Walking into the Mitsubishi dealership last Tuesday, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and caution. I’ve test-driven plenty of SUVs over the years, but the Montero Sport GLS always seems to stand out—partly because of its reputation, and partly because of how divisive it can be among enthusiasts. Before I even settled into the driver’s seat, I remembered something seemingly unrelated but oddly fitting: that San Miguel Beermen game where they blasted off to a 22-6 lead in the first quarter. You might wonder what basketball has to do with an SUV review, but stick with me here. Just like the Beermen built an insurmountable advantage early on, the Montero Sport GLS comes out strong from the get-go, piling on features that make competitors scramble to catch up. And in today’s crowded midsize SUV market, starting strong isn’t just nice—it’s everything.
Let’s start with what grabbed me right away: the exterior design. Mitsubishi has clearly put effort into making the Montero Sport look both rugged and refined, with that dominant front grille and sharp LED headlights. It’s not just for show, either. I took it on a mix of city roads and loose gravel, and the 2.4-liter diesel engine didn’t just perform—it dominated. With 181 horsepower and 430 Nm of torque, acceleration feels immediate, almost urgent. That power is managed beautifully by an eight-speed automatic transmission that shifts so smoothly, you barely notice it’s there until you really push it. And push it I did. On a steep incline that would have most SUVs groaning, the Montero Sport climbed without breaking a sweat. It’s the kind of confidence you want when you’re hauling family or gear, and honestly, I think this is where Mitsubishi outshines rivals like the Fortuner or Everest.
Inside, the cabin is surprisingly spacious, with seating for seven and clever storage solutions throughout. The second-row seats slide and recline, which is perfect for long trips, and the third row? Well, it’s usable, unlike some of the token seats you find in other SUVs. I’m 5’11”, and I could sit there without feeling like a folded lawn chair—though I wouldn’t recommend it for hours on end. What really stood out to me, though, was the infotainment system. The 8-inch touchscreen is responsive, and Apple CarPlay integration is seamless. But I have to be honest: the speaker system could be better. For a vehicle in this price range, I expected richer audio, especially at higher volumes. Still, the dual-zone climate control and generous legroom up front more than make up for it. On a practical note, cargo space is impressive—over 450 liters with all seats up, expanding to nearly 1,600 liters with the third row folded. That’s enough for a family camping trip or a Costco run without a second thought.
Now, let’s talk about something that doesn’t always get enough attention: safety. The Montero Sport GLS comes with seven airbags, stability control, and a multi-terrain ABS that actually works. I tested the brakes on a wet patch of road, and the response was instant, no fishtailing or drama. It also has a hill descent control feature that, while I didn’t need it during my test, adds peace of mind for off-road adventures. If I’m being picky, I’d say the blind-spot monitoring could be more sensitive—it’s functional, but not as sharp as in some Korean models. Still, for a family-focused SUV, the safety suite is robust, and Mitsubishi deserves credit for not cutting corners here.
Fuel efficiency is another strong suit. During my week with the Montero Sport, I recorded around 12.5 km/l in combined driving, which is pretty solid for a diesel SUV this size. On the highway, that number crept up to nearly 14 km/l. Compare that to the Fortuner, which I’ve found averages closer to 10-11 km/l in similar conditions, and the difference is meaningful. Over a year, that could save you a decent chunk on fuel costs, especially if you’re logging heavy mileage. Of course, your driving style affects these numbers, but the Montero Sport seems optimized for real-world use, not just lab tests.
Ride comfort is where the Montero Sport truly separates itself from the pack. The independent front suspension and multi-link rear setup absorb bumps and imperfections like a pro. I took it over some rough, unpaved roads that would have jolted my spine in other SUVs, and the Montero glided over them. It’s quiet, too—road and wind noise are well-suppressed, making conversations easy even at highway speeds. If I had to nitpick, the steering feels a tad light at low speeds, but it weights up nicely as you go faster. It’s clear Mitsubishi tuned this SUV for comfort first, and I, for one, appreciate that. After all, if you’re spending hours behind the wheel, you shouldn’t feel every crack in the pavement.
Wrapping up, the Montero Sport GLS isn’t perfect—no vehicle is. But it gets the big things right: power, space, efficiency, and a comfortable ride. It’s the kind of SUV that builds a lead early and maintains it, much like that San Miguel Beermen game where they stretched their advantage to 21 points by halftime and never looked back. If you’re in the market for a dependable, capable midsize SUV, the Montero Sport GLS should be at the top of your list. Just be sure to test those speakers before you sign on the dotted line.