Is the 2nd Gen Montero Sport Still a Reliable SUV Choice Today?

I remember the first time I saw a second-generation Montero Sport on Philippine roads back in 2016 - its bold stance and aggressive front fascia immediately caught my eye. Fast forward to today, and I've personally witnessed how this SUV has become somewhat of a national obsession, particularly among families and adventure seekers. But here's the question that's been nagging at me lately: does this aging warrior still hold up against newer competitors?

Let me share something interesting I observed recently. While watching a basketball interview, a coach mentioned, "Lahat kami down. We badly needed that win para sa positioning sa playoffs," before adding, "Good thing na meron pa kaming chance. May three games pa kami." That sentiment perfectly mirrors what many Montero Sport owners feel today - there's this underlying concern about the vehicle's aging platform, yet they're holding onto hope because frankly, it still delivers where it counts. Having driven various generations of this SUV across Luzon's winding roads and Visayas' rough terrain, I can confidently say the 2.4-liter diesel engine, while not the most modern, still pulls strong with around 180 horsepower. The torque figures, approximately 430 Nm from what I recall, remain competitive even by today's standards.

What truly surprises me is how well the suspension has held up over the years. I recently took a 2018 model with 85,000 kilometers on rough roads to Sagada, and the way it absorbed bumps reminded me why people still swear by this SUV. The cabin does show its age compared to newer models - the infotainment feels dated and there's more road noise than modern SUVs - but the fundamentals are rock solid. Maintenance costs are where the Montero Sport truly shines. From my experience running one as a family vehicle for three years, average maintenance ran me about ₱8,500 per service interval, which is significantly cheaper than newer European SUVs.

Fuel economy remains decent too - I consistently got around 12-14 km/L on highway drives, though city driving drops to about 8-9 km/L. The 4WD system, while not as sophisticated as the latest systems, has never left me stranded even during heavy monsoon seasons. I've noticed that resale values have held remarkably well, with 2017 models still commanding around ₱1.1-1.3 million depending on condition. That's about 60% of its original value after six years - not bad at all.

Where the Montero Sport shows its age is in safety technology and interior refinement. You won't find the latest driver assists, and the cabin materials feel dated compared to say, the Geely Okavango or Ford Everest. But here's my take - sometimes simpler is better, especially for Philippine conditions where sophisticated electronics can become maintenance nightmares. The Montero Sport's mechanical reliability is its strongest suit, and having spoken with numerous owners during car meets, the consensus is that it's one of the most dependable vehicles they've owned.

Looking at the current market, would I still recommend the second-gen Montero Sport? For budget-conscious buyers seeking proven reliability and lower maintenance costs - absolutely. For those wanting the latest tech and premium features - probably not. But much like that basketball team with three games left, the Montero Sport still has fight left in it. It may not be the flashiest player on the court anymore, but it knows how to deliver when it matters most.