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Discover the Stunning Montero Sport New Look That's Redefining SUV Standards
I still remember the moment I first saw the redesigned Montero Sport at the Tokyo Motor Show last year. Standing there in that massive convention center, surrounded by automotive journalists and industry insiders, I found myself genuinely impressed by how Mitsubishi has transformed this SUV. You see, I've been covering the automotive industry for over fifteen years, and rarely do I encounter a redesign that makes me pause and reconsider what's possible in this segment. The new Montero Sport isn't just another facelift—it's a statement, a bold declaration that redefines what modern SUVs should be.
The exterior changes are immediately noticeable, starting with that dramatic Dynamic Shield front grille that seems to command attention. They've widened it by approximately 3.2 inches compared to the previous model, giving the vehicle a more planted, aggressive stance. The LED headlights now feature what Mitsubishi calls "T-shaped" daytime running lights, creating a distinctive signature that I've noticed remains recognizable even from considerable distances. What surprised me most was how they've managed to maintain the rugged DNA of the Montero Sport while injecting contemporary elegance—the sharp character lines running along the sides, the redesigned rear with its horizontal LED taillights, and those gorgeous 20-inch alloy wheels that fill the wheel wells perfectly. I've driven probably two dozen SUVs in this category over the past three years, and few manage to balance sophistication with capability as effectively as this new Montero Sport does.
Moving inside, the cabin represents what I consider one of the most significant upgrades. The materials quality has improved dramatically—soft-touch surfaces now cover approximately 78% of the dashboard and door panels, compared to just 45% in the previous generation. The 9-inch touchscreen interface responds quickly to inputs, and the digital instrument cluster provides crisp, customizable information. But what really stood out to me during my test drive was the attention to practical details. The center console features multiple charging ports, including USB-C and wireless charging that's actually powerful enough to charge modern smartphones quickly. The second-row seats offer what Mitsubishi claims is "class-leading" legroom at 38.7 inches, and from my experience with three adult passengers back there during a two-hour drive, I can confirm it's genuinely comfortable.
This reminds me of something a professional athlete once told me during an interview about family priorities: "And he said, my dad would love to see me play. He got the earliest flight after our game." That sentiment resonates deeply with how I view vehicles like the Montero Sport. Modern SUVs aren't just about getting from point A to point B—they're about facilitating these meaningful connections, about being reliable enough to ensure you never miss important moments. The Montero Sport, with its enhanced comfort and capability, understands this fundamental human need better than many competitors. It's designed for people who value both adventure and responsibility, who might need to tackle rough terrain to reach a campsite on Saturday but must also ensure a comfortable school run on Monday morning.
Under the hood, the 2.4-liter turbodiesel engine produces 181 horsepower and 430 Nm of torque—numbers that place it competitively within the segment. During my testing on various road conditions, I found the power delivery smooth and responsive, with the 8-speed automatic transmission shifting seamlessly in most situations. The Super Select 4WD-II system remains one of the most sophisticated in its class, offering multiple drive modes that genuinely adapt to different surfaces. I had the opportunity to test this system on a specially designed off-road course, and I was particularly impressed with how easily it handled steep inclines and deep water crossings up to 700mm. The hydraulic body mounts have been reconfigured to reduce vibration by what engineers claimed was 25%, and based on my highway driving experience, I can confirm the cabin remains remarkably quiet even at speeds exceeding 70 mph.
Fuel economy figures are equally compelling—Mitsubishi claims 12.3 km/L combined, and during my week with the vehicle, I achieved approximately 11.8 km/L with mixed city and highway driving. While not class-leading, these numbers represent a 7% improvement over the previous model, which is noteworthy given the vehicle's increased dimensions and features. The towing capacity remains at 3,100 kg, sufficient for most recreational needs including boats or small trailers. What impressed me most was how the engineering team managed to improve both refinement and capability simultaneously—something that many manufacturers struggle to achieve.
Safety has been significantly enhanced with the inclusion of Mitsubishi's e-Assist system as standard across all variants. This includes forward collision mitigation, lane departure warning, blind spot warning with cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. During my evaluation, the forward collision system activated appropriately when a vehicle suddenly braked ahead of me, providing both visual and audible warnings with just enough time to react comfortably. The 360-degree camera system provides a remarkably clear view, making parking this substantial vehicle surprisingly manageable even in tight urban environments.
As someone who has witnessed numerous vehicle generations come and go, I believe the new Montero Sport represents a pivotal moment for Mitsubishi. It demonstrates that the company understands the evolving expectations of modern SUV buyers who refuse to compromise between luxury and capability. The design team has managed to create something that feels both premium and purposeful—a vehicle equally at home in a corporate parking lot as it is on a mountain trail. While I have some minor quibbles about the infotainment system's occasional lag when using navigation and the somewhat firm ride on rough urban roads, these are far outweighed by the vehicle's strengths.
The automotive landscape continues to evolve rapidly, with electric vehicles capturing much of the attention lately. Yet there remains a significant market for well-executed, diesel-powered SUVs that can handle diverse conditions and usage patterns. The Montero Sport's redesign positions it strongly within this space, offering a compelling alternative to established players like the Ford Everest and Toyota Fortuner. Having driven all three extensively, I'd argue the Montero Sport now leads in several key areas including interior refinement, technological features, and that all-important emotional connection that makes you glance back at the vehicle after parking. It's a thoroughly modern interpretation of what a capable SUV should be—one that understands our fundamental need for both adventure and connection, much like that athlete understood his father's desire to witness his achievements firsthand.