Midsize SUVs are popular in the Philippines and have been since their entry into the market years ago. That’s because these can pretty much function as a family vehicle as they have oodles of space. This is on top of having the robustness of a pickup truck. So, in a nutshell, they are quite versatile, and that is their number one selling point.
2021 Mitsubishi Montero Sport GT Review: Feature-packed SUV for the family
One popular midsize SUV model in the local market right now is the Mitsubishi Montero Sport, of which the Japanese brand managed to sell a whopping 12,861 units in 2019 alone. This makes it one of the most popular SUV models in the market today.
But as of 2022, the Montero Sport is available in five different variants. There’s the Montero Sport GLX MT, Montero Sport GLS AT, Montero Sport Black Series, Montero Sport Black Series Ralliart and the Montero Sport GT. So, which one’s the right one for you? Let’s find out.
Mitsubishi Montero Sport Variants: Exterior
When it comes to size, all four Montero Sport variants have a length of 4,825mm, a width of 1,815mm, and a height of 1,835mm including the antenna and roof rails. All trims also have a ground clearance of 218mm, and a wheelbase length of 2,800mm.
The Mitsubishi Montero Sport. GT variant pictured
For vehicle weight, the heaviest variant is the top-spec Montero Sport GT 4WD AT at 2,775kg. The rest of the lineup meanwhile has a weight of 2,710kg.
The Montero Sport Black Series
For exterior equipment, all four variants are kitted out with LED headlamps, LED taillights, front fog lamps, LED daytime running lamps, roof rails, and turn signal side repeaters. All also ride on a set of 18-inch alloy wheels, though the ones on the GT, Black Series, and Black Series Ralliart variants come with alternate designs.
This year, Mitsubishi added a power lifgate for the Montero Sport
Speaking of which, the Black Series and the Black Series Ralliart are the only two Montero Sport trims that get black-colored front grilles, black-colored lower bumpers, black roofs, and a black spoilers. In turn, only the top-spec GT trim has access to a handsfree, automatic tailgate.
The Mitsubishi-made SUV from the rear
But beyond just black colored exterior trim pieces, the Montero Sport Black Series Ralliart gets several interior bits which pay homage to the brand's deep-seated roots in rallying. These come in the form of a set of Ralliart mud flaps, Ralliart side decals, as well as Ralliart front and rear under garnish pieces.
The Montero Sport Black Series Ralliart
Mitsubishi Montero Sport Variants: Interior
Inside, all variants of the Montero Sport can comfortably seat up to seven occupants. The GT, Black Series, and Black Series Ralliart then get leather clad seats, whereas the GLS and GLX variants have fabric seats.
The base-model GLX MT also gets a manual-air conditioning system, while the rest have automatic air-conditioning. All variant however, do come with rear air-conditioning vents.
The Mitsubishi Montero Sport's interior (GT variant pictured)
For driver amenities, a tilt and telescopic steering column, a push-to-start button, and a manually adjustable driver’s seat is provided to all trims. All also get cruise control, though the only the top-spec Montero Sport GT with adaptive cruise control.
The Montero Sport's passenger cabin
Moreover, only the top-spec GT, Black Series, Black Series Ralliart and GLS AT gets a GPS navigation system and USB ports on the second row. The aforementioned three trims are also the only ones that get an eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, HDMI, Android Auto, and Bluetooth Connectivity.
It has a decent amount of cargo space too
The entry-level GLX in turn, gets a seven-inch headunit with Bluetooth and Smartphone-link software. All headunits for the Montero Sport though, do come with a handsfree and voice control function.
For speakers, the GT, Black Series, Black Series Ralliart and GLS get a total of six, while the GLX get only four.
Mitsubishi Montero Sport Variants: Engine & Performance
For engines, all five variants of the Philippine-spec Montero Sport use a 2.4-liter inline-4 turbodiesel mill. At the maximum, this four-banger can churn out 179 horsepower and 430 Nm of torque.
Transmissions-wise, the GLX is the sole trim that gets a six-speed manual gearbox. The rest then comes standard with an eight-speed automatic gearbox with Sports Mode.
The Montero Sport's 2.4-liter inline-4 turbodiesel engine
On top of that, only the Montero Sport GT also comes with the Mitsubishi Super Select 4x4-II drivetrain, as well as an off-road mode. The rest meanwhile, come with rear-wheel-drive only.
For suspensions though, all four are pretty much the same. All use a double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link type suspension for the rear. Braking for all four trims also use disc brakes for all four wheels.
The entry-level GLX MT
When parking brakes are concerned, all five variants come standard with an electronic parking brake with an auto-hold function.
Mitsubishi Montero Sport Variants: Safety
For airbags, the top-spec GT gets a total of seven, the Black Series gets a total of six, while the GLS and GLX get dual front airbags.
All trims also come with anti-lock braking with electronic brake-force distribution, and ISOFIX child seat anchors. Only the Black Series, Black Series Ralliart, GLS AT and the top-spec GT gets hill-start assist, stability control, traction control, trailer stability assist, as well as a 360-degree monitor.
The Montero Sport's rear-cross traffic alert system
On top of those specs, the Montero Sport also gets a host of advanced driver assist features. The GT in particular is the only variant with hill-descent control, rear-cross traffic alert, blind spot warning and lane change assist.
The GT, Black Series Ralliart, and the Black Series do have forward collision mitigation, and the ultrasonic misacceleration mitigation system.
Mitsubishi Montero Sport Variants: Price
| 2022 Mitsubishi Montero Sport Variants | Price |
| Montero Sport GLX 2.4 2WD MT | Php 1,568,000 |
| Montero Sport GLS 2.4 2WD AT | Php 1,771,000 |
| Montero Sport Black Series 2WD AT | Php 2,025,000 |
| Montero Sport Black Series Ralliart 2.4 2WD AT | Php 2,122,000 |
| Montero Sport GT 2.4 4WD AT | Php 2,341,000 |
Mitsubishi Montero Sport Variants: Conclusion
To sum it all up, the top-spec Montero Sport GT is the only variant you’d want if off-road capability is important to you. It is after all, the only trim in the lineup with four-wheel-drive.
Moreover, the GT is also the best variant when it comes to safety. The Black Series and Black Series Ralliart though, come at a close second.
Its a great SUV for city driving, and for out of town excursions
But if you want the most eye-catching Montero Sport, then the Black Series Ralliart might just be the one for you. This of course comes courtesy of its additional Ralliart exterior trim pieces.
For a great balance of affordability and on-board features, then there’s the GLS trim. It cannot match the Black Series, Black Series Ralliart and GT’s safety kit, but it still has a more capable headunit and feature set compared to the entry-level.
The Montero Sport Black Series Ralliart at the 2022 PIMS
The entry-level GLX meanwhile is there if you want to row though gears, or if you just want to most affordable Montero Sport possible. It features that same roomy interior and beefy engine as the rest of the lineup, though it does come off as more basic when it comes to safety features and creature comforts.
For more car buying guides, keep it here on Philkotse.