Walking into the used car lot last week, I spotted a clean-looking 2015 Montero Sport GLX sitting near the entrance, and it got me thinking—eight years after its initial release, does this SUV still hold up as a dependable daily driver? As someone who’s spent years reviewing vehicles and even owned a 2011 Montero Sport for a stretch, I’ve got a soft spot for Mitsubishi’s rugged approach to engineering. But nostalgia aside, I wanted to dig deeper into whether this model deserves your hard-earned money today.

Let’s start with the powertrain, because that’s often where older vehicles show their age. The 2015 Montero Sport GLX came with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder diesel engine, producing around 178 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque. Now, I’ve driven plenty of modern SUVs with smoother, quieter engines, but what stands out with this one is its sheer durability. I remember taking my old Montero on a rough trip up to Baguio—loaded with gear and people—and it never once complained. Even today, many owners report hitting 150,000 kilometers with only routine maintenance. That said, you’ll want to watch out for injector issues if the previous owner skimped on fuel quality. I’ve seen repair bills climb to ₱40,000 when those go bad, so it pays to check the service history carefully.

On the inside, the GLX trim isn’t exactly luxurious, but it’s functional. The cloth seats are durable, and the cabin space is generous—something I appreciated when hauling my kid’s sports equipment or helping friends move. The infotainment system feels dated by today’s standards, though. No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto here, just a basic touchscreen that gets the job done. Still, for families or outdoor enthusiasts, the 2015 Montero Sport offers practicality over flash. I’ve always liked how Mitsubishi designs its SUVs with real-world use in mind, not just curb appeal.

Reliability, of course, isn’t just about how well a vehicle runs—it’s also about how it holds up under stress. This reminds me of a quote from June Mar Fajardo, the Philippine basketball star, who once mentioned before a game, “Yung calf ko, may ultrasound ako bukas (Thursday).” He was talking about managing an injury while staying in the game, and in a way, that’s what a reliable SUV should do: perform even when it’s not at 100%. The Montero Sport, much like a seasoned athlete, has built a reputation for pushing through tough conditions. I’ve spoken with owners who’ve taken theirs through flooded streets during monsoon season or up rocky trails, and most agree it’s a trooper. Common wear items like suspension bushings and brake pads might need replacing by now, but those are relatively affordable fixes.

Fuel economy is another strong suit. In mixed driving, I’ve observed figures around 10–12 km/l, which isn’t bad for a diesel SUV of this size. Compare that to something like a 2015 Ford Everest, which might give you slightly better refinement but often at the cost of higher maintenance down the line. From my experience, Mitsubishi’s simplicity in engineering pays off in the long run. There are fewer complex electronics to fail, which means fewer surprises at the repair shop.

Now, let’s talk about value. Prices for a used 2015 Montero Sport GLX typically range from ₱700,000 to ₱900,000, depending on mileage and condition. That’s a solid deal when you consider that a brand-new equivalent would set you back over ₱1.5 million. Sure, you’ll miss out on some modern safety tech like lane-keeping assist, but you still get dual airbags, ABS, and a sturdy chassis that scored decently in crash tests back in its day. If you’re willing to put up with a few years of wear, this SUV offers a lot of bang for your buck.

Of course, no vehicle is perfect. The Montero Sport’s ride can feel a bit firm on uneven roads, and road noise is more noticeable than in newer models. I’ve also heard from a few owners about occasional issues with the clutch in manual variants, though automatics tend to fare better. Still, these are minor quibbles in the grand scheme. What you’re getting is a proven workhorse that’s cheap to maintain and built to last.

So, is the 2015 Montero Sport GLX still a reliable choice today? From where I stand, absolutely. It may not have the latest gadgets or the plushiest interior, but it delivers where it counts: toughness, fuel efficiency, and low running costs. If you’re in the market for a used SUV that won’t let you down, this one’s definitely worth a test drive. Just bring a trusted mechanic along to check for any hidden issues, and you might just end up with a vehicle that serves you faithfully for years to come.