As I sit here thinking about the upcoming 2024 Montero Sport release in the Philippines, I can't help but draw parallels to that recent motorsports interview I came across. The executive mentioned how crucial seeding was for their team, saying, "This was important for seeding, so we really wanted to get that seeding. But that's now going to go to New Zealand. We're going to have a tougher road through that Cup." That mindset perfectly captures Mitsubishi's current position in the Philippine SUV market - they've lost some ground to competitors, making their path forward considerably more challenging. Having test-driven multiple generations of this vehicle, I've witnessed firsthand how the Montero Sport has evolved from being the undisputed segment leader to facing intense competition from the likes of Fortuner and Everest.
Let me walk you through what we know about the 2024 model so far. Based on insider information from dealerships and industry contacts, I'm expecting the pricing to start around ₱1,650,000 for the base GLX variant and climb to approximately ₱2,450,000 for the fully-loaded GLS Premium. These figures represent about an 8-10% increase over the current models, which honestly feels steep until you consider the substantial upgrades they're packing. The design team has clearly been busy - I've seen preliminary sketches showing a more aggressive front fascia with what appears to be a bolder Dynamic Shield grille design, complemented by slimmer LED headlights that give it a distinctly premium appearance. From the side profile, the character lines appear more pronounced, creating that muscular stance Filipino buyers absolutely love.
Under the hood, Mitsubishi seems to be sticking with their proven 2.4-liter MIVEC diesel engine, though I'm hearing whispers about potential power bumps to around 190 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque. Having driven the current engine extensively across various Philippine terrains - from Baguio's steep climbs to muddy provincial roads - I can attest that even the current output feels more than adequate. The real question is whether they'll finally introduce that 8-speed automatic transmission everyone's been asking for, or if they'll play it safe with the current 6-speed. Personally, I'd love to see them take the bolder approach - this segment has become incredibly competitive, and playing it safe rarely wins races.
The interior upgrades appear substantial based on the teasers I've seen. There's talk of a larger 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which addresses one of my biggest complaints about the current model. The cabin materials seem upgraded too, with more soft-touch surfaces and what looks like available leather upholstery even in mid-tier variants. Having spent countless hours in various Montero Sport cabins, I can confidently say these improvements could finally bridge the perceived quality gap with its main rivals. The third-row seating appears more thoughtfully designed too, potentially offering better legroom than the current 320mm measurement.
Safety features deserve special mention because Mitsubishi seems to be going all-in. We're looking at possible additions like rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking, lane keep assist, and an upgraded 360-degree camera system. In my experience testing vehicles in Metro Manila's chaotic traffic, these features aren't just nice-to-haves anymore - they're essential for navigating our increasingly congested roads. The current model's 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating suggests they'll likely maintain or even exceed that standard.
What really intrigues me is how Mitsubishi plans to position this against the updated Fortuner and the surprisingly capable Terra. The pricing suggests they're aiming for that sweet spot between premium positioning and value retention - something the Montero Sport has historically excelled at. I've owned three different Monteros over the years, and their resale value remains among the best in class, typically retaining about 65% of value after three years based on my tracking of pre-owned prices.
Fuel economy figures from my sources suggest improvements to around 14.5 km/L in combined city and highway driving, which would be a welcome upgrade over the current 13.2 km/L average I've recorded during my various test drives. For Filipino families considering this as their primary vehicle, that difference translates to meaningful savings given our volatile fuel prices.
The local market response will be fascinating to watch. Dealers I've spoken with are cautiously optimistic, noting that while the Montero Sport doesn't dominate conversations like it once did, it maintains a loyal following particularly in provincial areas where its rugged reputation precedes it. The timing seems right for a significant refresh, though the increased pricing might deter some budget-conscious buyers.
Looking at the broader picture, this 2024 model represents Mitsubishi's attempt to reclaim lost territory in a segment they once dominated. Much like that racing team facing a tougher path forward, they can't rely on past successes alone. They need to deliver something that not only matches but exceeds customer expectations in a market that's become increasingly sophisticated and demanding. Based on what I'm seeing, they might just have the right combination of upgrades, pricing, and features to make that happen. The real test will come when we finally get behind the wheel later this year, but for now, the 2024 Montero Sport appears poised to make a compelling case for itself in the Philippine automotive landscape.