As someone who's been covering the automotive industry for over a decade, I've seen countless SUVs come and go, but the Mitsubishi Montero Sport has maintained a surprisingly consistent presence in the Philippine market. When Philkotse's team approached me to share my perspective on whether this vehicle is still worth buying in 2024, I immediately thought of the diverse expertise behind their reviews - from seasoned professionals like Jeff Lumbo and Chris John Remata to fresh perspectives like their newest addition Vito Sarines. This blend of experience and new blood perfectly mirrors what makes evaluating the Montero Sport so interesting - it's a vehicle that balances traditional strengths with modern expectations.
Let me be perfectly honest from the start - I've always had a soft spot for Mitsubishi's approach to building vehicles that can handle the unique challenges of Philippine roads. The Montero Sport we're discussing today starts at around ₱1.64 million for the base model and climbs to nearly ₱2.4 million for the top-tier variant, which positions it squarely against competitors like the Ford Everest and Toyota Fortuner. What struck me during my recent test drive was how the vehicle manages to feel both rugged and refined, a difficult balance that many manufacturers struggle to achieve. The 2.4-liter diesel engine delivers around 181 horsepower and 430 Nm of torque, numbers that translate to real-world capability when you're navigating flooded streets during monsoon season or climbing steep inclines in provincial areas.
I remember specifically discussing suspension systems with Edison Tabalin from the Philkotse team last month, and his insights perfectly align with what I experienced. The Montero Sport's independent front suspension and multi-link rear setup provide what I'd describe as 85% comfort and 15% ruggedness in its tuning - it leans slightly more toward daily drivability than outright off-road capability, which honestly makes more sense for how most people will use this vehicle. During my week with the vehicle, I put about 350 kilometers on it through various conditions - from smooth expressways to what I'd generously call "challenging" municipal roads. The ride quality remained composed throughout, though I did notice slightly more body roll than in some competitors when taking corners at higher speeds.
The interior tells a similar story of thoughtful compromises. Sitting behind the wheel, I appreciated the 8-inch touchscreen interface which responded quickly to inputs, though I have to admit I preferred using Android Auto rather than the native system. Gary Sales from Philkotse mentioned similar preferences during our conversation about in-car technology. The cabin materials strike a good balance between durability and premium feel - you'll find soft-touch plastics where they matter most and harder-wearing surfaces in areas likely to see more abuse. What impressed me most was the third-row seating, which actually accommodates adults reasonably well for shorter journeys, unlike many SUVs in this class where the third row feels like an afterthought.
When it comes to fuel efficiency, I recorded numbers that might surprise you. During mixed driving conditions - about 60% city and 40% highway - the Montero Sport returned approximately 12.5 km/L. On a pure highway run from Manila to Tagaytay with moderate traffic, I saw this improve to around 15.2 km/L. These figures place it competitively within the segment, though slightly behind the segment-leading Toyota Fortuner's hybrid system. Where the Montero Sport truly shines, in my opinion, is its comprehensive safety package. Having seven airbags as standard across all variants demonstrates Mitsubishi's commitment to safety, and the inclusion of features like hill descent control and multi-terrain selection system provides peace of mind when conditions deteriorate.
Now, let's address the elephant in the room - the design. The current generation Montero Sport has been around since 2016 with facelifts in 2019 and 2022, and if I'm being completely honest, it's starting to show its age compared to fresher competitors. The exterior styling remains handsome in my view, but the interior design language feels dated next to something like the latest Ford Everest. This is where perspectives like Vito Sarines from Philkotse become particularly valuable - younger buyers often prioritize technology and modern aesthetics differently than traditional SUV shoppers. The infotainment system, while functional, lacks the crisp resolution and intuitive operation of newer systems, and the analog instrument cluster feels conservative in an era where digital displays are becoming commonplace.
Maintenance costs represent another crucial consideration. Based on data from various Mitsubishi dealerships and owner reports, average maintenance costs during the first five years come out to approximately ₱45,000, with major services at around 40,000 and 80,000 kilometers costing significantly more. Parts availability remains excellent throughout the Philippines, which can't be said for all competitors. During my research, I spoke with several long-term owners who reported minimal issues during the first 150,000 kilometers, with one taxi operator claiming his fleet vehicles regularly exceed 300,000 kilometers with proper maintenance.
So, after all this analysis, where do I land on whether the Montero Sport is worth buying? If you're looking for a no-nonsense, capable SUV that prioritizes reliability and proven performance over cutting-edge technology and flashy design, the Montero Sport deserves serious consideration. It's like that reliable friend who might not be the most exciting person at the party but will definitely help you move furniture on a rainy day. The competitive pricing, strong after-sales support, and impressive resale value (retaining about 65% of its value after three years according to industry data) make it a smart choice for practical buyers. However, if you place higher value on the latest tech features and contemporary interior design, you might find yourself looking more closely at competitors. For my money and needs, the Montero Sport's proven durability and capable performance make it a compelling option in a segment filled with excellent choices.