A reader recently reached out to us to ask for car-shopping advice. Kel Mojica, a seafarer, says he is torn between the Mitsubishi Montero Sport GLS Black Series 2WD AT and a Toyota Fortuner 2.8 Q 4x2 AT. Out of all the inquiries we’ve responded to this year, this might be one of the trickiest—these are two of the heaviest hitters in the midsize SUV segment, after all.
Hello, Kel! Thanks for reaching out. You have quite the options on your hands here. Kel here is a seafarer, so he says his internet connection can be spotty, so I wasn’t able to hold an extensive conversation with him. That’s all I know about him so far, so I’ll just assume that his budget and options are already final.
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I have a few points we need to discuss here, but let me start with this: Both of these vehicles have been showing signs of aging for years now, and they’re starting to feel a bit dated when pitted against newer SUVs and crossovers in the market. But if it’s just between these two, it’s the Montero Sport that appears older. The Fortuner’s interior, despite being several years old, just feels a bit fresher. If that’s something you’re keen about, then you have to keep this in mind.
Now, since you’re a seafarer, we’ll also assume that the vehicle you’ll end up buying will be mostly left in the hands of someone else—be it an immediate family member, a relative, or a friend. Chances are, they’ll be having more seat time with the vehicle than you ever will. If that’s the case, then I reckon you’ll want drivers and passengers are kept safe while you’re away. Well, both vehicles offer similar safety packages—parking aids and cameras, forward-collision warning with autonomous emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control, among others. So at least you can’t go wrong in this department.
In terms of performance, though, there’s a big difference between the two. The Fortuner Q gets Toyota’s 2.8-liter turbodiesel that puts out 201hp and 500Nm of torque and is mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox. It’s got much more oomph than Mitsubishi’s 2.4-liter turbodiesel capable of 178hp and 430Nm with an eight-speed auto that you’ll find in the Montero Sport. If it’s that strong pull you’re looking for, go for the Fortuner. If it’s slightly better fuel efficiency and a more relaxed cruising experience on highways, then it’s the Montero Sport for you.
Last but not least, one thing to discuss between these two is comfort. It’s always been the pain point for Toyota’s famed midsize SUV, and in 2024, it still loses to its competitors in this regard. The Montero Sport is just way, way more comfortable than the Fortuner. It‘s much easier to drive, too—steering is lighter, and it’s somewhat easier to board or alight the vehicle.
Design is subjective, so I’d rather not take a deeper dive into that. As far as pricing goes, it’s also pretty tight, so it might not be a deciding factor for you. The Mitsubishi Montero Sport GLS Black Series 2WD AT stickers for P2.103 million, while the Toyota Fortuner 2.8 Q 4x2 AT goes for P2.204 million. Ultimately, it’ll boil down to your preferences and needs. Is it comfort you’re prioritizing, or do you want the performance? You tell us. Good luck on your decision, and I hope this helps!
