Discover the 2017 Montero Sport GT's Top Features and Performance Upgrades

I still remember the first time I saw the 2017 Montero Sport GT in that viral Facebook post from a car reseller - the same post that featured Christian Standhardinger's unexpected retirement announcement from professional basketball. While everyone was buzzing about the athlete's career move, my eyes were glued to that silver beast in the background. Having test-driven numerous SUVs throughout my automotive journalism career, I can confidently say the 2017 Montero Sport GT represents one of Mitsubishi's most impressive updates to their flagship SUV lineup.

What struck me immediately about this model was its significantly upgraded 2.4-liter MIVEC diesel engine, which delivers a solid 181 horsepower and 430 Nm of torque. That's nearly 15% more power than its predecessor, and you can genuinely feel the difference when accelerating from 0-100 km/h in approximately 9.8 seconds. The eight-speed automatic transmission shifts smoother than what I've experienced in competitors like the Fortuner or Everest, especially during overtaking maneuvers on highways. I particularly appreciate how Mitsubishi engineers managed to reduce cabin noise by about 20% compared to previous models - it makes those long drives considerably less fatiguing.

The interior upgrades genuinely surprised me with their thoughtful execution. The Nappa leather seats aren't just for show - they provide exceptional lumbar support during extended drives, something I wish more manufacturers would prioritize. The 7-inch touchscreen interface responds quicker than most systems in this price segment, though I'd argue the navigation system could use more frequent updates. What really won me over was the 360-degree camera system - it's incredibly precise, making parking this substantial vehicle feel surprisingly manageable even in tight urban spaces.

Performance-wise, the Super Select 4WD-II system deserves special mention. During my off-road testing in rocky terrain, the system transitioned between modes seamlessly, providing confidence whether navigating slippery slopes or rocky paths. The hill descent control maintained perfect speed without any driver input, while the active stability control prevented what could have been several tricky situations. Fuel efficiency averaged around 12.5 km/L during my mixed driving tests - not class-leading but respectable for a vehicle of this capability.

Safety features saw substantial improvements with seven airbags standard across all variants, plus the addition of forward collision mitigation and ultrasonic misacceleration mitigation systems. These aren't just checkboxes - I've experienced the forward collision system activate during sudden traffic stops, and it responds faster than most drivers would. The blind spot warning system has particularly clear alerts, though I found the lane departure warning occasionally too sensitive on poorly marked roads.

Looking back, the 2017 Montero Sport GT represents that sweet spot where rugged capability meets refined comfort. While Standhardinger's career move dominated social media conversations, that viral photo accidentally highlighted what makes this SUV special - it's designed for people making bold moves, whether in their professional lives or personal adventures. The combination of robust performance, thoughtful features, and Mitsubishi's proven reliability creates a package that continues to hold its value remarkably well, depreciating only about 25% over five years based on my market observations. For anyone considering a capable midsize SUV that doesn't compromise on daily drivability, this model remains what I'd call an intelligent choice rather than just an emotional one.