Mitsubishi Montero
15 MPG The 2006 Mitsubishi Montero is EPA-rated at 15 MPG combined (13 city / 17 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 1000 gallons, $3200 a year in fuel, or $0.213 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1986–2006 run it averages 15.2 MPG, falling by 1.5 MPG over 21 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.167 | $1667 | $2500 | $3333 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.200 | $2000 | $3000 | $4000 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.213 | $2133 | $3200 | $4267 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.233 | $2333 | $3500 | $4667 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.267 | $2667 | $4000 | $5333 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.300 | $3000 | $4500 | $6000 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.333 | $3333 | $5000 | $6667 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 15 MPG | 13 | 17 | $5150 | 592 | 1 |
| 2005 | 15 MPG | 13 | 17 | $5150 | 592 | 1 |
| 2004 | 15 MPG | 13 | 18 | $5150 | 592 | 1 |
| 2003 | 15 MPG | 13.5 | 18 | $5150 | 592 | 2 |
| 2002 | 14.5 MPG | 13.5 | 17 | $5325 | 614 | 2 |
| 2001 | 14 MPG | 12.5 | 16 | $5500 | 635 | 2 |
| 2000 | 15.7 MPG | 14.3 | 17.7 | $3983 | 568 | 3 |
| 1999 | 15.7 MPG | 14.3 | 17.7 | $3983 | 568 | 3 |
| 1998 | 15.7 MPG | 14.3 | 17.7 | $3983 | 568 | 3 |
| 1997 | 15.3 MPG | 14.3 | 17.5 | $4088 | 583 | 4 |
| 1996 | 14.8 MPG | 13.8 | 17 | $4420 | 601 | 5 |
| 1995 | 14.8 MPG | 13.8 | 16.8 | $4420 | 601 | 5 |
| 1994 | 14.7 MPG | 13.7 | 16.7 | $4600 | 607 | 3 |
| 1993 | 15 MPG | 14 | 17 | $4150 | 592 | 2 |
| 1992 | 15 MPG | 14 | 17 | $4150 | 592 | 2 |
| 1991 | 15 MPG | 14.5 | 17 | $4150 | 592 | 2 |
| 1990 | 15.7 MPG | 14.7 | 17 | $3983 | 568 | 3 |
| 1989 | 15.7 MPG | 14.7 | 17 | $3983 | 568 | 3 |
| 1988 | 15.5 MPG | 15 | 17 | $4025 | 574 | 2 |
| 1987 | 16 MPG | 15 | 17.5 | $3900 | 555 | 2 |
| 1986 | 16.5 MPG | 15.5 | 17 | $3775 | 539 | 2 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 43 special purpose vehicles models tracked here, the Mitsubishi Montero ranks 35 on current figures, against a class average of 17.6 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Chrysler Town and Country 4WD (16), Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan 4WD (16), GMC Jimmy 2WD (16), Isuzu Amigo 4WD (16), Oldsmobile Bravada AWD (16).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 592 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 8.9 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Mitsubishi Montero get?
The 2006 Mitsubishi Montero is rated at 15 MPG combined by the EPA — 13 city and 17 highway. Across all 21 model years in the database it averages 15.2 MPG, ranging from 14 to 17 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Mitsubishi Montero cost in fuel per year?
At 15 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 1000 gallons — roughly $3200 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.213 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2006 model is $5150.
Has the Mitsubishi Montero become more efficient over time?
No — it has actually gone backwards, from 16.5 MPG in 1986 to 15 in 2006. That usually reflects the model growing heavier, more powerful, or moving upmarket rather than the engineering getting worse.
Is the Mitsubishi Montero efficient for its class?
It ranks 35 of 43 in the Special Purpose Vehicles class on current figures, against a class average of 17.6 MPG. That is 2.6 worse than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.