport was designed to offer a blend of off-road capability, family practicality, and relative affordability, competing with vehicles like the Toyota Hilux Surf and Isuzu Trooper. It built upon the robust platform of the Mitsubishi Pajero, offering a more accessible and value-oriented alternative.
Mitsubishi Montero Sport I: An Overview
The Montero Sport I was conceived as a body-on-frame SUV, prioritizing durability and off-road performance. It served as a crucial model for Mitsubishi, expanding their presence in the growing SUV segment. The 3.5 XLS variant, equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and automatic transmission, was a common trim level, offering a balance of power and convenience. The vehicle’s design reflected the late 1990s aesthetic, with a focus on ruggedness and functionality. It provided seating for five passengers and offered a substantial cargo area, making it suitable for both daily commuting and adventurous excursions.
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 Nm (221.27 lb-ft) of torque at 3000 rpm. This naturally aspirated engine, featuring a 9.5:1 compression ratio and multi-port fuel injection, delivers adequate power for both on-road driving and moderate off-road challenges. The engine’s longitudinal front-engine layout contributes to a balanced weight distribution. The power-to-weight ratio of 9.6 kg/Hp (103.8 Hp/tonne) and torque-to-weight ratio of 6.5 kg/Nm (153.5 Nm/tonne) indicate a reasonably responsive vehicle. The 4-speed automatic transmission provides smooth gear changes, although it’s less efficient than modern transmissions. Fuel economy figures are typical for a vehicle of this type and era, with combined consumption of 12 l/100 km (19.6 US mpg, 23.5 UK mpg, 8.3 km/l). The vehicle’s all-wheel-drive system enhances traction in various conditions, making it a capable off-road performer.
Design & Features
The Mitsubishi Montero Sport I is a five-door SUV with a traditional body-on-frame construction. Its exterior design is characterized by a boxy silhouette, reflecting the styling trends of the late 1990s. The vehicle’s dimensions – 4725 mm (186.02 in) in length, 1775 mm (69.88 in) in width, and 1900 mm (74.8 in) in height – provide ample interior space. The wheelbase of 2725 mm (107.28 in) contributes to a relatively comfortable ride. Key features include hydraulic power steering and an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), which were becoming increasingly common safety features during this period. The interior offers seating for five occupants and boasts a 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 seats folded down. The fuel tank capacity of 92 liters (24.3 US gal, 20.24 UK gal) provides a reasonable driving range. The vehicle rides on 16-inch wheels fitted with 265/70 R16 tires.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Montero Sport |
| Generation | Montero Sport I |
| Type | 3.5 XLS (203 Hp) Automatic |
| 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, 6.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 10 l/100 km (23.5 US mpg, 28.2 UK mpg, 10 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 12 l/100 km (19.6 US mpg, 23.5 UK mpg, 8.3 km/l) |
| 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 | 4 gears, automatic 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 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
The Mitsubishi Montero Sport I 3.5 XLS, while not a technological marvel by today’s standards, offered a compelling package of off-road capability, practicality, and affordability. It remains a popular choice among enthusiasts and those seeking a durable and reliable SUV in regions where it was originally marketed.
