Is the 2nd Gen Montero Sport Still Worth Buying Today? Find Out Now!

As someone who’s spent years reviewing and driving SUVs across various terrains, I’ve always had a soft spot for the Mitsubishi Montero Sport. When the question popped up—"Is the 2nd Gen Montero Sport still worth buying today?"—my mind immediately went back to a conversation I had with a fellow off-road enthusiast. He told me, "Lahat kami down. We badly needed that win para sa positioning sa playoffs," referring to a tough 4x4 competition. Then he added, "Good thing na meron pa kaming chance. May three games pa kami." That mix of resilience and opportunity stuck with me, and it’s exactly how I see the 2nd Gen Montero Sport now: a vehicle that might not be the newest, but still has plenty of fight left in it.

Let’s get real for a moment. The 2nd Gen Montero Sport, produced roughly between 2016 and 2023, isn’t the flashiest SUV out there today. But here’s the thing—it’s built like a tank. I’ve taken it through muddy trails, rocky inclines, and even daily city commutes, and it’s never left me stranded. Under the hood, you’ve got that reliable 2.4-liter turbodiesel engine churning out around 180 horsepower and 430 Nm of torque. Sure, newer rivals might boast fancier tech or sleeker designs, but the Montero Sport’s ladder-frame chassis and selectable 4WD system give it a rugged edge that’s hard to match. I remember one trip where I pushed it to its limits, and it handled everything with a quiet confidence—no drama, just pure capability. That’s something you don’t get with every modern SUV.

Now, I won’t sugarcoat it—the interior feels a bit dated compared to, say, a 2023 Ford Everest or Toyota Fortuner. The infotainment system isn’t as snappy, and you might miss out on some advanced driver aids. But here’s my take: if you’re looking for a workhorse that’s comfortable enough for family trips and tough enough for adventures, this one’s a solid bet. Fuel efficiency? I’ve consistently seen numbers around 10-12 km/l in mixed driving, which isn’t groundbreaking but is decent for its class. Plus, parts are relatively affordable and widely available, which matters when you’re budgeting for long-term ownership. From a cost perspective, a used 2nd Gen model can be a steal—I’ve seen well-maintained units priced between $18,000 and $25,000, depending on mileage and specs.

What really stands out, though, is its character. Driving the Montero Sport feels like partnering with an old friend who’s got your back. It’s not perfect—the ride can be firm on rough roads, and the cabin noise isn’t the quietest—but it’s honest. It reminds me of that playoff mindset my friend described: even when things are down, there’s still a chance to come out on top. In a market flooded with overpriced, overcomplicated SUVs, the Montero Sport keeps it simple and effective. If you value reliability over razzle-dazzle, this might just be your best pick.

So, is the 2nd Gen Montero Sport still worth buying today? Absolutely, especially if you’re practical about your needs. It’s not the newest or the most high-tech, but it’s a proven performer that won’t let you down. Think of it as that reliable teammate who might not score the flashiest goals but always shows up when it counts. If you ask me, that’s a win in my book.