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2020 Mitsubishi Montero Sport – First Drive Impressions

Better ingredients make for a better experience, even if it’s the same recipe for success.

Earl Lee
Mitsubishi Montero Sport Bohol

Instead of taking us on the highway, where we know the Mitsubishi Montero Sport go in a straight line well, Mitsubishi Motor Philippines Corporation decided that the best way to test out the facelifted Montero 4x2 GT and GLS is to bring us through the twists and turns of country roads, as well as the highs and lows of the hilly province of Bohol.

2020 Mitsubishi Montero Sport Facelift GT GLS Exterior Front Quarter
2020 Mitsubishi Montero Sport Facelift GT Exterior Front Quarter
2020 Mitsubishi Montero Sport Facelift GT Exterior Rear Quarter

The pioneer of the Dynamic Shield design, now seen across the Mitsubishi lineup, gets an update that remarkably enhances the already-good looking fascia that the SUV has had since 2016. The new wheels go with the evolution of the exterior, bulked up and even more angular than before. The GLS features the same wheel design as the GT, albeit with a monochrome finish, while the GT’s sports a two-tone look that adds more depth and flavor. It is also important to note that the GT has a rear spoiler, while the GLS does not. 

2020 Mitsubishi Montero Sport Facelift Interior 8-inch infotainment system
2020 Mitsubishi Montero Sport Facelift Interior Climate control buttons and knobs
2020 Mitsubishi Montero Sport Facelift interior charging ports and plug +1

There are now several new toys to play within the new Montero Sport especially in the GT variant. Standard across the range, however, is a brand new 8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This touchscreen unit is a remarkable improvement over the past incarnation. Mitsubishi have also installed a new climate control panel complete with knobs that minimize driver distraction. Middle-row cupholders are different as well, with a slide-out mechanism instead of the upward-opening design of the pre-facelift. A welcome addition to the entire range is a pair of USB ports for charging, and a power-plug for powering any device. 

2020 Mitsubishi Montero Sport Facelift digital gauge cluster configuration 2
2020 Mitsubishi Montero Sport Facelift digital gauge cluster configuration 1
2020 Mitsubishi Montero Sport Facelift digital gauge cluster configuration 3

Exclusive to the 4x2 GT is a power tailgate, powered leather driver seat, and an all-digital gauge cluster that is oodles cooler than the analog and digital set you have on the GLS.  

2020 Mitsubishi Montero Sport Facelift GLS Front Quarter Rolling

Being behind the wheel of the new Montero Sport is as familiar as riding a bike. It features the same tried-and-tested formula that made it a hit with Filipinos when it first launched – a nicely weighted steering wheel, a tight turning radius, and a responsive diesel engine and transmission. It’s a tried and tested formula. Inclines and curves didn’t phase the vehicle, so it still handles the same and is nicely planted even on dusty roads. 

2020 Mitsubishi Montero Sport Facelift GT front Quarter

The backseat of the Montero Sport is much like the front, you still get the same old song and dance. Over the course of the trip, several colleagues of mine reported that the ride quality is actually better than the previous iteration. It seems highly unlikely since pre-facelift models have quite a bit of mileage on them and their suspension may be a little worn in.  Comparing the ride quality of the new and old models will be like an apple-to-apple comparison, given that one of the apples is past its sell-by-date. 

2020 Mitsubishi Montero Sport Facelift Interior Middle Row Seats

That being said, it’s still a good ride. Even if it has a solid-rear-axle, the bumps are well controlled and the cabin remains rattle free. The NVH levels are actually better than ever since the engine can’t be heard as much anymore along with the road noise. It’s still not on the level of a crossover or sedan, however. 

2020 Mitsubishi Montero Sport Facelift GT and GLS Rear
2020 Mitsubishi Montero Sport Facelift GT Front Quarter
2020 Mitsubishi Montero Sport Facelift GLS Front Quarter

I’ve said this during the course of the entire trip, Mitsubishi has improved something that’s already been proven, further cementing the Montero’s position in the market. MMPC found success with this model, and this facelift is proof that the company listens to its consumers. The Montero Sport was a good choice for an SUV in the Philippines, but this facelift just makes it great – a proper evolution of a top-seller. In a nutshell, it’s a familiar recipe, with prime ingredients added to the mix. 

2020 Mitsubishi Montero Sport Facelift Headlight and foglamps
2020 Mitsubishi Montero Sport Facelift side profile
2020 Mitsubishi Montero Sport Facelift Front Quarter +3
2020 Mitsubishi Montero Sport Facelift Passenger Airbag
2020 Mitsubishi Montero Sport Facelift rear legroom
2020 Mitsubishi Montero Sport Facelift New armrest cupholders +15
2020 Mitsubishi Montero Sport Facelift Front Wheel
2020 Mitsubishi Montero Sport Facelift Front Side Profile
2020 Mitsubishi Montero Sport Facelift Front Quarter +3
2020 Mitsubishi Montero Sport Facelift Interior Audio Controls
2020 Mitsubishi Montero Sport Facelift Interior Gauge Cluster
2020 Mitsubishi Montero Sport Facelift Interior Cruise Control

Colors

Mitsubishi Montero Sport White Diamond Philippines White Diamond
Mitsubishi Montero Sport Jet Black Mica Philippines Jet Black Mica
Mitsubishi Montero Sport Graphite Gray Metallic Philippines Graphite Gray Metallic
Montero Sport Black Series 4x2 AT White Diamond Black Series White Diamond
Mitsubishi Montero Sport Blade Silver Metallic Blade Silver Metallic

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