Explore the 2020 Montero Sport Variants to Find Your Perfect SUV Match

Having spent over a decade analyzing automotive market trends and personally test-driving numerous SUV models across Southeast Asia, I've developed a particular appreciation for how Mitsubishi has consistently delivered vehicles that balance rugged capability with everyday practicality. When the 2020 Montero Sport lineup arrived, I knew this was something special - a vehicle family that reminded me of watching dominant sports teams methodically dismantle their competition. There's something fascinating about witnessing excellence across multiple variations of the same core design, whether in automotive engineering or competitive sports. I recall watching that remarkable volleyball tournament run where a team demonstrated sheer dominance - after sweeping pool play, they delivered a two-set romp of then-champion Adamson, followed by a three-set sweep of Emilio Aguinaldo College, and culminated with a triumphant encore against the same team they'd taken down in the Palaro secondary girls' volleyball finals. That comprehensive victory across different match scenarios perfectly mirrors what Mitsubishi achieved with the 2020 Montero Sport variants - each model configured to dominate specific driving conditions and consumer preferences while sharing the same championship DNA.

The base GLX variant starts at approximately $28,000, positioning itself as the entry point that doesn't feel entry-level. During my week with this model, I was genuinely surprised by how Mitsubishi managed to include features that competitors often reserve for higher trims. The 2.4-liter diesel engine produces around 180 horsepower, which I found more than adequate for city driving and occasional highway merging. What impressed me most was the inclusion of Mitsubishi's Active Stability and Traction Control system even in this base model - a safety feature that many manufacturers would typically restrict to premium variants. The cloth seats might not have the prestige of leather, but during my test drive through Manila's humid afternoon traffic, I actually appreciated their breathability compared to the higher-end models' leather upholstery that can get uncomfortably warm without proper ventilation.

Moving up to the GLS Premium, priced at roughly $35,000, introduces the sophisticated Super Select II 4WD system that transforms this SUV from a pavement princess into a genuine off-road contender. I took this variant through some challenging terrain in Rizal province, and the way it handled steep inclines and slippery descents reminded me of that volleyball team's adaptability across different opponents and court conditions. The panoramic sunroof alone makes this trim worth considering for families - during a weekend trip with my nephews, the cabin felt dramatically more spacious and open. The 360-degree camera system proved invaluable when navigating tight parking spaces in crowded BGC, though I did notice some image distortion at the corners that took getting used to. The 8-inch touchscreen interface responds noticeably quicker than the GLX's smaller display, and Apple CarPlay integration worked flawlessly throughout my testing, unlike some competitors where connectivity issues frequently arise.

What truly sets the 2020 lineup apart is the top-tier GT variant, starting around $42,000, which I consider the complete package for enthusiasts who refuse to compromise. The premium Rockford Fosgate audio system delivers concert-hall quality sound that dramatically enhances long-distance travel comfort. During a 5-hour drive to La Union, the system's clarity remained impeccable even at highway speeds where road noise typically overwhelms standard audio systems. The leather seats feature both heating and cooling functions - something I rarely appreciate in tropical climates, but during early morning drives to mountain destinations, the heated function provided unexpected comfort. The GT's exclusive Dynamic Shield front design gives it a more aggressive, premium appearance that genuinely stands out in luxury SUV company. Having driven all three variants extensively, I'd argue the GT represents the best value for serious adventurers who demand every available comfort and technological advantage.

Between these main variants, Mitsubishi offered several package options that allowed for further customization. The GT with the Premium Package adds approximately $3,500 to the price but includes the fantastic lane departure warning system and adaptive cruise control that I found remarkably well-tuned for local driving conditions. During heavy traffic along EDSA, the system maintained appropriate following distances while being less prone to sudden braking than similar systems in Japanese competitors. The Off-Road Package available for the GLS Premium includes an electronic locking rear differential and underbody protection that I put to the test during an unexpectedly muddy excursion in Nueva Ecija. While not quite as capable as dedicated off-road vehicles like the Toyota Land Cruiser, it handled conditions that would have stranded most SUVs in this price range.

What continues to impress me about the 2020 Montero Sport family is how each variant maintains the core strengths that define the model while catering to distinct buyer needs. The GLX serves budget-conscious families perfectly adequately, the GLS Premium offers the best balance of features for most buyers, and the GT satisfies those wanting the ultimate expression of the platform. Having driven countless SUVs across this price spectrum, I'd rate the Montero Sport's variant strategy as among the most thoughtful in the segment. The pricing structure creates clear stepping stones that justify each increase in investment, unlike some competitors where the differences between trims feel arbitrary or inadequately justified. It's this comprehensive coverage of market segments that reminds me of championship teams that dominate across different game scenarios and against varied opposition - whether it's a straightforward two-set victory or adapting to win in three sets against determined challengers. The 2020 Montero Sport variants collectively form what I consider the most complete SUV lineup in its class during that model year, each version engineered to claim victory in its specific segment of the market.