2016 was a high time in the midsize SUV segment. Ford released the revolutionary second-generation Everest towards the tail end of 2015, Toyota pulled the covers off the redesigned Fortuner, and Mitsubishi brought in the third-gen Montero Sport.
It was during that time where every major midsize SUV manufacturer showed the public that these truck-based vehicles didn’t have to come with too many compromises, particularly in the ride and handling department.But over the last five years, just about everyone has an all-new pickup-based SUV.
That is except Toyota and Mitsubishi.
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These SUVs were once the freshest in the market, but now creeping towards the decade-old mark. Despite their age, it hasn’t really put a dent on their sales. After all, Toyota and Mitsubishi are two of the top-selling brands in the country. One can say that local consumer place a lot of trust in those companies when it comes to vehicle choice.
However, sales figures aren’t indicative of a car’s capabilities, pros, and cons. Which is why we thought it would be a good time to try out the recently facelifted Mitsubishi Montero Sport. It gets a refreshed exterior design, a few updates inside, and, er, that’s really the gist of it. Frankly, we could just copy-paste our review from 2016, stick in photos of the latest version, and call it a day.
But we refuse to take the easy way out. This SUV is still a widely popular choice in its segment, and it’s vital to let people know what it’s really like. We’re also duty bound to tell you if the passage of time has been kind or cruel to the Montero Sport.
Styling
Nearly a decade has passed since the third-generation Montero Sport made its world premiere. By now, it’s a very familiar sight and still provokes the same love-hate reaction from those who see the rear styling. Of course, there are more folks who are used to it by now, but that doesn’t mean they like it.
What we have here is the range-topping Black Series 4WD variant. It’s essentially the old GT 4WD model, but with more black bits added to the exterior…as the name implies. There are several more changes to be seen, though.
The headlights sport a different look, while the grille features new hexagonal patterns. Its bumpers have been ever so slightly reshaped, the grille is now illuminated, and there are also new wheel designs to differentiate it from last year’s model.
While not the freshest design around, we reckon it still looks contemporary enough. We won’t call it dated just yet.
Interior
But it’s on the inside where the Montero Sport well and truly feels its age. It’s not the most space efficient, nor is it the most cleverly packaged. Not helping matters is the fact that the it’s also the narrowest vehicle in its class.
The front footwells are narrow, and taller or stockier folks might find their knees smacking against the center console. Rear legroom is decent but far from the best, but the second-row doesn’t slide forward or backwards. Whatever space you have there is pretty much fixed. As for the third row, there’s practically no footroom left, so while there is some legroom to be found, those seated by there will be forced to sit in a fetal position.
Setting and stowing the third row isn’t a one-step procedure. To set, you’ll have to pull the backrests into place, and then reaching inside to push the seat bottoms down. At least stowing it is easier with just a pull of two straps.
At this point, you’re probably wondering if there’s anything good about the interior. To be honest, it still looks good and feels premium enough. Yes, there are hard plastics, but the textures make it feel richer than it should. Ergonomics are good with every switch, button, and dial falling easily to hand. And while it’s the smallest in its class, cargo space is still commendable.
There are welcome changes, too. The new steering wheel takes a few years off the cabin, and so does new digital instrument cluster. We particularly liked the Heat Guard seats which proved useful when we left the car parked under the sun. Speaking of the seats, these remain one of the most comfortable around.
Engine performance
The 2.4-liter MIVEC turbodiesel was a revelation when we tried it way back in 2016. At the time, it felt smooth, responsive, and refined. This diesel was also one of the most powerful back in the day, but the competition has, admittedly, moved on.
It still makes 179hp and 430Nm of torque, and that engine is still mated to an eight-speed automatic. However, most of its competitors make at least around 190hp and 450Nm of torque in their top-spec guises. Mind you, the Montero Sport still has decent pull, but try out any of its peers and you’ll feel the power difference.
But on its own, the MIVEC turbodiesel still does a fair job of pulling the Montero Sport’s weight. Unusually for a diesel, the meat of the power is higher up the rev range, but the torque spread is good, nonetheless.
Economy is a high point, too. In everyday traffic, the Montero Sport still does about 8 to 8.3km/L at an average pace of just 16kph, not bad for a four-wheel drive model. At anything over 20kph, those figures easily rise to 8.5 to 10km/L. On the highway, it’ll happily return 14.7km/L at an average of 90kph with a fair bit of overtaking.
Ride and handling
Despite its age, the Montero Sport is still one of the more comfortable offerings in its segment. The ride is soft and is generally unfazed by road imperfections. It also feels like it can handle abuse, shaking off larger ruts and potholes with ease.
Yes, there will be times when the suspension does get caught out by the odd bump or two, but bar the Ford Everest, what model in this category doesn’t? As far as truck-based 4WDs go, the Montero Sport still impresses. The best part is, it works great when the going gets rough.
We made time to drive it along bumpy and muddy paths. Combined with Super Select 4WD-II (SS 4WD-II), traction was never an issue, and it helped that there are off-road driving modes to choose from. Where we took it, two-wheel drive SUVs might end up going sideways and backwards.
There’s another thing to like about the 4WD system. SS 4WD-II lets you go four-wheel drive even when on the road. Because there’s an option to leave the center differential open, it’s still usable on sealed surfaces without risking any damage to the drivetrain.
You’ll want that center diff locked when things get a little rougher, though. Thankfully, just a turn of a dial activates it. And if things get even more complicated, the rear differential lock is there to the rescue. We barely scratched the surface of its off-road capabilities and we’re sure that the average Montero Sport owner will go nowhere near what it can really do.
There is a tradeoff to its soft ride and off-road abilities, though. The SUV pitches and rolls when driven enthusiastically on winding roads. It doesn’t feel dangerous because there’s actually decent roadholding, but it can alarm those not used to that level of body movement.
For off-roading though, we’d gladly take one of these.
Extra features
It’s still well equipped as before. Long before the term ‘Advanced Driver Assist System’ was coined, the Montero Sport had pretty clever tech already. From the start, it already had adaptive cruise control, a pedal misapplication prevention system, and autonomous emergency braking, to name a few. Plus points to Mitsubishi for that.
Other tech highlights? There’s a 360-degree view camera that also comes with multiple views for specific angles. Mind you, it’s not the highest of definitions, but it’s helpful nonetheless.
Oh, and here’s a fun fact for you: To identify a 2WD Montero Sport from a 4WD model, only the latter comes with headlight washers and a sunroof.
Verdict
Yes, the Montero Sport hails from a different generation of pickup-based midsize SUVs. There are things about it that feel dated, but we wouldn’t say it’s lagging behind the competition. The Montero Sport still has a lot of things going for it, especially when it comes to comfort, fuel efficiency, and off-road features and capability.
But this SUV has one more trick up its sleeve: Value. Okay, it’s not the least expensive 4WD midsize SUV out there (that title belongs to the Nissan Terra at P2,469,000), but at P2,502,000, it still has loads of features that can still allow it to go toe to toe with newer competition. If anything, its 4WD system is still one of the most advanced against its peers, a huge plus point there.
Time has exposed some of the Montero Sport’s weaknesses, but it also showed just how far the midsize SUV segment has come over the years. The fact that it can still hold its head up high against newer metal is an achievement in itself, which is why we have such high expectations for the all-new model that’s coming out soon.
SPECS: 2024 Mitsubishi Montero Sport Black Series 4WD
Price: P2,502,000
Engine: 2.4-liter MIVEC turbodiesel
Power: 179hp
Torque: 430Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Layout: Part-time four-wheel drive
Seating: 7
Score: 17/20
