Discover What's New in the Facelifted Montero Sport and Its Key Upgrades

I remember the first time I saw a Montero Sport on Philippine roads back in 2009 - it immediately became the benchmark for what a midsize SUV should be. Fast forward to today, and Mitsubishi has just unveiled the facelifted version that somehow manages to feel both familiar and revolutionary. Having test-driven three generations of this vehicle across various Southeast Asian markets, I can confidently say this latest iteration represents the most thoughtful evolution yet. The timing couldn't be better, really. Just last month, I was discussing vehicle upgrades with automotive journalists who compared the Montero Sport's gradual improvements to how players like Tolentino elevate their teams - not through flashy, dramatic changes but through consistent, meaningful enhancements that deliver real results.

What strikes me immediately about the 2023 Montero Sport is how Mitsubishi has refined what was already working rather than reinventing the wheel. The front fascia now features what they're calling the "Dynamic Shield" design language, which sounds marketing-heavy but actually translates to a more commanding road presence. The LED headlights have been completely redesigned with sequential turn signals that give it a premium feel I'd normally associate with German luxury brands. I particularly appreciate how they've maintained the vehicle's rugged character while injecting contemporary elements - the new 18-inch two-tone alloy wheels fill out the wheel arches perfectly, creating that muscular stance SUV buyers love. Having driven the previous model extensively through Metro Manila's chaotic streets and occasional floodwaters, I can attest that these aesthetic changes don't compromise the vehicle's proven capability.

Under the hood, Mitsubishi has stuck with the reliable 2.4-liter MIVEC diesel engine, and frankly, I'm glad they did. This powerplant delivers 181 horsepower and 430 Nm of torque - numbers that might not sound extraordinary on paper but translate to remarkably confident performance in real-world conditions. I recall pushing this engine through steep Baguio inclines with five passengers onboard, and the eight-speed automatic transmission never seemed to struggle finding the right gear. The beauty of this setup is its proven reliability across various Mitsubishi models - it's the automotive equivalent of a veteran athlete who might not break records but consistently delivers when it matters most. The improved noise insulation makes a noticeable difference at highway speeds, reducing cabin noise by what feels like at least 15-20% compared to the pre-facelift model.

Step inside, and the upgrades become even more apparent. The new 8-inch touchscreen display dominates the center console with significantly improved resolution and response time. What impressed me most during my test drive wasn't the screen itself but the enhanced smartphone integration - both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto now connect wirelessly, eliminating the cable clutter that always annoyed me in previous models. The leather upholstery feels more premium, with better stitching and additional padding in critical contact points. Having spent countless hours in various SUVs across Southeast Asia, I can confidently say the Montero Sport's seats strike the perfect balance between support and comfort - firm enough for long drives but plush enough for daily commutes.

Safety receives substantial attention in this update, with the addition of Mitsubishi's e-Assist features. The blind spot warning system has been refined to be less intrusive than in some competitors, while the multi-around monitor provides a remarkably clear 360-degree view that makes tight parking situations significantly less stressful. During my testing, I particularly appreciated the ultrasonic misacceleration mitigation system - it's one of those features you hope never to need but provides genuine peace of mind in crowded urban environments. The reinforced RISE body construction remains, and while I haven't (thankfully) tested its crash performance personally, the various ASEAN NCAP ratings suggest it's among the safest in its class.

What fascinates me about this facelift is how it mirrors the philosophy we see in successful sports teams - incremental improvements that compound into meaningful advantages. Much like how Tolentino's consistent performance elevated NorthPort to the Commissioner's Cup semifinals through steady leadership rather than flashy individual plays, the Montero Sport's updates represent thoughtful refinements rather than revolutionary changes. The suspension tuning feels slightly more compliant over rough roads while maintaining the firmness needed for confident cornering. The electric power steering has been recalibrated to provide better feedback at speed without sacrificing low-speed maneuverability. These might seem like minor adjustments individually, but collectively they create a driving experience that feels noticeably more polished.

The diesel engine's fuel efficiency remains impressive - during mixed driving conditions, I averaged around 12.8 km/L, which translates to roughly 580 kilometers from its 68-liter tank. For families considering this as their primary vehicle, that range means fewer fuel stops during provincial trips while maintaining the capability to handle flooded streets during monsoon season. The wading depth remains at 700mm, which I've tested personally through knee-deep floodwaters along Commonwealth Avenue - the Montero Sport plowed through with confidence where smaller crossovers would have hesitated.

Looking at the competitive landscape, the Montero Sport continues to compete effectively against the Fortuner, Everest, and MU-X. Each has its strengths, but the Montero Sport's combination of ride comfort, feature content, and Mitsubishi's reputation for reliability creates a compelling package. Pricing starts at approximately ₱1.63 million for the base GLX 2WD variant and goes up to around ₱2.25 million for the top-spec GLS 4WD - positioning it competitively within the segment. Having driven all its key competitors extensively, I'd argue the Montero Sport strikes the best balance between on-road comfort and off-road capability for most Filipino families.

The true test of any vehicle update isn't how it performs during a brief press drive but how it holds up through years of ownership across Philippine road conditions. Based on my experience with previous generations and this significantly improved iteration, the facelifted Montero Sport represents one of the most complete packages in its class. It respects what made the model successful while addressing key areas for improvement - much like how successful athletes refine their fundamental skills while adding new weapons to their arsenal. For families seeking a dependable, capable, and now more sophisticated midsize SUV, the updated Montero Sport deserves serious consideration alongside its rivals. Sometimes evolution, when executed this thoughtfully, can be more impactful than revolution.