Is the 2020 Mitsubishi Montero Sport the Ultimate Mid-Size SUV for Your Adventures?
Let me tell you about the day I realized what truly makes an adventure vehicle exceptional. I was driving through winding mountain roads in my 2020 Mitsubishi Montero Sport, watching the sunset paint the sky in hues of orange and purple, when I got a notification about the PBA 49th Season Philippine Cup elimination round results. Two more teams had joined NLEX and Magnolia in the top four, securing that crucial twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinal round. It struck me how similar the concept of competitive advantage is in both sports and automotive performance - and that's exactly what makes the Montero Sport such a compelling choice for adventure seekers.
When you're looking at mid-size SUVs in the Philippine market, the 2020 Montero Sport stands out like a star player making that game-winning shot. I've driven this vehicle across various terrains - from the rough roads of provincial areas to the steep inclines of mountain passes - and I can confidently say it handles better than most competitors in its class. The 2.4-liter MIVEC diesel engine delivers 181 horsepower and 430 Nm of torque, numbers that might not sound extraordinary on paper but translate to remarkable real-world performance. I particularly appreciate how the eight-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly, much like how a well-coordinated basketball team moves the ball down the court. There's a rhythm to it that becomes second nature after a few drives.
What really sets the Montero Sport apart, in my experience, is its Super Select II 4WD system. I remember taking it through a particularly challenging dirt track during the rainy season - the kind that would make most city SUVs struggle. With a simple turn of the dial, I engaged four-wheel drive high range, and the vehicle just gripped the terrain like Magnolia's defense holds against opposing teams. The system offers multiple modes including 2WD, 4WD with center differential unlocked, 4WD with center differential locked, and 4WD low range. This versatility reminds me of how top PBA teams adapt their strategies based on their opponents and game situations.
The interior comfort is another area where Mitsubishi really scored points with this model. Having spent over six hours straight behind the wheel during a road trip to Baguio, I can attest to the exceptional comfort of those leather seats. The cabin noise is remarkably well-controlled for a diesel vehicle, with Mitsubishi claiming a 30% reduction in noise, vibration, and harshness compared to previous generations. While I don't have precise decibel measurements, I can tell you it's significantly quieter than the Toyota Fortuner I test-drove the previous month. The seven-inch touchscreen interface isn't the largest in its class, but it's intuitive and responsive - something I value more than sheer size when navigating unfamiliar roads.
Safety features in the 2020 model demonstrate Mitsubishi's commitment to keeping occupants protected. The Montero Sport comes standard with seven airbags, hill start assist, active stability control, and my personal favorite - the multi-around monitor system. This gives you a 360-degree view of your surroundings, which has saved me from at least three potential scrapes in tight parking situations. It's like having an extra set of eyes, similar to how basketball players develop court vision to anticipate plays before they happen.
Fuel efficiency is where the Montero Sport truly shines for adventure-driven buyers. On highway drives maintaining speeds around 80-90 km/h, I've consistently achieved between 14-16 km per liter. In mixed city and highway conditions, that number drops to around 10-12 km per liter, which still beats many competitors in the segment. During one particularly efficient trip from Manila to Subic, I managed 17.2 km per liter by carefully managing my acceleration and using cruise control whenever possible. These numbers matter when you're planning extended adventures across the Philippines' diverse landscapes.
Now, if I'm being completely honest, the Montero Sport isn't perfect. The third-row seats are best suited for children or shorter adults on brief trips, much like how even championship teams have their weaker players. The infotainment system, while functional, lacks the polish of some European rivals. And some drivers might find the suspension slightly firm compared to more comfort-oriented SUVs. But these are minor compromises in what is otherwise an exceptionally capable vehicle.
Looking at the competitive landscape, the Montero Sport holds its own against rivals like the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Everest. Where it really distinguishes itself is in value proposition - offering premium features at a more accessible price point than many competitors. The base GLS 2WD model starts at around ₱1.568 million, while the top-tier GLS 4WD I prefer comes in at approximately ₱1.968 million. That's about ₱200,000 less than similarly equipped competitors, money that could instead fund numerous adventures across the archipelago.
As the PBA elimination round demonstrates, securing advantages early creates momentum for greater success later. The Montero Sport provides exactly that kind of foundational advantage for adventurers - reliable performance, versatile capability, and thoughtful features that prepare you for whatever the road ahead might bring. After logging over 15,000 kilometers in various conditions, I can confidently say this vehicle has earned its spot in my garage and my adventures. It's not just about reaching destinations; it's about enjoying every moment of the journey there and back, much like how true sports fans appreciate the entire game, not just the final score.