I remember the first time I saw the 2016 Mitsubishi Montero Sport GLS 4x2 AT at a dealership in Manila. It was parked right beside a basketball-themed display celebrating TNT's remarkable Commissioner's Cup championship run, which reminded me of how this SUV shares that same underdog-turned-champion spirit. Just like Erram's team that lost its first two games but still clinched the championship against Barangay Ginebra, the Montero Sport has consistently proven itself as a dark horse in the competitive midsize SUV category.
When you slide behind the wheel of this vehicle, the first thing you notice is how Mitsubishi has nailed the balance between rugged capability and modern comfort. The cabin features premium leather seats that comfortably accommodate seven passengers, with the second-row seats offering a sliding function that provides up to 270mm of adjustment. I particularly appreciate the dual-zone automatic climate control system – it's one of those features you don't think much about until you're driving through Manila's unpredictable weather. The 7-inch touchscreen display interface feels responsive, though I've noticed it can be slightly laggy during initial startup. What really stands out is the 8-way power adjustable driver's seat with 2-position memory function – as someone who shares the vehicle with family members, this feature has saved me countless adjustment headaches.
Under the hood, the 2.4-liter MIVEC diesel engine delivers 178 horsepower and 430 Nm of torque, numbers that might not sound groundbreaking until you experience how smoothly this power translates to real-world driving. The engine pairs beautifully with the 5-speed automatic transmission, providing seamless shifts that make city driving surprisingly pleasant. I've taken this SUV on multiple trips to provincial areas, and the fuel efficiency consistently impresses me – achieving around 12.5 km/L on highways and approximately 8.5 km/L in heavy city traffic. The suspension setup handles rough roads with remarkable composure, though I've noticed some body roll during aggressive cornering that reminds you this is still an SUV, not a sports car.
The safety package deserves special mention, featuring seven airbags, active stability control, hill start assist, and my personal favorite – the multi-around monitor system. This 360-degree camera system makes parking this substantial vehicle in tight spaces feel almost effortless. During one particularly challenging parallel parking situation in Makati, this feature proved invaluable, helping me squeeze into a spot I would have otherwise abandoned. The brake system includes anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, and I've tested this extensively during sudden stops on wet roads – the vehicle maintains impressive composure and stopping power.
Looking at the exterior design, Mitsubishi hit a sweet spot between aggressive styling and sophisticated presence. The dynamic shield front design with chrome accents gives it a commanding road presence, while the LED daytime running lights and 18-inch alloy wheels complete the premium look. I've owned this model for three years now, and people still compliment its appearance, often mistaking it for newer models. The power tailgate with height memory is another thoughtful touch, especially useful for shorter family members who struggle with reaching high positions.
When it comes to cargo space, the Montero Sport offers 454 liters behind the third row, expanding to 1,183 liters with the third row folded, and a massive 1,818 liters with both rear rows stowed. These numbers translate to practical utility – I've managed to fit everything from weekly grocery runs for a family of five to furniture from local department stores without breaking a sweat. The 60/40 split folding second-row seats and 50/50 split folding third-row seats provide flexible configurations for various hauling needs.
Driving this SUV daily has given me insights that spec sheets can't capture. The steering feels perfectly weighted – light enough for city maneuvering yet substantial at highway speeds. Noise insulation is generally good, though diesel clatter becomes noticeable during hard acceleration. The audio system with eight speakers delivers decent sound quality, though audiophiles might want to consider upgrades. What continues to surprise me is how well this vehicle has aged – three years and 45,000 kilometers later, it still feels tight and rattle-free, a testament to Mitsubishi's build quality.
In the Philippine market where reliability and value retention matter tremendously, the Montero Sport holds its own remarkably well. Resale values remain strong, and maintenance costs have been reasonable – my average annual maintenance expense has been around ₱25,000 covering regular servicing and minor replacements. The comprehensive warranty package provides peace of mind, though I haven't needed to use it extensively beyond routine maintenance.
Reflecting on my ownership experience, the 2016 Montero Sport embodies that same resilience and capability demonstrated by underdog champions like the TNT basketball team. It might not have been the flashiest or most hyped SUV in its class, but it consistently delivers where it matters most – reliability, comfort, and real-world performance. For families and professionals seeking a dependable midsize SUV that won't break the bank, this vehicle continues to represent outstanding value years after its initial release. It's the kind of vehicle that grows on you, revealing its strengths through daily use rather than flashy marketing claims.