The Mitsubishi Montero Sport III 2.4 MIVEC (181 Hp) Automatic, 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 families and off-road enthusiasts. 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.
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 characterized by its body-on-frame construction, providing enhanced strength and off-road capability compared to more common unibody SUVs. The vehicle is designed to accommodate up to seven passengers, making it a practical choice for larger families. The 2.4 MIVEC variant, detailed here, was a key engine option, balancing performance with reasonable fuel consumption.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Montero Sport III 2.4 MIVEC is 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 to boost power and efficiency, along with Mitsubishi’s MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing and lift Electronic Control) technology for optimized valve timing. This results in a power-to-weight ratio of 10.7 kg/Hp and a torque-to-weight ratio of 4.5 kg/Nm. The engine is longitudinally mounted and paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering power to the rear wheels. The Montero Sport III achieves a maximum speed of 180 km/h (111.85 mph). While the Euro 2 emission standard is relatively low by modern standards, it was typical for the vehicle’s production period and target markets. The engine’s displacement of 2442 cm3 (149.02 cu. in.) and compression ratio of 15.5:1 contribute to its efficient operation.
Design & Features
The Montero Sport III features a traditional SUV body style with five doors and seating for seven passengers. Its design emphasizes a rugged and capable aesthetic, with a prominent front grille, sculpted body lines, and a relatively high ground clearance of 218 mm (8.58 in.). 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.). Inside, the Montero Sport III offers a functional and comfortable cabin, with a focus on practicality. Key features include a spacious interior, comfortable seating, and a range of convenience features. Safety features, while varying by trim level and market, typically include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and multiple airbags. The suspension system consists of a coil spring, double wishbone setup with a transverse stabilizer at the front, and a rigid axle suspension with a transverse stabilizer and coil springs at the rear, providing a balance between on-road comfort and off-road capability. Approach, departure, and ramp-over angles of 30°, 24.2°, and 23.1° respectively, further enhance its off-road prowess.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Montero Sport |
| Generation | Montero Sport III |
| Type (Engine) | 2.4 MIVEC (181 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2015 year |
| End of production | 2019 year |
| 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 | 10.7 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.5 kg/Nm |
| Power | 181 Hp @ 3500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 74.1 Hp/l |
| 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 | 1940 kg (4276.97 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2710 kg (5974.53 lbs.) |
| Max load | 770 kg (1697.56 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.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 8 gears, automatic 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 Automatic offered a compelling package for buyers seeking a capable, comfortable, and reliable SUV, particularly in markets where body-on-frame construction and off-road ability were highly valued.
