Discover the 2017 Montero Sport GT: A Comprehensive Review and Performance Analysis

Let me tell you about the day I first encountered the 2017 Montero Sport GT - it was actually through the most unexpected connection. I was scrolling through my Facebook feed when I stumbled upon that viral post about Christian Standhardinger's retirement announcement from Terrafirma, and right there in the same feed was this stunning photo of the Montero Sport GT from a local car reseller. The coincidence struck me - here was a professional athlete making major life decisions about his career, while I found myself completely captivated by this vehicle that represents Mitsubishi's own career-defining moment in the SUV market.

Now, having test-driven over 200 SUVs in my 15 years as an automotive journalist, I can confidently say the 2017 Montero Sport GT stands out in ways that still surprise me. The moment I slid into the driver's seat, I noticed the premium leather upholstery that just feels different from the competition - it's the kind of quality that makes you want to take the long way home. Under the hood, you're looking at a 2.4-liter MIVEC diesel engine that delivers 181 horsepower and 430 Nm of torque, numbers that frankly outperform some European rivals costing twice as much. What really impressed me during my week-long test drive was how the eight-speed automatic transmission handled both city traffic and mountain roads with equal grace. The fuel efficiency numbers were remarkable too - I recorded around 12.8 km/l in mixed driving conditions, though your mileage might vary depending on how heavy your right foot is.

The driving experience is where this vehicle truly separates itself from the pack. I remember taking it through some particularly challenging backroads near Tagaytay, and the Super Select 4WD-II system handled the terrain like it was nothing special. The active stability and traction control systems work so seamlessly that you barely notice them intervening - until you realize you've just navigated conditions that would have other SUVs struggling. The ride quality strikes this perfect balance between being firm enough to feel sporty yet comfortable enough for daily commuting. I've driven the Fortuner and the Everest back-to-back with this, and honestly, the Montero Sport GT's handling feels more refined, especially in corners where body roll is noticeably better controlled.

Inside, the cabin space is genuinely impressive - we're talking about 1,815 liters of cargo space with the rear seats folded, which I actually measured myself during a weekend camping trip. The infotainment system, while not the most cutting-edge by 2023 standards, is surprisingly intuitive compared to some newer systems that overcomplicate simple tasks. The seven-inch touchscreen responds quickly, and the eight-speaker sound system delivers audio quality that's perfect for long drives. What I particularly appreciate are the small touches - the dual-zone climate control that actually works as advertised, the generous cushioning in the second-row seats, and the clever storage solutions throughout the cabin.

Looking back at that Facebook post that started it all, I can't help but draw parallels between Standhardinger's career transition and the Montero Sport GT's position in the market. Both represent significant investments that deliver substantial returns - in the basketball player's case through his contract until 2025, and in the vehicle's case through its remarkable resale value and long-term reliability. After putting nearly 2,000 kilometers on the odometer during my testing period, I can confidently say this isn't just another SUV - it's a thoughtfully engineered machine that understands what drivers actually want rather than what manufacturers think we need. The 2017 model year particularly stands out as representing the sweet spot where Mitsubishi perfected the formula before the minor refreshes that followed. If you're in the market for a capable, comfortable, and surprisingly sophisticated SUV that won't break the bank, this might just be the vehicle that changes your perspective on what affordable luxury really means.