Mitsubishi Montero Sport

The Mitsubishi Montero Sport's cabin emphasizes functionality with a straightforward layout. The car gets soft-touch materials in key areas like the central console and door panels. Higher trims get leather-appointed seats, but the material may feel less supple compared to rivals. 

The Montero Sport offers a commanding driving position with ample visibility. Seats are generally comfortable, though some drivers may want more thigh support. The second row provides reasonable legroom and headroom. But the bench doesn't slide, which can limit flexibility in configuring passenger and cargo space. The third row is best suited for children or short trips, as space is limited. Access is facilitated by a tumble-forward second row.

Dual-zone climate control is standard in the top models. Rear passengers benefit from ceiling-mounted air vents, maintaining airflow throughout the cabin. Additional amenities include keyless entry, push-button start, and, in higher trims, power-adjustable front seats.

Pros and Cons

Pros: Comfortable front seats

Cons: Cramped third row

Features and Technology

At the heart of the Mitsubishi Montero Sport's cabin is an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, facilitating seamless smartphone integration for navigation, music streaming, and hands-free communication. The system provides essential functionalities, but the interface may feel dated, with pixelated graphics and slower response time compared to newer systems.

Higher trims enhance the audio experience with an eight-speaker sound system, delivering clearer and more immersive sound quality. 

The Montero Sport comes with an 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster that replaces the traditional analog gauges. This display provides vital information, including speed, fuel economy, and 4WD settings. While functional, the graphics are considered basic by contemporary standards. The cluster offers multiple display modes, allowing drivers to customize the information.

Pros and cons

Pros: Comprehensive smartphone integration

Cons: Aging Infotainment Interface

Boot Space and Storage

With all seats up, the Mitsubishi Montero Sport provides 131 liters of cargo space. Folding the third row expands the cargo area to about 502 liters. With the second and third rows folded, the cargo space increases to 1,575 liters of flat loading space. The second-row seats fold in a 60:40 split, allowing for flexible combinations of passengers and cargo. 

Inside the cabin, the Mitsubishi Montero Sport provides several storage options. Front-row passengers get access to a glovebox with ample space, a central console box, door pockets with bottle holders, and a ceiling-mounted sunglasses holder.

Second-row occupants get map pockets on the back of the front seats, retractable cup holders in the central armrest, and door bins. 

Passengers on the third row gets cup holders and ceiling-mounted air vents. A 12V power outlet is available for convenient charging.

Pros and Cons

Pros: Flexible seating configuration

Cons: Some rivals offer higher cargo space

The Mitsubishi Montero Sport measures 4,825mm in length, 1,815mm in width, and 1,835mm in height. It has a wheelbase of 2,800mm. 

The Montero Sport’s updated hexagonal grille is larger and more prominent than before. It’s finished in gloss black or dark chrome. A wide lower intake integrates a new honeycomb mesh pattern that improves airflow while looking visually aggressive. The bi-projector headlights are slimmer and sleeker, now with smoked housings and integrated daytime running lights (DRLs). The car gets all-around LED lighting. The turn signals are housed lower down the bumper. The fog lamps are now housed in vertically aligned bezels. The front bumper has been reshaped for improved airflow and off-road angles. The integrated front skid plate is in silver or matte black colour.

The Montero Sport, from the sides, retains its athletic side stance with strong character lines and elevated ground clearance. The flared wheel arches with subtle black cladding lend the car a planted and capable look. The SUV gets a high beltline with a gently sloping roof.  The new 18-inch alloy wheels are chunkier The Black Series get gloss black wheels. Functional silver or black roof rails and chunky side step boards.

The taillights are vertically extended, but now get darker lenses and smoked finishes. The rear bumper has been re-sculpted for a wider stance, with a faux diffuser and a metallic skid plate finish.

The Mitsubishi Montero Sport is available in Jet Black Mica and Diamond White colour options.

Pros: Commanding road presence

Cons: Excessive chrome accents

Diesel SUVs aren’t exactly fuel efficient but the Mitsubishi Montero Sport still manages to offer a decent fuel economy. During city driving, the SUV offers 8.0 to 8.3kmpl in typical urban traffic conditions. The fuel efficiency improves to around 8.5 to 10.0kmpl under moderate speed. On highways, at a steady speed of 90kmph, the Mitsubishi can attain a mileage of up to 14.7kmpl.

Pros and cons

Pros: Efficient diesel powertrain

Cons: Performance vs economy trade-off

Built on a body-on-frame chassis, the Montero Sport employs a suspension setup that balances comfort with off-road capability. The suspension effectively absorbs road imperfections, providing a smooth ride over uneven surfaces. In terms of handling, the Montero Sport exhibits some body roll during aggressive cornering, a common trait among SUVs in this class. The steering is a bit on the heavier side, offering a sense of stability and control at higher speeds, though it may require more effort during low-speed manoeuvring. 

Noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels are well-managed, ensuring a quiet and serene cabin environment even at highway speeds. The diesel powertrain’s clatter is noticeable at lower RPMs and that may slightly detract from the overall quietness.

Pros: Urban-friendly suspension 

Cons: NVH levels should have been better 

The Mitsubishi Montero Sport is equipped with a turbocharged, four-cylinder, 2.4-liter diesel engine that produces 181PS/430Nm. This engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission (AT) that provides smooth gear shifts and responsive acceleration. While the engine offers adequate power for most driving situations, it may feel strained during heavy towing or when fully loaded. The 8-speed AT is well-calibrated, ensuring the SUV stays within its powerband, which is particularly beneficial during off-road excursions or when climbing hill.

The hydraulic steering system offers a heavier feel at low speeds compared to some competitors, but this translates to better road feedback, enhancing driver confidence.

The top-level models of the Montero Sport excels in off-road conditions, courtesy Mitsubishi's Super Select 4WD-II system. It system allows drivers to switch between 2H, 4H, 4HLc, and 4LLc modes, adapting to various terrains. The inclusion of a locking rear differential and hill descent control further enhances its off-road prowess.

Pros and cons

Pros: Exceptional off-road capability

Cons: Underwhelming acceleration

The Mitsubishi Montero Sport has a very good NCAP ASEAN rating, which means, the SUV is safer than you think. There are a total of se

The Montero Sport is mounted on Mitsubishi's Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) design that employs high-tensile steel to create a rigid passenger cell, enhancing crash energy absorption and occupant protection.

The car gets a 360-degree camera system that assists in parking and manoeuvring in tight spaces. The SUV is equipped with front and rear sensors that detect obstacles. The car gets forward collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control, blind spot warning with lane-change assist monitors, rear cross traffic alert, and ultrasonic misacceleration mitigation system. 

The Montero Sport is equipped with multiple airbags.

Pros and cons

Pros: Comprehensive safety suite

Cons: Limited ADAS

ven airbags all around the car. The braking duties are done by disc brakes and ABS (anti-lock braking system). If that does not sound enough, the list of safety does not end here. The SUV also features Hill Start Assist, just to make sure that you don’t roll back while starting on an inclined road.

There is another sensor called HDC (Hill Descent Control), which controls the speed of the car while descending from a hill even if brakes are not applied. The Montero also has a BSW (Blind Spot Warning) sensor, which uses ultrasonic technology to detect any vehicle which nears the car from the side or rear quarter.\

However, to top it all, the Mitsubishi mid-sized SUV has an FCM (Forward Collision Mitigation) system, which alerts the driver through an audible alarm if the vehicle is very near to any car in front. And if the distance between the SUV and the vehicle in front is negligible, the audible alert is accompanied by emergency automatic braking.

If you are planning to buy fortuner over montero, we suggest you to check this Mitsubishi Montero vs Toyota Fortuner comparison before taking decision.

Competitor Comparison

The Toyota Fortuner is a close competitor of the Mitsubishi Montero Sport in the Philippines market. Both are top contenders in the midsize SUV segment. The Fortuner boasts of more powerful engine choices, particularly in the higher trims, and a tougher, truck-like build suited for off-road use. It also offers better resale value. Meanwhile, the Montero Sport delivers smoother ride comfort, a more refined cabin, and advanced safety features at a lower price point. While the Fortuner appeals to those prioritizing performance and ruggedness, the Montero Sport is ideal for buyers seeking value, comfort, and versatile daily use. Both are reliable, but cater to slightly different priorities.

Conclusion and Final Verdict

The 2024 Mitsubishi Montero Sport blends rugged performance with refined comfort, making it a versatile SUV for families and adventure-seekers. Its capable 4WD system, practical interior, and strong safety features ensure that the car is ready for both city streets and off-road trails. While cargo space and interior materials may not lead the class, its overall value, reliability, and everyday usability make it a compelling choice in the midsize SUV segment.