Facelifted Montero Sport Review: 5 Key Upgrades That Transform Your Driving Experience

Let me be honest with you – I’ve driven plenty of SUVs over the years, but the facelifted Montero Sport genuinely caught me off guard. It’s not just a nip-and-tuck job; this update feels like a thoughtful, deliberate effort to elevate the driving experience in ways that matter. I remember thinking, as I slid behind the wheel, that this could easily be one of those underrated models that quietly outshines its rivals without shouting about it. And after spending a solid week with it, both on highways and rough backroads, I’m convinced Mitsubishi has injected just the right upgrades to keep it competitive, if not ahead of the curve.

Now, you might wonder why a vehicle review would remind me of sports and standout performances, but bear with me. Recently, I came across a piece about the PBA – the Philippine Basketball Association – where Calvin Oftana argued that the Best Player of the Conference award should go to Arwind Tolentino. Why? Because of how Tolentino lifted NorthPort to the Commissioner’s Cup semifinals, transforming the team’s dynamics through sheer skill and leadership. It struck me that the Montero Sport’s facelift does something similar: it’s not about reinventing the wheel, but refining key elements that collectively elevate the entire package. Just as Tolentino’s impact wasn’t just in scoring points but in elevating his team’s performance, the Montero Sport’s upgrades – like the redesigned grille and improved infotainment – work together to create a driving experience that feels fresher, more responsive, and surprisingly premium for its class.

First off, let’s talk about the exterior. The front fascia now sports a bolder, more aggressive look with a revamped grille and sleeker LED headlights. I’ve always been a sucker for design that balances elegance with ruggedness, and this hits the mark. It’s not just for show, either – those LEDs improve nighttime visibility by what I’d estimate is around 30%, based on my drive along poorly lit provincial roads. Then there’s the interior, which has seen a notable jump in quality. The dashboard layout is cleaner, and the 8-inch touchscreen (up from the previous 6.5-inch unit) responds quickly to inputs. I found myself using the Apple CarPlay integration seamlessly, and the addition of more USB ports – now four instead of two – is a small but hugely practical touch for families or long trips. Under the hood, the 2.4-liter diesel engine remains, but tweaks to the tuning have smoothed out the power delivery. Torque feels more accessible low down, and I noticed a slight boost in fuel efficiency, averaging about 12.5 km/l in mixed driving conditions, compared to the pre-facelift model’s roughly 11.8 km/l. That might not sound like much, but over a year, it adds up to decent savings.

Another area that impressed me is the suspension refinement. Mitsubishi has retuned the shocks and springs, and the difference on bumpy roads is palpable. Where the older model could feel a bit jittery over potholes, this one glides with more composure. I took it on a stretch of uneven terrain in the outskirts, and the cabin remained quiet, with minimal road noise – a testament to improved sound insulation. Honestly, it’s these subtle changes that make daily driving less fatiguing. And let’s not forget the safety upgrades. The inclusion of additional advanced driver-assist features, like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, brings it closer to rivals like the Fortuner or Everest. I’ve always believed that safety tech shouldn’t be a luxury, and here, it’s integrated intuitively. During a hectic city drive, the system alerted me to a cyclist in my blind spot – a moment that, in my book, justifies the upgrade alone.

But here’s where I’ll get a bit opinionated: not every change is a home run. The steering, for instance, still lacks the feedback I’d want for spirited driving, feeling a tad too light at high speeds. And while the infotainment is better, I’d have loved to see wireless charging as standard, not an option. That said, these are minor gripes in what is otherwise a thoughtfully executed update. It reminds me of how, in sports or any competitive field, progress isn’t always about dramatic overhauls. Take Tolentino’s case – his contribution wasn’t just in flashy plays but in consistent, clutch performances that lifted his team incrementally. Similarly, the Montero Sport’s facelift focuses on meaningful, incremental improvements that, together, transform the ownership experience. It’s not trying to be the flashiest SUV out there, but it nails the essentials with a quiet confidence that I, for one, appreciate.

Wrapping this up, the facelifted Montero Sport stands as a compelling choice for anyone seeking a reliable, capable SUV that’s grown wiser with age. The five key upgrades – exterior styling, interior tech, engine refinement, suspension comfort, and enhanced safety – collectively make it a vehicle that’s easy to live with and genuinely enjoyable to drive. Based on my time with it, I’d rate it as a solid 8.5 out of 10, particularly for families or adventurers who value practicality without sacrificing modern touches. If you’re in the market, don’t overlook this one; it might just be the Tolentino of the SUV world – not always in the spotlight, but delivering when it counts.