The Mitsubishi Montero Sport III, 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 seven-passenger, body-on-frame SUVs, designed to offer a blend of off-road capability, family practicality, and relative comfort. The model discussed here is equipped with a 3.0-liter MIVEC V6 engine, Super Select 4WD, and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
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 regions where demand for traditional, body-on-frame SUVs remained strong. The vehicle aimed to improve upon its predecessors with enhanced refinement, improved fuel efficiency, and a more modern feature set. The Super Select 4WD system, a Mitsubishi hallmark, provides drivers with a range of drive modes to suit various terrains and conditions. The 3.0 MIVEC V6 engine offered a balance of power and efficiency for its class.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Montero Sport III 3.0 MIVEC V6 is a 2,998 cc (182.95 cubic inches) naturally aspirated V6 engine. This engine produces a maximum power output of 209 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 279 Nm (205.78 lb-ft) of torque at 4,000 rpm. The engine features Mitsubishi’s MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing and lift Electronic Control) technology, which optimizes valve timing for improved performance and fuel efficiency. The engine is longitudinally mounted in the front of the vehicle. Power is delivered to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic 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 4L), and an automatic mode that intelligently distributes torque between the front and rear axles. The vehicle achieves a maximum speed of 182 km/h (113.09 mph). The weight-to-power ratio is 9.5 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio is 7.1 kg/Nm.
Design & Features
The Mitsubishi Montero Sport III is a five-door SUV with seating for up to seven passengers. Its body-on-frame construction provides a robust platform for off-road driving and towing. The exterior design is characterized by a bold front grille, sculpted body lines, and a relatively high ground clearance of 218 mm (8.58 inches). The vehicle’s dimensions are 4,785 mm (188.39 inches) in length, 1,815 mm (71.46 inches) in width, and 1,805 mm (71.06 inches) in height, with a wheelbase of 2,800 mm (110.24 inches). Inside, the Montero Sport III offers a functional and spacious cabin. Features typically include air conditioning, power windows, power locks, and a basic audio system. Safety features, depending on the trim level and market, include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), and multiple airbags. The vehicle’s approach, departure, and ramp-over angles (30°, 24.2°, and 23.1° respectively) contribute to its off-road capability. The fuel tank capacity is 70 liters (18.49 US gallons).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Montero Sport |
| Generation | Montero Sport III |
| Type | 3.0 MIVEC V6 (209 Hp) Super Select 4WD Automatic |
| 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 | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Maximum speed | 182 km/h (113.09 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.5 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.1 kg/Nm |
| Power | 209 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 69.7 Hp/l |
| Torque | 279 Nm @ 4000 rpm (205.78 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | 6B31 |
| Engine displacement | 2998 cm3 (182.95 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 87.6 mm (3.45 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 82.9 mm (3.26 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 | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.3 l (4.54 US qt | 3.78 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 11 l (11.62 US qt | 9.68 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1980 kg (4365.15 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2600 kg (5732.02 lbs.) |
| Max load | 620 kg (1366.87 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 70 l (18.49 US gal | 15.4 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 | ICE drives rear wheels, front wheels engaged via clutch |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears | 8 |
| Gearbox type | 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, while not a common sight on American roads, represents a capable and versatile SUV that served a significant role in international markets. Its blend of off-road prowess, seven-passenger capacity, and relatively modern features made it a popular choice for families and adventurers alike.
