In 1997, Mitsubishi entered the mid-size SUV market with the Mitsubishi Montero Sport. The Montero Sport was introduced to supplement the former Mitsubishi Montero, which stands on a bigger wheelbase yet it is less stylish than the mid-size Montero Sport. The new Mitsubishi Montero Sport takes pride both of its sleek and muscular body as well as its dependable drivetrain, tight suspension and roomy interior. It stands on a 107.3-inch wheelbase and has 93.6 cubic feet of passenger volume. It is built on the big Montero's chassis; however, it has a lighter, shorter and lower body.

Model line-up of the Montero Sport includes the Mitsubishi Montero Sport ES, LS, XLS and Limited level trims. Initially, the all Montero Sport carried Mitsubishi's trusted 3.0 L V6 engine, except for the LS that is powered by a 2.4 L 4 cylinder engine. Options of a two-wheel or four-wheel drive are available on some models. Either a 5-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission is available on the Montero Sport vehicles.

Every year, new features are added to the Montero Sport SUVs, making it more fit to your needs, especially in traveling off road. In 1998, a two-wheel drive XLS model joined the model line-up and antilock brakes became standard on the LS 4x4 and XLS models. Introduced in 1999 was the luxury Limited trim, which came with a bigger and more powerful 3.5L V6 engine and more functional and high-tech equipments. In 2000, there were slight exterior and interior revisions while in 2001, 3.5X sport-trimmed model was introduced. A more sophisticated All4-wheel drive replaced the Montero Sport's old 4WD system in 2002. Also, some equipments that were previously optional were made standard on some models. In 2003, Montero Sport roof was 08-inch higher.