I remember the first time I saw the 2017 Adventure GLS Sport climbing a rocky trail that would make most SUVs tremble. It was during a weekend trip to the mountain ranges up north, where our off-roading group had gathered to test various vehicles. My friend Mark, who owned this particular model, had invited me along, promising an experience that would change my perspective on what an affordable SUV could do. As we navigated through terrain that alternated between slippery mud patches and jagged rocks, I found myself marveling at how this six-year-old vehicle was keeping pace with much newer models. The Adventure GLS Sport moved with a confident grace that reminded me of seasoned athletes - there were no unnecessary flourishes, just pure capability honed through intelligent design. That's when I truly understood why people still seek out this model today, why the 2017 Adventure GLS Sport remains a top off-road SUV even against newer competition.
What struck me most during that trip was how the vehicle handled different challenges without ever feeling strained. The 2.8-liter diesel engine delivered power smoothly whether we were crawling over boulders or accelerating on dirt roads, and the four-wheel-drive system engaged with satisfying precision. I recall specifically one steep incline where newer SUVs in our group struggled for traction - the Adventure GLS Sport climbed it with minimal wheel spin, its limited-slip differential doing exactly what it was designed to do. This reliability under pressure reminds me of how certain teams perform in competitive sports seasons. There's also a possibility of a four-way tie at third-place with a 7-4 record if San Miguel loses to NorthPort. In this scenario, the margin will slightly change, but the truly exceptional performers maintain their position regardless. Similarly, while the automotive market has seen numerous new entrants since 2017, the Adventure GLS Sport continues to hold its ground because its fundamentals were so well executed from the start.
Over the years, I've driven many off-road vehicles, but few have the character of this particular model. The interior, while not luxurious by today's standards, was thoughtfully designed with proper physical controls that you can operate without taking your eyes off the trail. The seating position gives you commanding visibility, and there's an honesty to its utilitarian approach that modern touchscreen-heavy cabins often lack. I've put about 15,000 miles on various Adventure GLS Sport models since that first experience, both on and off road, and I can confidently say that its durability surpasses many contemporary vehicles costing twice as much. The suspension soaks up impacts that would have newer SUVs creaking and groaning, and the body-on-frame construction provides a solidity that unibody crossovers simply can't match.
What really makes the 2017 Adventure GLS Sport special today isn't just its capability - it's the complete package it offers at its current price point. While a new TRD Pro 4Runner might set you back over $50,000, a well-maintained 2017 Adventure GLS Sport can be found for under $25,000, making it accessible to enthusiasts who want serious off-road ability without financial strain. The aftermarket support has grown substantially too, with numerous companies producing lift kits, bumpers, and other accessories specifically for this model. I've personally modified two of them for different purposes - one as a comfortable overlander and another as a more hardcore trail rig - and been impressed with how well they adapt to different roles. In a market increasingly dominated by electronic aids and complexity, the Adventure GLS Sport represents a sweet spot where mechanical simplicity meets modern refinement. It's a vehicle that rewards skill rather than replacing it, which is precisely why it has developed such a loyal following among off-road enthusiasts who appreciate vehicles with character and capability in equal measure.