As an automotive journalist who's been test-driving SUVs for over a decade, I still get genuinely excited when a model like the Mitsubishi Montero Sports 2020 comes across my radar. What struck me immediately about this vehicle was how it embodies that perfect balance between rugged capability and refined comfort - something that's surprisingly hard to find in today's SUV market. I remember driving it through various terrain conditions last year, and it handled everything from city streets to rough country roads with equal grace. The way this SUV performs reminds me of watching top-tier basketball teams navigating the PBA playoffs - there's a certain finesse required to excel in multiple conditions, whether you're talking about vehicles or sports teams.
Speaking of basketball, let me draw an interesting parallel here. The PBA 49th Season Philippine Cup elimination round recently concluded with two more teams joining NLEX and Magnolia in the top four, earning that crucial twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals. This strategic advantage in sports isn't unlike what the Montero Sports offers drivers - multiple advantages that give you confidence whether you're facing daily commutes or challenging adventures. The first feature that really stands out is its 2.4-liter MIVEC diesel engine, which delivers 181 horsepower and 430 Nm of torque. Now, those numbers might not mean much to everyone, but in practical terms, this translates to effortless overtaking on highways and confident climbing on steep inclines. I've personally pushed this engine to its limits during mountain drives, and it never failed to impress me with its responsive power delivery.
The second feature that deserves attention is its Super Select 4WD-II system. This isn't just some marketing gimmick - it's a genuinely sophisticated system that allows you to switch between 2WD and 4WD modes even while driving at speeds up to 100 km/h. During my testing in various conditions, I found this system particularly useful when encountering sudden weather changes or unexpected road conditions. It's like having multiple game strategies ready to deploy depending on what the situation demands, much like how top PBA teams adjust their gameplay throughout the elimination rounds. The third standout feature is its impressive 700mm wading depth, which is about 50mm more than many competitors in its class. While most SUV owners might never need to ford rivers, this capability provides peace of mind during heavy floods or when exploring rural areas during rainy seasons.
Now, let's talk about something that really won me over - the interior comfort and technology package. The leather seats are surprisingly supportive for long drives, and the 7-inch touchscreen interface is more intuitive than what you'll find in many European SUVs costing twice as much. I particularly appreciated the smartphone connectivity, which worked flawlessly during my week with the vehicle. The fourth key feature is its safety package, which includes seven airbags, active stability control, and hill start assist. Having tested numerous safety systems over the years, I can confidently say Mitsubishi has implemented these features in a way that feels comprehensive without being overwhelming to the driver.
The fifth aspect that deserves mention is the fuel efficiency. During mixed driving conditions, I recorded an average of 12.8 km/L, which is quite respectable for a vehicle of this size and capability. The sixth feature that might not get enough attention is the cargo space - with all seats in use, you get 460 liters, but fold down the third row and you're looking at 1,033 liters of practical space. I managed to fit three large suitcases, several backpacks, and even a bicycle with its front wheel removed during one particularly ambitious packing session. The seventh and final feature I want to highlight is something I call "the confidence factor" - there's just something about how this vehicle is put together that makes you trust it implicitly, whether you're navigating tight city streets or exploring remote areas.
Much like how the top four PBA teams have earned their advantages through consistent performance and strategic excellence, the Montero Sports has carved out its position in the competitive SUV market through genuine capability and thoughtful design. I've driven SUVs that cost significantly more but didn't offer the same level of practical utility and driving pleasure. There's a certain honesty to how this vehicle goes about its business - no flashy gimmicks, just solid engineering and intelligent features that actually make a difference in real-world driving conditions. The way it handles reminds me of watching well-coached basketball teams - there's precision in its movements, intelligence in its responses, and reliability when you need it most.
Looking back at my time with the Montero Sports, what stands out most isn't any single feature but how well everything works together. The engine pairs beautifully with the transmission, the suspension complements the seating comfort, and the technology enhances rather than complicates the driving experience. It's this holistic approach to vehicle design that makes the Montero Sports such a compelling choice in its category. While some manufacturers focus on individual standout features, Mitsubishi has created a vehicle where the sum is genuinely greater than its parts. In my professional opinion, that's what separates good SUVs from great ones, and the Montero Sports firmly belongs in the latter category.
