I still remember the moment I first saw the redesigned Montero Sport at the Tokyo Motor Show last year—it was like watching an athlete who’d spent the off-season transforming their body and mindset, emerging stronger and more refined. That’s exactly what Mitsubishi has achieved with this latest iteration. As someone who’s test-driven nearly every generation of this SUV, I can confidently say this model speaks to both adventure seekers and family drivers in ways its predecessors only hinted at. The design philosophy appears inspired by resilience and emotional connection, which reminds me of that powerful quote from a young athlete: "My dad would love to see me play. He got the earliest flight after our game." It’s that blend of dedication and heartfelt intention that the new Montero Sport embodies—built not just for rugged terrain, but for life’s meaningful journeys.
Walking around the vehicle, the exterior updates immediately command attention. The front fascia features a bolder Dynamic Shield grille, flanked by sleek LED headlights that seem to narrow purposefully, like the eyes of a predator focusing on its path. I particularly love how the character lines along the body sweep upward toward the rear, creating a sense of motion even when the SUV is stationary. The rear retains its distinctive vertical taillights but now integrates them with a darker trim that gives it a more premium, almost mysterious aura. From certain angles, it looks like it’s ready to tackle the Australian Outback, yet polished enough for a dinner date in the city. Mitsubishi claims the aerodynamic tweaks reduce drag by roughly 7% compared to the previous model, which might not sound like much, but translates to better fuel efficiency—something I noticed during my 320-mile test drive where I averaged around 28 mpg on highways.
Step inside, and the cabin feels like a thoughtful upgrade rather than a complete overhaul. The dashboard layout is intuitive, with an 8-inch touchscreen taking center stage. I’ve always been critical of infotainment systems that prioritize form over function, but this one strikes a nice balance—responsive, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The materials have improved noticeably; soft-touch surfaces dominate where it matters, like the armrests and upper dashboard, though there are still a few harder plastics in lower areas. What stood out to me were the seats—they’re upholstered in a durable yet plush fabric (leather is optional), and after five hours behind the wheel, I didn’t feel the usual lower-back fatigue. It’s clear Mitsubishi considered long-haul comfort, perhaps thinking of parents driving through the night to see their kid’s game, just like that athlete’s dad catching the earliest flight.
Under the hood, the 2.4-liter turbodiesel engine remains a workhorse, but it’s been fine-tuned for smoother power delivery. Output figures sit at around 180 horsepower and 430 Nm of torque, which might not blow you away on paper, but out on winding mountain roads, the low-end grunt is where this SUV shines. I took it through some steep inclines in the Rockies, and the engine never felt strained—it pulled confidently from as low as 2,000 rpm. The 8-speed automatic transmission shifts seamlessly, though I wish they’d offered a manual option for purists like me who enjoy rowing through gears. Off-road capability is where the Montero Sport truly earns its stripes. With its Super Select 4WD-II system and terrain response modes, it tackled muddy trails and rocky paths without breaking a sweat. I pushed it through a shallow river crossing, and the 220mm ground clearance kept everything dry and secure. It’s these moments that make you appreciate how Mitsubishi has honed this vehicle for both daily commutes and spontaneous detours into the wild.
On the technology front, the Montero Sport doesn’t disappoint. The suite of driver-assist features includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking—all of which performed reliably during my testing. I found the blind-spot monitoring particularly useful in busy city traffic, where sudden lane changes are common. However, I’d argue that the 360-degree camera system is the star here; it made parking this sizable SUV in tight spots feel almost effortless. One quirky feature I grew fond of is the ultrasonic misacceleration mitigation system, which helps prevent sudden unintended acceleration in low-speed scenarios—a clever touch for urban driving. While some rivals offer more flashy autonomous driving tech, Mitsubishi has focused on practical aids that genuinely enhance safety without overwhelming the driver.
Driving the new Montero Sport for a week, I formed a personal connection with it that goes beyond specs and features. It’s not the fastest or most luxurious SUV in its class—vehicles like the Ford Everest or Toyota Fortuner might have it beat in certain areas—but it excels as a dependable companion. The ride quality strikes a fine balance between comfort and control; you feel connected to the road without being jarred by every bump. On highways, the cabin remains impressively quiet, with noise insulation reducing wind and tire hum to a whisper. I recall one evening driving back from a camping trip, the seats folded down to accommodate gear, and the moonroof open to a starry sky—it was one of those moments where the vehicle faded into the background, simply enabling the experience. That, to me, is its greatest strength: it doesn’t demand attention but earns trust through consistency.
In conclusion, the new Montero Sport is more than just a mid-cycle refresh—it’s a thoughtful evolution of a nameplate that has always stood for capability and reliability. Mitsubishi has listened to feedback, addressing previous shortcomings while amplifying what made the model beloved in the first place. From its sharpened exterior to its refined interior and capable powertrain, it’s built for those who value substance over flash. Whether you’re a parent rushing to see your child’s milestone or an explorer charting unknown routes, this SUV feels like it has your back. Priced starting at around $32,000 in most markets, it undercuts many competitors while offering comparable—and in some cases, superior—off-road prowess. If you’re in the market for a midsize SUV that can handle both school runs and mountain trails, the Montero Sport deserves a spot at the top of your test-drive list. After all, life’s best moments often happen off the beaten path, and this vehicle is ready to take you there.