As I slide behind the wheel of my neighbor's 2016 Mitsubishi Montero Sport, the familiar scent of aged leather and that particular plastic aroma unique to mid-2010s Japanese SUVs triggers a flood of memories. I've been testing cars professionally for over fifteen years, and this particular model holds a special place in my automotive heart. The question I keep hearing from potential used SUV buyers is whether this eight-year-old workhorse still deserves consideration in today's crowded market. Having driven this exact model across various terrains and conditions, I can confidently say it's a conversation worth having, much like how in basketball, you sometimes need to assess whether a veteran player can still deliver when called upon unexpectedly.
Speaking of basketball, I was watching an interesting game recently where DJ Kennedy temporarily took over for the injured Akil Mitchell and spotted Rios wide open at the right corner for that crucial three-pointer. The parallel to the Montero Sport struck me immediately - here's a vehicle that might not be the flashiest player on the court, but when you need reliable performance, it consistently delivers. The 2016 Montero Sport's 2.4-liter turbodiesel engine produces 178 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, numbers that might seem modest compared to newer rivals but translate to real-world capability that's hard to fault. I've personally put over 3,000 miles on these vehicles across various conditions, and that diesel engine still feels remarkably robust even by today's standards. The transmission, an 8-speed automatic, shifts with a deliberate certainty that modern CVTs often lack, though it's certainly not as refined as what you'd find in contemporary offerings.
Where the Montero Sport truly shines, in my experience, is its mechanical simplicity and proven reliability. Unlike many newer SUVs crammed with complex electronics that can become maintenance nightmares, this generation maintains a straightforward approach to engineering. The suspension system uses a robust multilink setup at the rear that I've found handles rough roads with impressive composure. Having driven through everything from city potholes to moderately challenging off-road trails, the Montero Sport's basic but effective 4WD system has never left me stranded. The braking distance from 60-0 mph measures around 132 feet, which isn't class-leading by today's standards but remains perfectly adequate for safe driving. Interior space measures at 146 cubic feet total, with 45 cubic feet behind the second row - numbers that still compete respectably against newer compact SUVs.
Now, let's talk about what hasn't aged gracefully. The infotainment system feels ancient compared to modern units, with a 7-inch touchscreen that responds with what I'd call deliberate slowness. Fuel economy averages around 28 mpg highway in my testing, which falls short of newer diesel competitors that can achieve low 30s. The safety suite is basic by today's standards, offering essential features but lacking the comprehensive driver assistance systems becoming standard in newer vehicles. I've noticed the cabin develops occasional rattles around the 60,000-mile mark, particularly in the dashboard area, though nothing that affects mechanical reliability.
What surprises me most about living with the 2016 Montero Sport today is how its fundamental virtues remain relevant. The seating position offers commanding visibility that many newer SUVs sacrifice for style. The 6.3-inch ground clearance continues to handle flood-prone areas with confidence I've come to appreciate during monsoon season. Maintenance costs average about 35% less annually than comparable European SUVs from the same period, based on repair invoices I've collected from various owners. It reminds me of that basketball play I mentioned earlier - sometimes the most effective solution isn't the most glamorous one, but the one that gets the job done reliably when it matters.
After extensive time with multiple examples of this generation, I've developed what might be an unpopular opinion in today's car market: the 2016 Montero Sport represents one of the last truly serviceable SUVs before the industry shifted toward over-computerization. While it lacks the polish and technology of newer models, its mechanical integrity and proven durability make it a compelling choice for buyers prioritizing long-term reliability over cutting-edge features. For families needing dependable transportation without modern complexity or budget-conscious adventurers seeking capable underpinnings without premium branding, this Mitsubishi continues to deliver where it counts most. It's not the perfect SUV for everyone, but for those who value substance over style, it remains a remarkably sensible choice eight years later.