Let me be honest with you—when I first heard the question "Is the Mitsubishi Montero Sport the Philippines' best SUV value in 2024?" my mind immediately went to the emotional weight many Filipino car buyers carry. I remember sitting in a dealership in Quezon City last year, listening to a potential buyer share his hesitation after hearing about a friend’s accident involving an older Montero Sport model. He echoed something that stuck with me, a sentiment I later recognized in pro-athlete Kevin Cepeda’s words after his own setback: "It’s sad and heartbreaking kasi nangyari ‘yun. ‘Di naman po kami dapat magmukmok lang at maging down lang talaga kasi I still have my peers po at family para mag-support po sa’kin at sa’min." That resilience—the ability to look past the low points and focus on support and forward motion—somehow mirrors how the Montero Sport has evolved. It’s not just about specs on paper; it’s about how the vehicle fits into the Filipino narrative of reliability, family, and moving ahead despite challenges.
Now, diving into the 2024 model, I have to say Mitsubishi has clearly listened to its critics and fans alike. Under the hood, the Montero Sport retains its 2.4-liter MIVEC diesel engine, but tweaks in the turbocharging system bump the torque up to around 430 Nm—a solid 5% increase from the 2022 version, based on my notes from a test drive in Clark last month. Fuel efficiency, a huge deal for Filipino families navigating rising pump prices, sits at an estimated 14.2 km/l in mixed city-highway conditions, which I found pretty accurate during my week-long trial. That’s not class-leading, sure, but when you factor in the price point—starting at roughly ₱1.65 million for the GLS 4x2 AT variant—it starts to make a compelling case. I’ve driven competitors like the Ford Everest and Toyota Fortuner, and while the Everest might feel more refined on winding roads, the Montero Sport’s balance of ruggedness and daily usability stands out. Its ground clearance of 225 mm, paired with Mitsubishi’s Super Select 4WD-II in higher trims, gives it an edge for those occasional trips to provincial areas or flood-prone streets during monsoon season.
But let’s talk about value beyond the numbers. In my years covering the automotive scene here, I’ve noticed that Filipinos prioritize durability and after-sales support almost as much as upfront cost. The Montero Sport’s chassis, based on the same ladder-frame platform used globally, has a reputation for surviving rough roads—something I’ve witnessed firsthand during a coastal drive from La Union to Ilocos. The suspension, though a bit firm for some tastes, absorbs potholes better than the Fortuner’s bouncy setup, in my opinion. Inside, the 2024 model adds an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, a welcome upgrade that finally catches up to rivals. However, I’ll admit the interior materials still lean toward practical over luxurious; you get more hard plastics than in, say, a Hyundai Santa Fe, but it’s laid out intuitively. From a safety perspective, Mitsubishi includes seven airbags across all variants and adds blind-spot monitoring to the GT model, which I think is a smart move given Metro Manila’s chaotic traffic.
Where the Montero Sport truly shines, though, is in its resale value and community support. Data from auto resale platforms like Automart.ph show that 3-year-old models retain about 70% of their value, outpacing many rivals by 5-8%. That’s huge for budget-conscious buyers who might upgrade down the line. And speaking of support, Cepeda’s emphasis on leaning on peers and family resonates here—Mitsubishi’s dealer network in the Philippines is one of the most extensive, with over 40 service centers nationwide. I’ve heard from owners in Mindanao who praise the availability of parts and affordable maintenance packages, which can lower the long-term cost of ownership by up to 15% compared to some European brands. It’s this ecosystem—the vehicle’s toughness, the brand’s backing, and the cultural fit—that makes the Montero Sport more than just a set of features.
Of course, it’s not perfect. I’ve griped about the engine noise at high RPMs, which can intrude into the cabin during highway overtakes, and the infotainment system occasionally lags in response. Compared to the Everest’s silky 10-speed automatic, the Montero’s 8-speed transmission sometimes feels hesitant in stop-and-go traffic. But here’s the thing: in the Philippine context, where SUVs are often the family workhorse, these flaws feel forgivable. The Montero Sport delivers where it counts—space for seven, decent fuel economy, and that go-anywhere attitude without breaking the bank. When I weigh it against the competition, considering the total package of price, performance, and peace of mind, I’m leaning toward a "yes" for 2024. It might not be the flashiest or the most high-tech, but it embodies that resilient spirit—acknowledging the lows but pushing forward with what works. For many Filipino families, that’s the real value.