Mitsubishi Montero Sport: How does it stack up against its rivals?

Updated Apr 03, 2023 | Same topic: Best Advice for Car Buyers

Is Mitsu’s midsize SUV up to snuff? Yes, it is.

The Mitsubishi Montero Sport has been in the Philippine market since 2005. In the present day, it remains one of the marque’s best-sellers, and is a popular choice as a family car. Some even use it as a company car, or even as a work vehicle. And that isn’t surprising at all since it uses the same sturdy platform as the Mitsubishi Strada.

A picture of the Montero Sport SUV

The Montero Sport in Jet Black Mica

Being a midsize, seven-seater SUV however, the 2021 Mitsubishi Montero Sport has several rivals in the local market. So how does it fare against these in terms of specs? Let’s find out.

Mitsubishi Montero Sport: Summary of specs

As mentioned, the Montero Sport is a seven-seater midsize SUV. Most of its variants come with a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive (RWD) layout, while the top-spec GT variant has a front-engine, four-wheel-drive layout.

In terms of size, the Montero Sport is 4,828mm long, 1,815mm wide, and 1,835mm tall with its antenna and roof rail. Its wheelbase is also 2,800mm in length, and it has a ground clearance of 218mm.

A picture of the Mitsubishi Montero Sport

It's one stylish SUV that's for sure

Powering all of the Montero Sport’s variants is a 2.4-liter turbodiesel mill called the 4N15. At most, this engine can produce up to 179 horsepower and 430 NM of torque. As mentioned, only the Montero Sport GT comes with a 4x4 drivetrain, while the rest has 4x2. For transmissions, the sole variant that uses a six-speed manual is the entry-level Montero Sport GLX. The rest meanwhile uses an eight-speed automatic transmission.

For interior comfort, the Montero Sport’s AT variants come standard with automatic air-conditioning with rear vents, a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, cruise control, a push-to-start button, and a digital gauge cluster. Also standard on all trims is an eight-inch touchscreen headunit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Apart from those, the Montero Sport GT trims also come with a power lift tailgate, and adaptive cruise control. The 4x4 version also has the Super Select 4WD-II system. Also, only the GT trims get leather covered seats.

The Mitsubishi Montero Sport's interior

The Mitsubishi Montero Sport's interior

For safety, all AT trims are equipped with anti-lock braking, ISOFIX child seat tethers, trailer stability assist, hill-start assist, and active stability/traction control. The top-spec GT adds on to those with driver assist features like rear cross traffic alert, blind spot warning and lane change assist, forward collision mitigation, among others.

For airbags, the GT 4WD has seven, the GT 2WD has six, while the rest has two.

Currently, the Montero Sport has four variants in the Philippine market. Their prices range from Php 1,568,000 to Php 2,298,000. For a detailed listing, visit Mitsubishi Montero Sport price Philippines.

Mitsubishi Montero Sport vs Toyota Fortuner

Just like its Mitsubishi rival, the Toyota Fortuner is a pickup truck-based midsize SUV. It is also a front-engine, rear-wheel drive, or 4x4 vehicle, and it can also fit up to seven occupants.

If we compare the Mitsubishi Montero Sport vs Toyota Fortuner in terms of size, the Toyota model is shorter in length, but a bit wider. To be specific, it measures 4,795mm long, 1,855mm wide, and 1,835mm tall. Its wheelbase is 2,750mm, which is shorter than the Mitsubishi-made SUV. It also has less ground clearance at 193mm.

The Toyota Fortuner LTD

The Toyota Fortuner LTD

Unlike the Montero Sport, the Fortuner has two engine options. The lower trim levels from the Fortuner V to the Fortuner G uses a 2.4-liter turbodiesel capable of making up to 148 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque. Meanwhile, the higher-spec Fortuner Q and LTD trims use a 2.8-liter mill that can produce up to 201 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque. Suffice to say, the 2.8-liter Fortuner variants are significantly more powerful than the Montero Sport.

Like the Montero Sport though, only the Fortuner’s entry-level version is available with a manual. More specifically, a six-speed gearbox. The rest of the variants meanwhile, uses a six-speed automatic tranny.

As with the Montero Sport, the higher-specs of the Fortuner are equipped with an automatic AC with rear vents, a push to start button, and cruise control. All trims however come with a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, although only the top-spec Q and LTD have leather seats and a digital gauge cluster.

A picture of the interior of the Toyota Fortuner

The Toyota-made SUV's interior

For entertainment, the Fortuner either gets an eight-inch touchscreen or a seven-inch touchscreen. The larger headunit is available on the Fortuner V, Q, and LTD variants, while the Fortuner G gets a seven-inch screen. The aforementioned eight-inch screen also has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

For safety, the top-spec Fortuner LTD and Q trims come with a pre-collision system, lane departure alert, downhill assist control. All variants however are fitted with ISOFIX, anti-lock braking, and traction control.

For airbags, the LTD and Q variants have seven, while the V and G variants have six.

Prices for the Fortuner range from Php 1,633,000 to Php 2,414,000 (LTD Pearl).

Mitsubishi Montero Sport vs Ford Everest

If we compare the Mitsubishi Montero Sport vs the Ford Everest, they’re also quite similar. To be specific, both of them are also based on pickup trucks, and both also have a front-engine, RWD, or 4WD layout. Just like the Fortuner and Montero Sport however, only the Everest’s top-spec Biturbo Titanium can come with a 4x4 drivetrain.

When it comes to size, the Ford Everest is 4,893mm long, 1,862mm, wide, and 1,836mm in height. Its wheelbase is 2,850mm long, and it has a ground clearance of 225mm. To sum it up, it is longer and wider than the Montero Sport. It also has slightly more in the way of ground clearance.

The Ford Everest Sport

The Ford Everest Sport

As for engines, the Everest’s top-spec variant uses a 2.0-liter biturbo diesel. At most, this can make up to 210 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque. The said engine is then paired with a 10-speed automatic. And yes, it is significantly more powerful than the Mitsubishi SUV’s 2.4-liter mill.

Its other engine however is a 2.0-liter single turbo diesel with a maximum output of 177 horsepower and 420 Nm of torque. It also uses a 10-speed automatic tranny, but otherwise, it is comparable to the Montero Sport’s output. And yes, the Everest lacks a manual variant.

Inside, the Ford-made SUV also gets a push-to-start button, dual-zone automatic AC with rear vents, and leather seats. Of note, these are standard on all Everest variants. Also common on all trims is an eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Remember that these features that are available on the entry-level Everest Trend, aren’t available on the Fortuner G and Montero Sport GLX.

The Everest Sport's interior

The Everest Sport's interior

For safety, the Everest comes standard with anti-lock braking, stability control, and hill launch assist. The top-spec model also has autonomous emergency braking and semi-auto active park assist, both of which are not present in its competitors. Other driver-assist features on the Everest Titanium+ include forward collision alert, lane keep assist, among others.

For airbags, all Everest variants are kitted out with seven.

Currently, the Everest has four variants in the Philippines. Their prices range from Php 1,738,000 to Php 2,299,000.

Mitsubishi Montero Sport vs Isuzu mu-X

Another competing model to the Montero Sport is the Isuzu mu-X. Like the Montero Sport, it is also based on a pickup, and it also has 4WD or rear-wheel drive layout.

Regarding the size, the Isuzu SUV is marginally longer than the Montero Sport with its length of 4,825mm. It also has a width of 1,8690mm, and a height of 1,825mm. That also means that it is wider, but only slightly taller. As for its wheelbase length, it measures 2,845mm. That’s 45mm more compared to the Mitsubishi Philippines. Its lower-spec LS trims also have more in the way of ground clearance since it measures 220mm. The LS-A variants however, have the most at 230mm.

A picture of the Isuzu mu-X

The Isuzu mu-X

Like the Fortuner and Everest, the mu-X gets two engine options. One is a more economical 1.9-liter turbodiesel that can make up to 147 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque. The LS-A variants, on the other hand, come with a 3.0-liter turbodiesel that can churn out 174 horsepower and 380 Nm. So if we’re comparing the Montero Sport vs the Isuzu mu-X in terms of engine output, the Mitsu wins by a small margin.

For transmissions, the 1.9-liter can be paired to a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox. The 3.0-liter versions however, are only available with a six-speed automatic transmission.

As for interior amenities, the LS-A gets automatic AC, while the entry-level LS gets a manual AC. The LS also has fabric seats, whereas the LS-A gets leather. Unlike the Montero, Fortuner, and Everest, the mu-X only gets a tilt-only steering wheel. It also has an analog gauge cluster, and the push-to-start button is limited to the top-spec LS-A 4x4 variant. All trims do get an eight-inch touchscreen, but the said screen only has Bluetooth and iPod connectivity.

The Isuzu mu-X's interior

The mu-X's interior looks really similar to the one fitted in the old D-Max

For safety, the mu-X comes standard with anti-lock braking, ISOFIX, etc. The LS-A variants do come with stability control and two airbags. The 3.0-liter LS-A variants however, add on to those with hill descent control, hill start assist, and traction control. Compared to the other three SUVs we’ve talked about so far, it appears that the mu-X has the least on-board tech.

Regarding price, the Isuzu mu-X for the Philippine market starts at Php 1,350,000 for the entry-level version. The top-spec variant meanwhile, can be had for Php 2,145,000.

Mitsubishi Montero Sport vs Chevrolet Trailblazer

While the Chevrolet Trailblazer has been dropped from the Chevrolet Philippines’ model lineup, many will still want to know how it fares against the Mitsubishi Montero Sport. That said, the said Chevy is once again, based on a pickup truck. It also has a 4x2 or 4x4 variant, and of course it uses a diesel.

In terms of size, the Trailblazer is 4,887mm long, 2,132mm wide, and 1,840mm in height. Its wheelbase is 2,845mm in length, and a ground clearance of 219mm. That said, it is longer and wider than the Montero Sport. It also has a longer wheelbase and just about the same amount of ground clearance.

A picture of the Chevy Trailblazer Phoenix

The Chevrolet Trailblazer Phoenix

Propelling most of the Trailblazer variants is a 2.8-liter turbodiesel capable of producing up to 200 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque. That said, this engine is more powerful than the one on the Montero Sport. The said engine is then paired to a six-speed automatic transmission.

The entry-level Chevy SUV however, uses a smaller 2.5-liter turbodiesel mill that can produce up to 163 horsepower and 380 Nm of torque. It is also the only variant that uses a six-speed manual. In turn, the only 4x4 Trailblazer variant is the top-spec Z71.

For the Montero Sport vs Chevrolet Trailblazer interior features comparison, both have the capacity to seat up to seven. As for features however, it is much more comparable to the utilitarian mu-X in that the lower-spec Trailblazers have fabric seats, while the higher trims have leather seats.

A picture of the Chevy Trailblazer's interior

Inside the Chevy Trailblazer

All Trailblazer variants also lack a push-to-start button, and all come standard with a manual AC. As for entertainment, it does have an eight-inch touchscreen as standard. The said screen provides Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay connectivity.

Like the other SUVs on this list, the Chevy Trailblazer is equipped with anti-lock braking and ISOFIX child seat tethers. It does come standard with speed-sensing door locks. The higher trims have a more comprehensive safety kit with stability and traction control, lane departure warning, hill-start assist, etc.

For more car buying and selling guides, keep it here on Philkotse.com.

Know more about Mitsubishi Montero Sport 2024

Mitsubishi Montero Sport

One of the popular midsize SUVs in the Philippines is the Montero Sport by Japanese auto giant Mitsubishi. It continually hits the list of best-selling cars in the country every year. Mitsubishi Montero Sport 2024 price in the Philippines is quite good, ranging from PHP 1,568,000 to PHP 2,567,000 with a lot of variants. Powering this midsize SUV is a 2.4-liter 4N15 inline-4 Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing Electronic Control (MIVEC) that makes 179 hp and 430 Nm of torque. It can send power to all four wheels via either a 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic with Sports Mode. The Montero Sport spans 4,825 mm in length, 1,815 mm in width, and 1,835 mm in height. Currently, this Mitsubishi vehicle is competing against the Toyota Fortuner, Isuzu mu-X, and Ford Everest.

The Mitsubishi Montero Sport, as a third-generation model, displays its benchmark for the brand's contemporary lineup, which is the 'Dynamic Shield' grille that shows a completely redesigned front. Similar to the model it replaced, the Mitsubishi Montero Sport is L200 or Strada pickup based. The chassis and half of its front body structure are the same as its pickup sibling. It still uses the three-link live axle coil spring for the rear suspension and the independent double-wishbone front suspension from the model it supersedes. The full list of Mitsubishi Montero Sport for sale of car dealers on Philkotse.com gets 82 results, you can take a look to make a wise choice yourself.

7 things we like about Mitsubishi Montero Sport | Philkotse Reviews

>>> New and used Mitsubishi Montero Sport 2024 for sale in the Philippines

Mitsubishi Montero Sport Launch

The first-generation Mitsubishi Montero Sport 2024 pickup-based SUV debuted in 1996 in Japan. It was formerly called the Challenger. It was only in early 2005 that the model reached the Philippines. The very first Mitsubishi Montero Sport in Philippine-spec was the modified model that features a split grille in Olivier Boulay-design. In 2008, the second-generation model arrived that was pickup-based like before, longer and came with seats in the third row that added extra seating capacity from five to now seven seats. In early 2016, it was then replaced by the latest third-generation model.

The Mitsubishi Philippines launched the third-generation Mitsubishi Montero Sport replacing its predecessors in terms of power, refinement, and style. On October 4, 2019, the refreshed Mitsubishi Montero Sport was introduced in the Philippines to provide the top-selling SUV with its updated look.

Later in 2022, the marque introduced the all-new Montero Sport Black Series Ralliart Edition at the 8th Philippine International Motor Show. 

Mitsubishi Montero Sport Exterior

The 'Dynamic Shield’ design language helps in projecting a futuristic concept for the Mitsubishi Montero Sport Philippines. The front end has enough amount of chrome, intensely edgy and sharp. At the top grille part, two short strips of chrome are present. The chrome strips also outline the bumper's side surfaces and finish descending lower near the fog lamps. The projector headlamps are also attractive and sleek.

Mitsubishi Montero Sport exterior

Its roofline is properly crafted, enabling it to thin down the windows more. The overhangs of the rear are more extended, making the wheelbase shorter. The tail lights touch the bumper on the back and are upright long. The registration number is ingrained on the trunk lid, and the exhaust time is immersed in chrome.
The Montero Sport measures 4,825mm long, 1,815mm wide, the wheelbase measures 2,800mm, and 218mm of ground clearance.

Mitsubishi Montero Sport Interior

The Mitsubishi Montero Sport Philippines employed a simple-to-operate straight-forward dashboard. The dashboard is mainly composed of materials such as piano-black plastics, polyurethane, and satin chrome plastics. Leather seats for range-toppers come with motorized adjustments.  The Mitsubishi Montero Sport has plenty of space and has an expandable cargo volume because of its configurable seats. Using a specific function available only to the model, the third row is capable of being folded flat onto the floor, thus, creating a big cargo space.

Mitsubishi Montero Sport seats

The Mitsubishi Montero Sport also features front seats that are highly driver-centric with a supportive backrest. The seats in the second row are adjustable and can be shifted slightly forward to provide additional legroom in the last row when the third row is moved backward.

Technology & Safety Features

The GT variant is equipped with an infotainment system, two 8-inch LCD located on the instrument cluster, an Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, and a power tailgate. The GT and GLS variants both feature reverse sensors, the Tomtom navigation, and the reverse camera. Cruise control is also included, which comes as a standard.

Mitsubishi Montero Sport steering wheel

Safety features that come as a standard are the Brake Override, ABS with EBD, dual front airbags, side-impact beams, ISOFIX child seat tethers, and speed-sensing door locks. On the other hand, both GLS and GT variants are equipped with stability and traction control, extra four airbags, trailer stability control, hill descent control, and hill start, and brake assists.
In 2016, the Mitsubishi Montero Sport Philippines garnered a 5-star rating in ASEAN NCAP for adult occupancy protection and a 4-star rating for child occupancy protection.

Mitsubishi Montero Sport Platform & Chassis

The Mitsubishi Montero Sport Philippines rides on a ladder-frame chassis, available in four-wheel-drive and rear-wheel configurations. It is a five-door midsize SUV sitting on the KR/KS/QE platform. It has a double-wishbone suspension with coil springs and a stabilizer bar at the front and 3-link coil springs with a stabilizer bar at the rear end. All its wheels are equipped with disc brakes.

The Mitsubishi Montero Sport can accommodate seven occupants and has an automatic transmission available. Moreover, depending on the fuel type and variant, the model has a 17.40 km/L fuel consumption on the highway. 

Mitsubishi Montero Sport Engine & Drivetrain

The Mitsubishi Montero Sport Philippines is powered by a 2.4L four-cylinder engine with the addition of the turbocharged formula, giving it a bit more power. A maximum of 78 horsepower can be put out by its diesel motor, which can be considered adequate for its range. The engine can produce a torque power of up to 430 Nm, which can mean better power performance even on rough roads, and is capable of pulling off a tremendous amount of load.

The midsize SUV, when fully loaded, can put up a total of nine kilometers using a liter of diesel in and about the city. And can provide the utmost of 13 km/L on the highway. With its prices not exceeding the Php2-million mark, its engine can be quite surprising.

Available colors for the Mitsubishi Montero Sport Philippines are Sterling Silver Metallic, Medium Red, Graphite Gray Metallic, Jet Black Mica, and White Diamond.

Without a doubt, the Mitsubishi Montero Sport is a decent choice in the local midsize SUV market. It offers the lowest power numbers as compared to segment rivals with 179 hp and 430 Nm of torque. Rivals such as the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Everest 2024 can generate as much as 500 Nm of torque. However, the Mitsubishi SUV makes up for it thanks to its impressive driving dynamics. The 8-speed automatic transmission provides a smooth ride. Also, the MIVEC technology, which is the world's first, improves power delivery and fuel efficiency. Only the Mitsubishi Montero Sport and Ford Everest get to benefit from a sunroof.

Mitsubishi Montero Sport 2024 Price List

Variants  Price
Mitsubishi Montero Sport GLX 2.4 4x2 MT ₱1,568,000
Mitsubishi Montero Sport GLX 2.4 4x2 MT (White Diamond) ₱1,583,000
Mitsubishi Montero Sport GLS 2.4 4x2 AT ₱1,899,000
Mitsubishi Montero Sport GLS 2.4 4x2 AT (White Diamond) ₱1,914,000
Mitsubishi Montero Sport 2.4 Black Series 4x2 AT ₱2,162,000
Mitsubishi Montero Sport 2.4 Black Series 4x2 AT (White Diamond) ₱2,177,000
Mitsubishi Montero Sport 2.4 Black Series 4x4 AT ₱2,502,000
Mitsubishi Montero Sport 2.4 Black Series 4x4 AT (White Diamond) ₱2,517,000

Mitsubishi Montero Sport Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Rugged exterior stance
  • Impressive powertrain
  • Good cabin space

Cons

  • Interior isn't as plush as exterior
  • Power is low numbers-wise compared to rivals
  • Reverse camera resolution can be improved

Mitsubishi Montero Sport FAQs

1. How much is a new Mitsubishi Montero Sport?

The price varies from P1,568,000 to P2,341,000 for four different Mitsubishi Montero Sport variants. The entry-level is the GLX 2.4 4x2 MT, while the most advanced is the GT 2.4 4x4 AT.

2. Is the Mitsubishi Montero Sport reliable?

Of course. The Mitsubishi Montero engine is powerful and quiet with a smooth gearbox. In addition, the car provides good visibility, a small turning radius, and a great steering feel. Thus, it feels quite comfortable driving down the street.

3. Is the Mitsubishi Montero Sport good for off-road?

Absolutely yes, the off-road capability on the new Montero Sport is enhanced with Terrain mode. With each operating mode, the system will fine-tune the engine performance, accelerator pedal sensitivity, and ESC electronic stability control system to make the car overcome all kinds of harsh terrain.

4. Does the Montero have a reverse camera?

Yes, it does. The Mitsubishi Montero Sport is equipped with keyless entry, reverse sensors, and a camera.

5. What type of car is the Montero Sport?

The Mitsubishi Montero Sport is a 7-seater midsize SUV that provides high performance and a great steering feel.

 

₱ 1,568,000 - ₱ 2,366,000

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Cesar G.B. Miguel

Cesar G.B. Miguel

Author

Cesar Guiderone B. Miguel was born and raised in Iligan City, Lanao Del Norte. He graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in English degree from Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology. He previously worked as a freelance writer for various websites, as a member of the Iligan City Disaster Risk Reduction Management's training staff, and as a medical sales representative.

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