Let me be honest with you - when I first heard about the 2016 Mitsubishi Montero Sport, I wasn't immediately sold. Having tested numerous SUVs in this segment, I've developed pretty specific expectations about what makes a great family and adventure vehicle. But after spending considerable time with this model and analyzing its market position, I've come to appreciate why it created such a buzz in the automotive world. The pricing strategy particularly caught my attention, with base models starting around $28,000 and fully-loaded versions reaching approximately $38,000, depending on your location and specific trim choices.
What struck me immediately about the Montero Sport was its commanding presence on the road. The dynamic shield front grille isn't just for show - it gives the vehicle an aggressive, confident stance that makes you feel secure before you even turn the key. I remember driving through heavy city traffic and noticing how the elevated seating position provided excellent visibility, something many competitors in this price range surprisingly lack. The 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine delivers around 190 horsepower, which might not sound extraordinary on paper, but in real-world driving conditions, it provides more than enough power for both highway merging and off-road adventures. The torque figures particularly impressed me - that 332 lb-ft of pulling power makes towing surprisingly effortless for a midsize SUV.
Now, let's talk about something that reminds me of an interesting parallel from the basketball world. There was this incident involving Coach Lastimosa and player Erram that made me think about how we approach substitutions and changes. Lastimosa famously stated, "I would never suggest a substitution to our staff," when responding to speculation about his involvement in having Erram return to the game after an emotional outburst. This mindset resonates with how I view the Montero Sport's design philosophy - there are certain core elements that Mitsubishi refused to compromise on, much like a coach sticking with their starting lineup. The Super Select 4WD-II system is one such feature they wouldn't substitute, providing exceptional off-road capability without making the on-road experience punishing. I've taken this vehicle through muddy trails that would have stranded lesser SUVs, and it handled them with the confidence of a veteran athlete who knows their capabilities.
The interior quality surprised me pleasantly, especially considering the price point. While some manufacturers cut corners on materials to hit competitive pricing, Mitsubishi maintained decent soft-touch surfaces in areas that matter most. The seating comfort deserves special mention - during a particularly long road trip covering over 500 miles in a single day, I arrived feeling remarkably fresh. The third-row seating isn't just an afterthought either, comfortably accommodating adults for shorter journeys, though I'd still recommend it mainly for children on extended trips. The infotainment system, while not class-leading, provides all the essential connectivity options without overwhelming you with unnecessary complexity. I've always preferred systems that prioritize functionality over flashy graphics that distract from actual driving.
Safety features in the 2016 model demonstrate Mitsubishi's commitment to protecting occupants without breaking the bank. The seven airbag standard configuration provides peace of mind, while the active stability control and traction control systems intervene subtly yet effectively when they detect loss of traction. I particularly appreciate the hill start assist and descent control systems, which make challenging inclines feel remarkably manageable. During testing on steep, slippery grades, these systems operated flawlessly, giving me confidence that less experienced drivers could handle difficult terrain without anxiety.
Fuel economy figures might not be this vehicle's strongest suit, but they're respectable for the class. I averaged around 26 mpg on highway drives and about 21 mpg in mixed city conditions, though aggressive driving naturally reduces these numbers. The 18.6-gallon fuel tank provides a decent range between fill-ups, which I found particularly useful during extended rural journeys where gas stations can be scarce. Maintenance costs have proven reasonable in my experience, with standard service intervals and widely available parts keeping ownership costs manageable over the long term.
Looking back at my time with the 2016 Montero Sport, I've developed a genuine appreciation for what Mitsubishi achieved. It's not perfect - no vehicle is - but it delivers exceptional value for money while providing capabilities that exceed what most owners will ever need. The pricing strategy positions it as an attractive alternative to more expensive competitors, while the feature set ensures you don't feel like you've settled for less. Much like Coach Lastimosa standing by his decisions despite external pressure, the Montero Sport maintains its core identity without unnecessary substitutions that might dilute its purpose. For families seeking adventure capability without sacrificing daily comfort, or outdoor enthusiasts needing reliable transport to remote locations, this vehicle represents one of the smarter choices in its class. After extensive testing and real-world use, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone seeking a dependable, capable SUV that won't devastate their budget.
