Despite all the criticism you could throw at the previous models of the Mitsubishi Montero Sport, it did seem as though it was built to last.. other than the fact that it had numerous alleged incidents. But I'm not here to talk about that. You see, I've never really looked into in Mitsubishi's line-up, but this year oh thing's have changed, especially with the refreshed Montero Sport.
It's still a diesel-powered seven-seat large SUV that aims to be “as talented as it is tough”, with a focus on off-road ability and practicality. Having a minor refresh, the 2020 Mitsubishi Montero Sport will be safer and more feature-laden than before as it takes the fight to rivals including the Ford Everest, Chevrolet Trailblazer, Isuzu MU-X, and Toyota Fortuner.
Exterior The Mitsubishi Montero Sport embraces the Strada's new dynamic shield grille and headlamp combination. It features new daytime running lights and bumpers, also the bonnet is higher than before.
There are new 18" alloy wheel designs that are just so attractive with repositioned side steps purportedly bringing more ground clearance. The unorthodox vertically-arrayed tail lamps have been reduced, which I think they should've done on the previous model. Overall the car looks very modern with a bit of a muscle-y vibe to it.
Interior On the inside, there's a new 8.0-inch touchscreen unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto which is easy to use. Augmenting this a digital instrument screen behind the wheel showing vehicle data and the status of active safety equipment and looks absolutely amazing! You can customise your speedometer with 3 options, change the turn signal sound into something like an 80's video game (it sounds pretty annoying if you ask me) and of course, customise the unit you prefer.
The driving position is fairly decent, although the steering wheel could do with more adjustment for rake and reach. The seats feel quite comfortable and spongey but lack side support, so you’ll be squirming around quite a lot through corners. Visibility is good, with a fine view out of the front and some big door mirrors. The centre console has new storage areas ahead of the gear shifter and under it.
The big change comes in the form of more standard safety equipment, Mitsubishi Active Stability and Traction Control (MASTC), Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) body which uses high tensile strength steel, side impact door beams and an energy absorbing structure that disperses the force of impact away from the cabin. Engine Under the bonnet, Mitsubishi says it has made small tweaks to the 178hp/430Nm 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel, including a reworked combustion chamber and fuel injectors, bringing a lower compression ratio. There’s also a new aluminium alloy cylinder block to save mass. Drive
The strongest aspect of the Montero Sport’s driving ability is what it can do on the rough stuff. Although not offered with 4WD, the Montero has a ground clearance of 218mm. It also gets an impressive towing capacity of 3.1 tonnes, which is comfortably more than most of its seven-seat rivals. Aside from these rugged workhorse-like qualities, the driving experience is pretty good.
The only engine available is a 2.4-litre diesel unit that has a particularly agricultural feel to it, making a lot of noise at idle and under any kind of acceleration, although it does settle down at a cruise. Along with the engine noise, there’s a fair bit of wind and road noise too.
Performance wise, it’s quick enough to get to motorway speeds without too much trouble, and you’ll be able to overtake without needing to swallow too many brave pills. The eight-speed automatic transmission seems slightly hesitant to shift up, despite having a high number of ratios, meaning it can hang onto gears longer than you’d like and leave the engine whining.
When the gears shift, it does so fairly quickly and smoothly, and you have the option of using paddle shifters behind the steering wheel to change gears yourself. When you do, you’ll find the gearbox is actually pretty responsive to your commands. Ride comfort is more important than handling in something like this, whether you’re pottering through town or hammering down the motorway, it is reasonably comfortable.
Verdict So, Is the Montero Sport a right choice as an "affordable" family-hauler with proper off-roadability? Not quite. Starting at Php 1,769,000 for the GLS 2WD A/T variant and Php 1,998,000 for the GT 2WD. It is right up there with it's rivals, but an SUV with no 4WD option and if you’re an urban-dwelling and rarely likely to hit the rough stuff (even if you’re seduced by the jacked-up mud-flinging aesthetic)? No, it’s not. For similar coin, there’s more spacious, comfort options to be found.
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