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Mitsubishi has been at the forefront of the affordable SUV / Crossover market for years with creations such as the Pajero, Outlander and ASX, all of which are very popular in the Middle East. The Montero Sport, its newest addition to the line-up, is a bold statement towards the brand’s current design doctrine and one that goes up against the venerable Toyota Fortuner.
| Key Features: | |
| Engine | 3.0L V6 (Tested) |
| Transmission | 8 Speed Auto with manual shifting |
| Power | 215hp / 285NM |
| Top Speed | 180km/h |
| Price | AED89,900 Base AED107,000 as tested |
Editor's Pick:
2017 Mitsubishi Montero Sport vs 2017 Toyota Fortuner Comparison
Also See:
2017 Mitsubishi Pajero vs 2017 Chevrolet Trailblazer Comparison
Facelifted Mitsubishi Lancer unveiled in China
Exterior
When Mitsubishi delivered the Montero Sport to our office in Barsha Heights, I couldn’t quite decide whether I was a fan of the Japanese SUV’s exterior or not. I’ve learnt well enough not to judge a book by its cover, but I just couldn’t help myself.
Granted, it’s a huge step forward and the front end looks great, but what about that polarizing rear? The unnecessarily large LED tail lights make the SUV look toweringly tall and cumbersome, qualities that don’t go very well with the “Sport” that’s a part of its name. Having said that, the machine-finished alloys are smart and do raise the Montero’s profile.
Editor's Pick:
2017 Mitsubishi Montero Sport vs 2017 Toyota Fortuner Comparison
Also See:
2017 Mitsubishi Pajero vs 2017 Chevrolet Trailblazer Comparison
Facelifted Mitsubishi Lancer unveiled in China
Interior
Continuing its futuristic streak into the cabin, the Montero’s interiors are simplistic yet well designed. The leather wrapped seats are some of the comfiest I’ve been in and there’s a certain familiarity to it all.
Although controlled manually, the seats offer numerous configurations such as lumbar support, raising and lowering the height of the seats, and the capability to heat or cool them, too.
Large from the outside and equally captivating inside, the capacious cabin is truly overwhelming. With seating for eight, there’s enough space to fit an entire family and their dogs. What the cabin lacks in amenities and features, it certainly makes up for in comfort and space, and for a basic 4x4, that's all you really need!
Editor's Pick:
2017 Mitsubishi Montero Sport vs 2017 Toyota Fortuner Comparison
Also See:
2017 Mitsubishi Pajero vs 2017 Chevrolet Trailblazer Comparison
Facelifted Mitsubishi Lancer unveiled in China
Safety & Tech
The 2017 Mitsubishi Montero comes with an array of safety features from traction control and ABS, to brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution. The basic model comes with SRS airbags for the driver and front seat passenger, as well as side curtain airbags.
As far as tech is concerned, the Montero is fitted with a Rockford Acoustic Design premium sound system which, truth be told, is surprisingly good. The infotainment system allows for effortless connectivity to a mobile device through Bluetooth but lacks the refinement you tend to expect from a car in its price range.
Editor's Pick:
2017 Mitsubishi Montero Sport vs 2017 Toyota Fortuner Comparison
Also See:
2017 Mitsubishi Pajero vs 2017 Chevrolet Trailblazer Comparison
Facelifted Mitsubishi Lancer unveiled in China
Drive
Before I drove the Montero Sport, I wasn’t expecting much in terms of performance, and on the road, it simply failed to live up to its rivals. The tall silhouette almost made the body feel detached from the chassis, not exactly confidence inspiring, and the naturally aspirated 3.0-liter V6 was underwhelming, to say the least.
But then I headed off the tarmac and deep into the desert, a place where I could comfortably stretch the Montero’s legs and at last, I began to see what this SUV was truly built to do. Flick the Super Select 4WD II system into 4HLC and it isn’t long before you are sure that the Montero Sport’s off-road capabilities match, if not surpass, its competition.
With a low-range gear and two locking differentials, the Montero Sport is virtually unstoppable. Throw in a heavy-duty suspension, ample amounts of ground clearance, and it isn’t a surprise why it takes on anything and everything in its path.
Editor's Pick:
2017 Mitsubishi Montero Sport vs 2017 Toyota Fortuner Comparison
Also See:
2017 Mitsubishi Pajero vs 2017 Chevrolet Trailblazer Comparison
Facelifted Mitsubishi Lancer unveiled in China
Verdict
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Overall, the Montero Sport is a great SUV with superior off road capabilities, ample amounts of space, and a fair amount of equipment. What isn’t all that flowery, however, is its evident shortage of power and compromised on road handling.
Pros:
- Spacious cabin
- Off road capabilities
Cons:
- Lack of power considering its size
- On road handling
- Fuel consumption
Editor's Pick:
2017 Mitsubishi Montero Sport vs 2017 Toyota Fortuner Comparison
Also See:
2017 Mitsubishi Pajero vs 2017 Chevrolet Trailblazer Comparison
