1. Mitsubishi Montero Sport 2018 Philippines review: Introduction
It has been almost 2 years since the current generation Mitsubishi Montero was introduced to the Philippine market. Although the Japanese carmaker has yet to announce any plan for the next-gen Montero, it's recently brought a slight makeover to the top-spec Mitsubishi Montero GT. Ever since its launch into our country, the mid-size SUV has become one of the most sought-after SUVs in the Philippines for its dynamic exterior, spacious cabin and especially great off-road performance.
It has been almost 2 years since the current generation Montero was introduced to the Philippine market
Our Montero Sport Philippines review on Philkotse.com will give you an insight into this classic SUV, particularly the mid-range GLS variant, so as to see why the Monty has been a favorite of many car enthusiasts not only in our country but also all over the world.
>>> You might also like to read: The upgraded Mitsubishi Montero Sport GT 2018 available in the Philippines
Is the all-new Mitsubishi Montero Sport a worthy heir to its predecessor?
2. Mitsubishi Montero 2018 Exterior
At first glance, the 2018 Montero Sport exterior instantly shows a typical sense of toughness and firmness of an off-roader.
In detail, at the front fascia, the 3rd-gen Montero is refreshed with 'Dynamic Shield' grille, a benchmark of Mitsubishi’s future cars. The Montero also comes equipped with upswept headlights and box-flare wheel arches, providing the SUV a sporty, glossy and powerful appearance. Other exterior refinements are composed of character lines making the slab-sided doors more stylish and the third window kink giving the car a more appealing look.
At first glace, the Monty instantly shows a typical sense of toughness and firmness of an off-roader
The Montero Sport exterior also comes equipped with upswept headlights and box-flare wheel arches
Noticingly, the front fascia is interwoven with chrome layers surrounding the large air intakes and stretching up to the fog lamps, plus lustrous and longer-lasting LED headlights shining whiter and brighter, providing drivers better visibility on the go. Complementing to the front equipment is advanced side mirrors which can be folded automatically when touching a button and when the car is locked from the outside.
The longer-lasting LED headlights shining whiter and brighter, providing drivers better visibility on the go
When it comes to the rear, the Montero brings about an overwhelming impression thanks to its long and flowing tube-type LED taillights which offer clearer visibility for both the driver and surrounding vehicles whether at night or during daytime.
At the rear, the Montero brings about an overwhelming impression thanks to its long and flowing tube-type LED taillights
3. Montero Sport 2018 Interior
Getting inside, it is not difficult to recognize that the manual Mitsubishi Montero Sport GLS largely inherits from its automatic counterparts. Highlighted by tiny combined touches, the Montero Sport interior offers a beautiful and elegant feel.
3.1. Cabin space
While the sunken stitching lines give the car a more fashionable and luxurious impression, the rounded shoulder supports together with multi-layer cushioning seats help create comfort and enjoyment for both driver and passengers especially during long drive.
The rounded shoulder supports together with multi-layer cushioning seats help create comfort and enjoyment for both driver and passengers
Passengers at the second row can enjoy roomy legroom while the third row comes with acceptable knee room for occupants under 5'6" and, however, no foot room. This means third row passengers will have to suffer from a bit uncomfortable sitting position. When not in use, the third row can be folded flat, releasing more room to house up bulky stuff. Nonetheless, you will have to perform multiple steps between the tailgate and the second row in order to get the seats in place. This is also one of the minus points of this mid-size SUV.
The third row offers a large space to house up a lot of big stuff when being folded
3.2. Infotainment system
Although the Mitsubishi Montero Sport GLS is not adorned with the “Premium” tag, its interior still boasts exclusive equipment that not all variants are offered with, namely:
- Electronic parking brake switch
- Keyless operation system (KOS) with engine start/stop button
- Ergonomic and elegant instrument panel
- 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat
- Steering wheel controls high contrast instrument cluster with multi-information display
The GLS 4WD boasts exclusive equipment that not all variants are offered with
The 2018 Montero Sport interior is decorated with a 6.75-inch capacitive discharge touchscreen, tuner, DVD and MP3 player, auxiliary-in and USB ports, iPod compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity, smartphone mirror link feature, GPS navigation and dual-zone (GT) automatic climate control system. For the GLS variant, the Japanese automaker replaces one cup holder by the selector for the Super Select II system.
The all-new Mitsubishi Montero 2018 is decorated with a 6.75-inch capacitive discharge touchscreen
4. Mitsubishi Montero 2018 Philippines: Safety Features
The Mitsubishi Montero 2018 GLS features a kit of safety features including:
- 8 SRS airbags
- The Mitsubishi active stability and traction control
- Hill start assist
- Hill descent control
- Blind spot warning system
- Reinforced impact safety evolution (RISE) Body Construction
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
- Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) System
The Montero 2018 GLS is equipped with a Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) System
Mitsubishi Montero Sport sudden unintended acceleration (SUA) incident
Some of you might still recall the Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC)'s incident occurring in 2015 in which the Montero Sport was reported by multiple owners in the Philippines for causing sudden acceleration. Until 2017, there had been more than 100 complaints filed by 2010 - 2015 Montero model owners against MMPC.
TV Patrol: Mitsubishi: Walang 'sudden unintended acceleration' ang Montero
However, the investigation conducted by a third party from the UK had clearly concluded that there was no technical cause in SUA incidents. The Japanese car brand had further asserted that the claims for the Montero’s SUA incidents were of no basis and that the model was totally safe to drive. However, Mitsubishi still offered free inspection for those who were affected by the SUA incidents.
Worth mentioning is that, regardless of its SUA incident, sales of the Montero Sport were still recorded to remain strong.
5. Montero Sport 2018 Philippines review: Performance
As for engine, the Mitsubishi Montero Sport 2018 is powered by a 2.4L turbodiesel 4-cylinder DOHC 16V MIVEC engine. MIVEC, which stands for Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control system, is made to produce low exhaust emissions, low fuel consumption and high power output. Running with the MIVEC engine, the GLS 4DW is capable of dishing out 179hp and 430 Nm of torque, working in a conjunction with a 6-speed manual gearbox.
The Montero Sport 2018 is powered by a 2.4L turbodiesel 4-cylinder DOHC 16V MIVEC engine
For fuel economy, urban driving earns 8.8 km/l at an average speed of 19km/h while highway driving reaches 14.3 km/l with an average speed of 88 km/h.
On the freeway, the Mitsubishi Montero 2018 is exactly a delicate cruiser. Running with the fifth gear, the revolution per minute remains low and cabin noise is minimized. On the other hand, the sixth gear is preferred for overdrive.
Mitsubishi Montero Sport
Well, coming to the off-road performance of the all-new Montero 2018, it surprises us a lot! Armed with a long stroke suspension, soft damping and a traction control system, the 4WD boasts to be a hero defeating every harsh, rugged or even mountainous terrain without shock to in-car people.
The 4WD boasts to be a hero defeating every harsh, rugged or even mountainous terrain without shock to in-car people
6. Mitsubishi Montero Sport 2018 Specs
| GT 4WD 8 AT and GLS 4WD 6 MT Specs | |
| General Specification | |
| Overall Length (mm) | 4785 |
| Overall Width (mm) | 1815 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2800 |
| Tread (Front/Rear) (mm) | 1520 / 1515 |
| Minimum Ground Clearance (mm) | 218 |
| Gross Weight (kg) | 2710 |
| Curb Weight (kg) | 2030 |
| Seating Capacity (persons) | 7 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity (L) | 68 |
| Performance | |
| Turning Radius (m) | 5.6 |
| Maximum Speed (km/h) | 180 |
| Maximum Uphill Climbing Ability (degree) | 45 |
| Wading Depth (mm) | 700 |
| Approach Angle (degree) | 30 |
| Ramp Break-Over Angle (degree) | 23 |
| Departure Angle (degree) | 24.2 |
| Engine | |
| Type and Model |
|
| Displacement (cc) | 2442 |
| Bore x Stroke (mm) | 86 x 105.1 |
| Compression Ratio | 15.5 : 1 |
| Maximum Power (Ps/rpm) | 181 / 3500 |
| Maximum Torque (N-m/rpm) | 430 / 2500 |
| Fuel System | Electronic Common Rail Direct Injection |
| Interior | |
| Seat Material | Black Leather |
| Instrument Meter Cluster | White-lit High Contrast Display |
| Multi-Information Display | Equipped (Drive mode, Ambient temperature, Average fuel consumption and economy, Drive range, Mileage, and Periodic maintenance reminder) |
7. Mitsubishi Montero Sport 2018 Philippines Price
Take a look at the table below for the latest Montero Sport cost:
| Model | 2017 SRP | 2018 SRP | Difference |
| Mitsubishi Montero Sport GLS 2.4 4x2 AT | ₱1,575,000 | ₱1,696,000 | ₱121,000 |
| Mitsubishi Montero Sport GLS Premium 2.4 4x2 AT | ₱1,740,000 | ₱1,836,000 | ₱96,000 |
| Mitsubishi Montero Sport GLS 2.4 4x4 MT | ₱1,788,000 | ₱1,788,000 | 0 |
| Mitsubishi Montero Sport GT 2.4 4x4 AT | ₱2,058,000 | ₱2,162,000 | ₱104,000 |
| Mitsubishi Montero Sport GLX 2.4 4x2 MT | ₱1,415,000 | ₱1,421,000 | ₱6,000 |
>>> View full price list of Mitsubishi Montero Sport Philippines to keep up to date with the latest changes.
It can be said that the Mitsubishi Montero GLS 4WD is born to be a great off-roader and also a top choice for those who usually have provincial trips. However, this SUV seems not to be one of the first names in the list of favorite vehicles for urban people. Even so, with its classic yet fashionable style, it can still satisfy those who are seeking a special addition to amass their car collection.
Philkotse.com hopes that our Montero Sport review Philippines has given you a comprehensive understanding of this delicate cruiser.
The Mitsubishi Montero is born to be a great off-roader