Is the Mitsubishi Montero Sport GLS 2.4 4x2 AT Worth Your Investment? Find Out Now

Let me be honest with you - when I first saw the Mitsubishi Montero Sport GLS 2.4 4x2 AT on the showroom floor, I had my doubts. At roughly ₱1.64 million, this isn't exactly pocket change for most Filipino families. But having test-driven this vehicle across various Philippine road conditions for the past three months, I've come to appreciate what Mitsubishi has accomplished here. The Montero Sport has always been a familiar sight on our roads, much like how Ginebra and TNT have become permanent fixtures in our PBA landscape. Just as basketball fans witnessed Ginebra securing that impressive fourth lopsided victory in the semis, setting up another dramatic best-of-seven showdown with TNT, the Montero Sport finds itself in a similar position - facing familiar competitors while carrying the weight of past performances.

Speaking of performance, the 2.4-liter diesel engine delivers around 181 horsepower and 430 Nm of torque, numbers that might not scream "performance vehicle" but translate beautifully to real-world driving conditions. I remember taking it through the winding roads of Baguio during a particularly rainy afternoon, and the way it handled those slippery ascents reminded me of how championship teams adjust their game plan when facing familiar opponents. The eight-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly, almost imperceptibly, much like how veteran players adjust their strategies mid-game. What surprised me most was the fuel efficiency - I consistently recorded between 14-16 km/L on highway drives, dropping to around 10-12 km/L in Metro Manila's brutal traffic. These numbers matter, especially with today's fuel prices hovering around ₱65-70 per liter for diesel.

The interior tells another story altogether. Sitting in the driver's seat feels like being in a command center - everything is within reach, the materials feel premium, and the space utilization is genuinely impressive. I've fit seven adults comfortably, with the third-row seats actually being usable for medium-distance trips. The infotainment system with its 8-inch touchscreen responds well to inputs, though I did notice some lag during extremely hot afternoons. The audio quality from the six-speaker system is decent, though audiophiles might want to consider upgrades. What truly won me over were the little things - the cooled console box that kept my drinks cold during long drives, the generous number of USB ports, and the thoughtful storage solutions throughout the cabin.

Now, let's address the elephant in the room - how does it stack up against competitors like the Fortuner and Everest? Having driven all three extensively, I'd say the Montero Sport strikes the best balance between comfort and capability. The Fortuner feels stiffer, the Everest more truck-like, while the Montero Sport manages to absorb road imperfections without making you feel disconnected from the driving experience. It's like comparing different basketball strategies - each has merits, but the Montero Sport's approach feels most suited to our unique road conditions and driving habits.

Safety features deserve special mention here. With seven airbags, stability control, hill start assist, and Mitsubishi's Active Stability and Traction Control system, you're getting comprehensive protection that matches global standards. During an emergency braking situation I encountered in Cavite, the anti-lock brakes performed flawlessly, bringing the vehicle to a controlled stop without drama. This level of safety shouldn't be optional in modern vehicles, and Mitsubishi gets this right.

Maintenance costs are another area where the Montero Sport shines. My first 1,000-km checkup cost nothing, and the subsequent 10,000-km service came to approximately ₱5,800 - reasonable for this segment. Parts availability is excellent nationwide, which matters when you're outside major urban centers. I've spoken with several long-term owners who've clocked over 100,000 kilometers without major issues, which speaks volumes about the vehicle's reliability.

The design evolution from previous generations shows Mitsubishi's understanding of market preferences. The bold front grille, sleek LED headlights, and muscular proportions give it presence without being overly aggressive. It looks sophisticated enough for business meetings yet rugged enough for weekend adventures. I've received numerous compliments on its appearance from people who typically wouldn't notice vehicles.

So, is it worth your investment? Having lived with this vehicle through daily commutes, family trips, and everything in between, I'd say absolutely. The Montero Sport GLS 2.4 4x2 AT delivers where it matters most - comfort, capability, reliability, and value retention. Like Ginebra seeking redemption against TNT in the Governors' Cup Finals, this Montero Sport represents Mitsubishi's determined effort to reclaim its position in the highly competitive SUV segment. It may not be perfect - the transmission could be more responsive in sporty driving, and some interior materials could be better - but as a complete package, it delivers exceptional value. If you're in the market for a midsize SUV that balances everyday practicality with occasional adventure capability, this deserves your serious consideration. Sometimes, the best choice isn't the flashiest or most powerful option, but the one that consistently delivers where it truly matters.