Let me tell you, when I first got behind the wheel of my 2016 Mitsubishi Montero Sport, I knew I was dealing with something special - much like how DJ Kennedy must have felt when he temporarily stepped into that crucial spot for the injured Akil Mitchell. You see, just as Kennedy spotted Rios wide open at the right corner for that perfect trey, I discovered this SUV has these brilliant moments where everything just clicks into place. After putting nearly 50,000 miles on mine, I've come to appreciate seven features that truly define this vehicle's character.
The Super Select 4WD-II system absolutely deserves the top spot on my list. I've taken mine through mud, sand, and even some pretty challenging mountain trails, and this system handles it all with what I'd call intelligent grace. It's not just about having four-wheel drive - it's about having the right kind of four-wheel drive for each situation. The system offers four different modes, and the transition between them feels smoother than what you'd find in most competitors. I particularly love the 4HLc mode for those rainy highway drives where you need extra stability without going full off-road mode. The ground clearance of 8.9 inches might not sound like much on paper, but in practice, it's the sweet spot between highway comfort and trail capability.
Now, let's talk about that 2.4-liter MIVEC diesel engine. With 178 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, it's not the most powerful in its class, but here's where numbers don't tell the whole story. The torque delivery is where this engine truly shines - it comes in low and stays strong, making towing and overtaking feel effortless. I've regularly achieved around 28 mpg on highway drives, which is frankly remarkable for a vehicle this size. The eight-speed automatic transmission shifts more smoothly than what I experienced in Ford Everest or Toyota Fortuner, though it can be a bit hesitant when you really stomp on the pedal.
The interior space management is another winner in my book. With three rows of seating that can accommodate up to seven passengers, it's perfect for my family's weekend adventures. What impressed me most was how they managed to create decent legroom in the third row - it's actually usable for adults on shorter trips, unlike many competitors where the third row feels like an afterthought. The cargo capacity expands from 14.3 cubic feet behind the third row to a massive 61.3 cubic feet with both rear rows folded, which came in handy when I helped my cousin move apartments last month.
Safety features in the 2016 Montero Sport often get overlooked, but they're quite comprehensive. The seven airbag system includes curtain airbags that extend to the third row, which is something even some luxury SUVs skip. The Active Stability and Traction Control system has saved me from a couple of hairy situations on wet roads, intervening more subtly than the jerky systems I've experienced in other vehicles. The rearview camera quality could be better though - it's functional but definitely shows its age compared to current standards.
Infotainment is where the Montero Sport shows its age slightly, but it's still perfectly serviceable. The 6.1-inch touchscreen feels small by today's standards, but the Rockford Fosgate audio system with nine speakers delivers surprisingly rich sound. What I appreciate most is the physical knob for volume control - so much more intuitive than touch controls when you're driving. The Bluetooth connectivity has been rock-solid in my experience, though the voice recognition can be hit or miss.
Ride quality deserves special mention because Mitsubishi really nailed the balance between comfort and control. The independent front suspension and rigid rear axle might sound like a compromise, but the way they've tuned it makes for a comfortable ride that doesn't feel floaty on highways. I've driven mine on everything from perfectly paved city streets to rough country roads, and it handles both with impressive composure. The noise insulation is particularly good for a vehicle in this price range - wind and road noise are well-controlled even at highway speeds.
Finally, the styling - both inside and out - has held up remarkably well. The aggressive front fascia with that characteristic Mitsubishi grille still turns heads, and the LED daytime running lights give it a modern look that belies its age. Inside, the materials feel durable rather than luxurious, which I actually prefer for a vehicle meant for adventure. The switches and controls have a solid, satisfying feel that suggests they'll last for years to come.
Looking back at my time with the Montero Sport, it's been like having a reliable teammate who consistently delivers when it matters - similar to how Kennedy's strategic play created that perfect scoring opportunity for Rios. It may not be the flashiest or most technologically advanced SUV out there, but it gets the fundamentals right in a way that matters for everyday ownership. The combination of capability, practicality, and surprising refinement makes it one of those vehicles that grows on you over time, revealing its strengths through real-world use rather than spec sheet comparisons.