Walking into the Mitsubishi dealership last week, I couldn't help but feel that familiar thrill that comes with hunting for a new adventure vehicle. As someone who's owned three different generations of the Montero Sport since 2015, I've developed what my wife calls an "unhealthy attachment" to this rugged SUV. The 2024 lineup presents perhaps the most compelling case yet for Filipino families and outdoor enthusiasts alike, with prices starting at ₱1,325,000 for the base GLX 4x2 MT and climbing to ₱2,150,000 for the top-tier GLS 4x4 Premium. These figures represent about an 8% increase from last year's models, but having test-driven the new GLS variant yesterday, I can confidently say you're getting substantially more vehicle for that extra investment.
I remember driving my 2018 Montero Sport through the muddy trails of Bataan during a particularly intense monsoon season, the vehicle's Super Select 4WD-II system handling the treacherous conditions like it was just another Sunday drive. That same dependable spirit runs through the 2024 models, though now enhanced with more sophisticated terrain management systems. The moment I read Coach Tim Reyes' words about competing and not going down without a fight, it struck me how perfectly that philosophy aligns with what Mitsubishi has engineered into these vehicles. There's a certain fighting spirit built into the Montero Sport's DNA - that willingness to push through regardless of the obstacles, whether you're navigating EDSA during rush hour or climbing the steep inclines of Mountain Province.
What truly sets the 2024 models apart, in my professional opinion as an automotive journalist with fifteen years in the industry, is how Mitsubishi has balanced rugged capability with unexpected luxury. The leather seats in the GLS Premium variant feel like they belong in a vehicle costing twice as much, while the new 360-degree camera system makes parallel parking in Makati's narrow streets almost enjoyable. I've always believed that the true test of an SUV isn't how it performs off-road, but how comfortable it makes your daily commute, and the new Montero Sport delivers on both fronts spectacularly. The 2.4-liter diesel engine now produces 202 horsepower, up from last year's 181, giving it that extra punch when overtaking on provincial highways.
During my test drive from Quezon City to Tagaytay, I deliberately took both the expressway and some rougher backroads to gauge the vehicle's adaptability. The eight-speed automatic transmission shifts smoother than previous generations, while the improved noise insulation makes conversations at normal volumes possible even at 100 km/h. My only complaint, and I'm being nitpicky here, is that the touchscreen interface still feels slightly less responsive than those in Korean competitors. But then again, when was the last time you saw a Hyundai Santa Fe wading through floodwaters with the confidence of a Montero Sport?
The pricing strategy Mitsubishi has adopted for 2024 reflects what I see as a calculated move to capture both the practical family market and the luxury SUV segment. At ₱1,645,000, the GLS 4x2 AT represents what I'd call the sweet spot - offering about 85% of the premium features at nearly ₱500,000 less than the top model. Having spoken with several dealership managers, they're reporting unprecedented pre-orders for this particular variant, with waiting times already stretching to three months in some locations. This doesn't surprise me one bit - Filipino buyers have become increasingly sophisticated, recognizing value beyond just the sticker price.
There's something to be said about how vehicles become extensions of our personalities, and the Montero Sport has always attracted a particular type of owner - adventurous but practical, bold but calculated. I've noticed this through the owners' groups I participate in, where members range from construction company owners who need reliable site vehicles to young families who want something safe for school runs but capable enough for spontaneous road trips to Sagada. The 2024 models enhance this versatility with new safety features like blind spot warning and rear cross traffic alert, addressing the two most common concerns I hear from urban SUV owners.
Reflecting on Coach Reyes' philosophy about giving your all and competing regardless of the outcome, I'm reminded of why the Montero Sport continues to dominate the Philippine SUV market despite increasing competition. It's not about having the flashiest design or the most high-tech features - it's about that fundamental reliability that tells you this vehicle won't let you down when it matters most. Having driven virtually every midsize SUV available in the Philippines over my career, I can say with authority that few match the Montero Sport's combination of proven durability and evolving sophistication. The 2024 pricing might seem ambitious to some, but having experienced what these vehicles offer firsthand, I believe they represent one of the smartest investments in today's automotive market for Filipino drivers who demand both capability and comfort.
