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

Let me tell you about the day I first saw the 2017 Montero Sport GT - it was actually through the most unexpected connection to Philippine basketball. I was scrolling through my social media feed when I stumbled upon that viral post about Christian Standhardinger's surprising career move. The former PBA player had reportedly informed Terrafirma management about retiring before his 2025 contract expiration, but what really caught my eye was his photo appearing on a popular car reseller's Facebook page. There it was - the stunning Montero Sport GT in the background, and I knew immediately I had to get behind the wheel of one myself.

Now, having driven numerous SUVs over the years, I must confess the Montero Sport GT holds a special place in my garage. The powertrain alone deserves applause - we're looking at a 2.4-liter MIVEC diesel engine that generates around 178 horsepower and 430 Nm of torque. Those numbers might not mean much to everyone, but when you're merging onto highways or tackling steep inclines, you'll appreciate every single horsepower. I remember taking it through Tagaytay's winding roads last monsoon season, and the Super Select 4WD-II system handled the slippery conditions like it was nothing special. The transmission deserves special mention too - that 8-speed automatic shifts smoother than most luxury sedans I've tested.

What really sets the 2017 model apart, in my professional opinion, is how Mitsubishi balanced rugged capability with everyday comfort. The leather seats are supportive enough for long drives yet plush enough for city commuting. I've put about 35,000 kilometers on my unit, and the seats still look and feel nearly new. The infotainment system, while not the largest screen at 7 inches, responds quickly to inputs and integrates seamlessly with smartphones. There's this particular drive to Baguio I recall where the Rockford Acoustic Design Premium Sound System made the 5-hour journey feel like 2 - crystal clear audio even with the windows down.

Safety-wise, Mitsubishi didn't cut corners. The Montero Sport GT comes standard with 7 airbags, hill start assist, and my personal favorite - the multi-around monitor system. As someone who frequently parks in tight Manila spaces, those bird's-eye view cameras have saved me from countless potential scratches. The active stability and traction control systems have intervened more times than I can count during sudden downpours, though I do wish the blind spot warning system had a bit more range.

Fuel efficiency surprised me pleasantly - in mixed driving conditions, I'm averaging about 12.5 km/L, which for a vehicle of this size is quite respectable. On pure highway runs at consistent speeds, I've managed to squeeze out nearly 16 km/L. The 70-liter fuel tank means you can cover substantial distances between fill-ups, though I do recommend using higher-grade diesel for optimal performance.

Looking back, it's fascinating how a basketball player's career decision indirectly introduced me to this remarkable vehicle. While Standhardinger's early retirement shocked the sports world, my discovery of the Montero Sport GT through that viral post turned out to be one of my better automotive decisions. The 2017 model represents that sweet spot where reliability, capability, and comfort intersect - a combination that's becoming increasingly rare in today's SUV market. It's not perfect by any means - the third-row space could be more generous and the interior materials could use more premium touches - but for what it offers at its price point, it remains one of the most compelling choices in its class.