In the case of the Montero, it just seems older because it has retained its general look and specs throughout its 11-year run, while the Fortuner has gotten “more” updates in the form of features and powertrain options. With PPVs still considered a competitive segment, I was curious to see if the Montero Sport still has enough to properly compete or if its time has come.

The variant I was lent came in the top-of-the-line form, the Montero Sport Black Series 4WD 8AT, which is the most updated version. This update was introduced two years ago, in 2024, and just like other Black Series models that came before, its exterior was clad in a lot of black trim, which can be found on the front and rear bumper garnishes, roof rails, and rear spoiler. There were some design elements that were updated; it still keeps the older Dynamic Shield motif, but the Black Series has a redesigned hexagonal front grille. The 18-inch rims are also blacked out, as well as the side mirrors and door handles. Mitsubishi’s test unit was in the optional White Diamond color, which is an additional P15,000. For me, the coolest exterior feature is that the grille illuminates when the lights are turned on- nothing tacky, tastefully done. I’d say overall, the Montero Sport still looks modern enough; the only real “aged” aspect is the chrome garnish on the front fascia, which would have looked better blacked out to complete the look.

Inside is where you really feel the age of the Montero’s Platform; the 2024 update did bring in modern touches like an updated steering wheel and a nice burgundy and black leather interior with a diamond pattern. It also has a fully digital instrument cluster, as well as a touchscreen infotainment screen that has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. I also didn’t mind that the touchscreen was just 8 inches; it was just the right size for the cabin. Both the front seats of the Montero Sport are power adjustable, and there’s even a small sunroof above the front passenger and driver. The one thing it’s missing is a wireless charging pad; it seems that the older interior didn’t have space to integrate one, which is a shame considering it’s a top-of-the-line variant. When it comes to build quality, you can also see that it’s a little behind already; I had the Triton a week before, and it was built like a tank. The Montero, which is based on the older platform, doesn’t feel as solid, but it’s still a Japanese-engineered SUV, so its quality is still pretty good.

At the very least, you do get an automatic tailgate, but speaking of the rear, I have an issue with the 3rd row. Mitsubishi’s deployment system for the third row is too complicated; instead of folding flat, you have to pull two levers: one to fold the seats, then another to fold the backrest. If you want to use the third row, you need to first pull up the backrests, then go to the second row to push down the seat. In other words, the third row isn’t one mechanism; it’s separated into two for some reason.

The Montero Sport Black Series uses the same 4N15 turbocharged MIVEC Clean Diesel engine it was first launched with. It still produces 180 horsepower and 430 Nm of torque, and it sends power to the wheels through an updated 8-speed automatic unit with nice paddle-shifters. This is another aspect where you can feel the age of the Montero Sport; the new Triton pickup features the updated 4N16 unit, which is much smoother and more refined than the older one in the Montero. The older engine is also quite thirsty, with an average of around 7 km/L in the city during heavy traffic and a high of 13 km/L on the highway. This could also be down to the fact that the 4WD system adds a lot of weight, but I still think the newer engine is much better when it comes to sipping fuel. The additional bulk and heft also affect performance; the Montero Sport takes a while to get up to speed and isn’t speedy at all, especially when compared to the higher-output engines found in the competition.

Where the Montero shines, though, is the way it drives and its everyday usability. The steering is light, making it easy to park or maneuver through the packed roads. Its suspension is also very comfortable; I’d say it’s probably the most comfortable in the segment. Overall, it surprised me how much more comfortable the Montero Sport on its older platform is than the newer Triton, not to mention the Montero’s turning radius is miles better. I didn’t get to drive it off-road, but the Montero has the brand’s patented Super Select 4WD-II system paired with a terrain mode that has 4 settings (Gravel, Mud/Snow, Sand, and Rock) and a mechanical rear differential lock. Mitsubishi is one of the few brands that still joins official dirty rally series, which they use as test beds for technology put in the cars, meaning the Montero Sport is adept off-road.

Lastly, it’s nice to see that the safety features of the Montero Sport Black Series 4WD have been updated as well. It comes with an extensive ADAS system, but I have to commend the Adaptive Cruise Control that can do low-speed following, which is a plus in heavy traffic situations. While it does come with blind spot monitoring, I was surprised that Mitsubishi didn’t include a lane-keep assist function.

Value for money is also where the Montero Sport has the edge over its rivals; this top-spec variant costs just P 2,530,000, which is 29,000 less than the equivalent Fortuner LTD, and a whopping P 139,000 more affordable than the Everest Wildtrak 4x4. Does the Montero feel shortchanged and less capable? absolutely not. I will admit that it doesn’t feel as “new” as the others, but when it was first launched, the current-generation Montero was ahead of its time. That pays dividends more than a decade later, when it still feels capable and does all the basics that a modern 4WD/4x4 PPV should be able to do.