Mitsubishi Montero Sport

The centerpiece of the new Montero Sport’s cabin, which also marks the biggest change in the interior, is a new 8-inch touchscreen system dubbed Smart Audio Display. Heavily updated, this new infotainment system comes complete with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity while also providing as AM/FM radio and navigation functions. Interior comfort and convenience are enhanced by the addition of 8-way power-adjustable seats, more user-friendly HVAC controls, a dual-zone automatic climate control system, hands-free access tailgate, and an electrical outlet plus two USB charging ports for rear passengers. A full leather upholstery, six-speaker sound system, and steering wheel-mounted controls round out the cabin’s convenience furnishings.

One gripe about Mitsubishi’s flagship’s SUV though—the seats get more uncomfortable as you move towards the back. Not just in terms of legroom and elbow room—the design of the seats themselves, especially the third row, feel rigid, which can certainly take its toll on the buttocks during long trips. Speaking of the third row, it can be a chore to fold, which defeats the purpose of the hands-free opening tailgate. 

Built under the same platform as the Mitsubishi Strada, much of the Montero Sport’s aesthetics is evolved from the Japanese carmaker’s ‘Dynamic Shield’ design theme. In fact, it’s the first vehicle in Mitsubishi’s lineup to follow the new design philosophy after the Mitsubishi Outlander in 2015. As for key exterior measurements, the Montero Sport measures 4825 mm long, 1815 mm wide, and 1805 mm tall, with a 2800 mm wheelbase and impressive 218 mm ground clearance.

For 2020, the triple-slat grille now has a more solid, chrome-heavy look that better embodies the shield design. This grille seamlessly blending with the daytime running lights, perfectly complementing the new-style front bumper now flanked with the fog and signal light assembly.

The Montero Sport’s rear design also gets a nip and tuck, beginning with the teardrop taillights now made shorter, ending midway of the hatch instead of all the way in the previous generation version. Likewise, the signal and brake lights have now swapped position. New 18-inch alloy wheels cap off the Montero Sport’s list of exterior changes for the 2020 model year.

Sitting behind the wheel of the new Montero Sport, everything feels familiar. This attests to how Mitsubishi knows the Filipino driver well—the steering wheel feels balanced, the turning radius tight, and the diesel powertrain responsive. On the road, an improved rear suspension allows the car to provide better comfort and off-road ruggedness than its predecessor. Though it may sound like an overstatement when it comes to on- and off-road manners, the Montero Sport is everything you need an SUV to be.

The 2020 Montero Sport carries the same engine as its predecessor, a 4N15 2.4-liter inline-four 16-valve Clean Diesel engine with Variable Geometry Turbo (VGT) and Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control (MIVEC) that outputs 179 hp and 430 Nm of torque. This engine is paired with a first-in-class 8-speed automatic transmission with Sports Mode with paddle shifters serving as a manual override. A six-speed manual version is available, and the SUV can be had in either a 2X4 or 4x4 wheel drive configuration.

Who could ever forget the sudden unintended acceleration (SUA) scandal that the Montero Sport got embroiled with back in 2016? Fortunately for Mitsubishi, independent studies revealed that it was all driver error. Nevertheless, the Three Diamond made some design to the design of the accelerator and brake pedal to reduce the chances of the issue happening again. Likewise, enhancements to braking and safety include features such as brake override system, hill-start assist, hill-descent control, active stability and traction control, trailer stability assist make the new model even much safer than before. There’s also the off-road mode traction control lets you adjust engine output, transmission, and braking according to the conditions of the road.

With all of the improvements imbued into the new 2020 Mitsubishi Montero Sport, this popular SUV certainly deserves a place that’s more than a few notches above its contemporaries. Now more advanced and comfortable than ever, the 2020 Mitsubishi Montero Sport is available in six different trims to suit a wide range of off-roading needs.