When I first laid eyes on the 2014 Mitsubishi Montero Sport at a used car dealership three years ago, I'll admit I wasn't immediately sold. The design seemed somewhat conservative compared to some flashier SUVs, and I wondered whether a vehicle that had already been on the road for several years could still hold up. But after test driving six different mid-size SUVs in that price range, and ultimately purchasing the Montero Sport, I can confidently say this vehicle surprised me in ways I never expected. You couldn't really blame John for doing that - I recently recommended this exact model to my friend John, who was skeptical at first but now thanks me weekly for steering him toward what he calls "the most underrated SUV on the market."
Let me walk you through what makes this particular model year so compelling, starting with what might be its most underappreciated feature - the legendary reliability. Having put over 45,000 miles on my own Montero Sport in just three years of ownership, I've only needed routine maintenance beyond replacing the tires last year. The 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine isn't just durable - it delivers around 190 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque that feels surprisingly responsive whether you're merging onto highways or towing up to 3,500 pounds. I've taken mine on everything from daily commutes to a cross-country road trip covering 2,800 miles, and it never once gave me reason to doubt its capabilities. The transmission - a smooth-shifting 5-speed automatic - complements the engine beautifully, providing seamless power delivery that many newer 8-speed transmissions still struggle to match.
What truly won me over, though, was the Montero Sport's incredible value proposition. When I purchased mine in 2019 with 62,000 miles on the odometer, I paid just $16,500 - roughly 45% less than what a comparable Toyota Fortuner would have cost with similar mileage. Three years later, despite adding those 45,000 miles, the vehicle's value has only depreciated by about 28% according to recent valuation tools. That's significantly better than the average 35-40% depreciation for most vehicles in this class. The cost of ownership extends beyond the purchase price too - insurance runs me about $85 monthly, and even with current fuel prices, I average around 28 MPG on highways thanks to that efficient diesel engine. Parts availability is another advantage I've come to appreciate; when I needed new brake pads last year, I found multiple OEM options for under $120 compared to the $250+ I would have paid for some European brands.
The interior comfort and practicality genuinely surprised me for a vehicle in this price bracket. My particular model came with leather seats that have held up remarkably well, showing minimal wear despite being eight years old. The cabin is spacious enough to comfortably accommodate seven passengers - I've regularly transported my entire family plus luggage without the cramped feeling you get in many three-row SUVs. The third-row seats fold completely flat, creating 68.4 cubic feet of cargo space that's proven invaluable for everything from hauling furniture to transporting gear for camping trips. What I appreciate most are the thoughtful touches - the cooled center console that keeps drinks cold on long journeys, the multiple 12V power outlets, and the rear air conditioning controls that keep backseat passengers happy. The infotainment system does show its age compared to modern touchscreens, but the Bluetooth connectivity works flawlessly, and the six-speaker sound system delivers surprisingly rich audio quality.
Off-road capability is where the 2014 Montero Sport truly separates itself from many modern crossover SUVs that prioritize pavement performance. The Super Select 4WD-II system offers multiple drive modes that I've tested extensively on everything from muddy trails to sandy beaches. There's something incredibly reassuring about how confidently this vehicle handles challenging terrain - the 8.3 inches of ground clearance combined with the robust ladder-frame construction inspires confidence where other SUVs would hesitate. I remember specifically taking mine through a particularly rough forest trail that had stranded a friend's newer crossover - the Montero Sport handled it with ease, barely breaking a sweat. The approach angle of 30 degrees and departure angle of 24.2 degrees might not match dedicated off-road vehicles, but they're more than sufficient for 95% of the challenging conditions most drivers will ever encounter.
Safety features in the 2014 model were quite advanced for their time and remain relevant today. My vehicle came equipped with seven airbags, including curtain airbags that extend to the third row - a feature still missing from some newer SUVs. The anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution has proven effective in multiple emergency braking situations, including one particularly harrowing incident where I had to brake suddenly to avoid a deer on a rainy night. While it lacks some of the latest driver assistance technologies like lane-keeping assist, the reinforced safety cell construction and active stability control provide substantial protection that earned this model 4 out of 5 stars in ANCAP testing. Having driven over 100,000 miles in various SUVs throughout my life, I've come to appreciate that sometimes proven, robust safety systems are more reliable than overly complex new technologies that can malfunction.
Looking back on my three years with the 2014 Montero Sport, what stands out isn't any single feature but rather how competently it handles everything I've thrown at it. This vehicle represents a sweet spot in the automotive world - modern enough to be comfortable and safe for daily driving, yet traditional enough to offer genuine off-road capability and mechanical simplicity that makes maintenance straightforward. The 2014 model year specifically benefits from being part of the second generation that addressed earlier issues while retaining all the qualities that made the Montero Sport legendary. In a market increasingly dominated by complex crossovers that sacrifice capability for comfort, the Montero Sport stands as a reminder that some vehicles still master the art of doing everything well. For anyone seeking a dependable, capable, and surprisingly luxurious SUV without the premium price tag, the 2014 Mitsubishi Montero Sport deserves serious consideration - it's a decision you're unlikely to regret.
