Fuel efficiency face-off: toyota 4runner vs mitsubishi montero sport – who wins the mpg race?

The Toyota 4Runner and Mitsubishi Montero Sport are renowned SUVs that have long been favorites among adventure seekers and off-road enthusiasts. Both vehicles offer rugged capabilities, but they also have distinct characteristics that set them apart. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key differences between the Toyota 4Runner and Mitsubishi Montero Sport to help you make an informed decision on which SUV is the right choice for your needs.

Performance and Off-Road Prowess

Toyota 4Runner: The 4Runner is powered by a 4.0-liter V6 engine that produces 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. It comes standard with rear-wheel drive and offers an optional four-wheel drive system with a two-speed transfer case. The 4Runner’s off-road capabilities are enhanced by its Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), which allows for increased wheel articulation and stability on uneven terrain.

Mitsubishi Montero Sport: The Montero Sport is equipped with a 3.0-liter V6 engine that generates 191 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. It also features rear-wheel drive as standard and offers an optional Super Select 4WD system with a three-mode center differential. The Montero Sport’s off-road prowess is bolstered by its Multi-Terrain Select system, which allows drivers to optimize the vehicle’s settings for different driving conditions.

Interior and Comfort

Toyota 4Runner: The 4Runner’s interior is spacious and well-equipped, offering comfortable seating for up to five passengers. It features a user-friendly infotainment system with a touchscreen display, navigation, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The 4Runner also comes standard with a variety of safety features, including lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking.

Mitsubishi Montero Sport: The Montero Sport’s interior is equally spacious and comfortable, with seating for up to seven passengers. It boasts an advanced infotainment system with a larger touchscreen display, a premium sound system, and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Safety features on the Montero Sport include blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control.

Towing and Payload Capacity

Toyota 4Runner: The 4Runner has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. Its payload capacity is rated at 1,440 pounds.

Mitsubishi Montero Sport: The Montero Sport offers a slightly lower towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. However, it has a higher payload capacity of 1,532 pounds.

Fuel Economy

Toyota 4Runner: The 4Runner’s fuel economy ratings are 17 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway with rear-wheel drive. With four-wheel drive, the ratings drop to 16 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway.

Mitsubishi Montero Sport: The Montero Sport’s fuel economy estimates are 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway with rear-wheel drive. With four-wheel drive, the ratings decrease to 16 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.

Pricing and Trim Levels

Toyota 4Runner: The 4Runner is available in five trim levels: SR5, SR5 Premium, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, and Limited. Prices range from $36,420 to $50,475.

Mitsubishi Montero Sport: The Montero Sport is offered in four trim levels: ES, SE, SEL, and GT. Prices start at $30,945 and go up to $40,945.

Final Note: Choosing the Right SUV

Whether you’re an experienced off-roader or simply seeking an adventure-ready SUV, the Toyota 4Runner and Mitsubishi Montero Sport are both excellent choices. The 4Runner offers superior off-road capabilities and a more spacious interior, while the Montero Sport boasts a more affordable price and a higher payload capacity. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

What You Need to Learn

1. Which vehicle has better off-road capabilities?
The Toyota 4Runner has a slight edge over the Mitsubishi Montero Sport in terms of off-road performance, thanks to its Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS).

2. Which vehicle has a more comfortable interior?
Both the Toyota 4Runner and Mitsubishi Montero Sport offer comfortable interiors, but the 4Runner has a slight advantage due to its more spacious cabin.

3. Which vehicle is more fuel-efficient?
The Mitsubishi Montero Sport has slightly better fuel economy ratings than the Toyota 4Runner, especially on the highway.

4. Which vehicle has a higher towing capacity?
The Toyota 4Runner has a higher towing capacity of 5,000 pounds compared to the Montero Sport‘s 3,500 pounds.

5. Which vehicle has a lower starting price?
The Mitsubishi Montero Sport has a lower starting price of $30,945 compared to the Toyota 4Runner’s starting price of $36,420.