Against 452 other V6 cars rated 2004–2006, the Montero trails their 19 mpg average by 4 mpg, about $539 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1984, the 2.6L 4-cyl (1984–1990), does 16.4 mpg and the thirstiest, the 3.8L 6-cyl (2003–2006), 15: $219 a year apart.
Every Mitsubishi Montero engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.6L 4-cyl | 15.4 / 17.7 | 1984–1990 | $2,341 | |
| 3L 6-cyl | 14.5 / 17.2 | 1989–2000 | $2,477 | |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 13.7 / 17 | 1997–2002 | $2,560 | |
| 3.8L 6-cyl | 13 / 17.5 | 2003–2006 | $2,560 |
What that actually costs
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2006) | $0.213 |
| Fuel per year | $2,560 |
| Fuel over five years | $12,800 |
| Against other V6 cars, 2004–2006 | +$539 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $4,244 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2006 Mitsubishi Montero gives up 4 mpg in town: 17 on the highway against 13 in the city, $695 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2006) | 13 mpg | $2,954 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 17 mpg | $2,259 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +4 mpg (31%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the Montero changed over the years
The Montero peaked in 1986 at 17 mpg (16 city, 18 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2001 at 14 — 3 mpg apart, or $484 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2006 car does 15.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 13 / 17 | 1 | $2,560 | |
| 2005 | 13 / 17 | 1 | $2,560 | |
| 2004 | 13 / 18 | 1 | $2,560 | |
| 2003 | 13 / 18 | 1 | $2,560 | |
| 2002 | 14 / 17 | 1 | $2,560 | |
| 2001 | 12 / 16 | 1 | $2,743 | |
| 2000 | 15 / 18 | 1 | $2,400 | |
| 1999 | 15 / 18 | 1 | $2,400 | |
| 1998 | 15 / 18 | 1 | $2,400 | |
| 1997 | 15 / 18 | 1 | $2,400 | |
| 1996 | 14 / 17 | 1 | $2,560 | |
| 1995 | 14 / 17 | 1 | $2,560 | |
| 1994 | 14 / 17 | 1 | $2,560 | |
| 1993 | 14 / 17 | 1 | $2,560 | |
| 1992 | 14 / 17 | 1 | $2,560 | |
| 1991 | 15 / 17 | 1 | $2,560 | |
| 1990 | 15 / 17 | 2 | $2,400 | |
| 1989 | 15 / 17 | 2 | $2,400 | |
| 1988 | 15 / 18 | 1 | $2,400 | |
| 1987 | 15 / 17 | 1 | $2,400 | |
| 1986 | 16 / 18 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 1985 | 16 / 18 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 1984 | 16 / 18 | 1 | $2,259 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 25 EPA ratings of the Mitsubishi Montero — 4 engines across 1984–2006. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $4,244. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2006 Mitsubishi Montero get?
15 mpg combined, 13 city and 17 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1984 the Montero has averaged 15.6 mpg.
Is the 2006 Montero more efficient than the 2005?
About the same: 15 against 15 mpg combined.
Which Montero year has the best gas mileage?
The 1986, at 17 mpg combined (16 city, 18 highway).
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