When I first got behind the wheel of a 2013 Montero Sport back in 2015, I immediately noticed its commanding road presence and that rugged charm Mitsubishi is famous for. Fast forward nearly a decade, and I still see these SUVs everywhere—from Manila's chaotic streets to provincial roads where road conditions can be, let's be honest, downright brutal. This got me thinking: is the 2013 Montero Sport still a reliable choice today, or has time caught up with this once-popular SUV? Having driven various iterations over the years and spoken with numerous owners, I've developed some strong opinions about this vehicle that I think many potential buyers would find valuable.
Let me start with what made this generation special. The 2013 model came with Mitsubishi's 2.5-liter 4D56 diesel engine that produced around 178 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque—numbers that were quite impressive for its time. What's remarkable is how many of these engines are still running strong today. Just last month, I met an owner who'd clocked over 180,000 kilometers with nothing but regular maintenance. "Dito pa rin yan," he told me proudly when I asked about his loyalty to the vehicle. "Kung aalis siya sa amin, matagal na siyang umalis. Pero gusto mag-stay ng bata." That phrase stuck with me because it perfectly captures why people hold onto their Monteros—there's a sense of durability and reliability that creates genuine attachment between owner and vehicle.
The chassis and suspension system deserve special mention too. I've taken my own 2013 Montero through some pretty rough terrain—from flooded streets during monsoon season to rocky mountain paths—and it's never left me stranded. The independent front suspension and multi-link rear setup provide a comfortable ride that's surprisingly refined for a body-on-frame SUV. Sure, it's not as plush as some modern crossovers, but there's a robustness here that many contemporary SUVs lack. I've noticed that even after years of use, the suspension components tend to hold up better than some of its competitors from that era. The steering has that characteristic Mitsubishi heaviness that some drivers love (myself included) while others might find it slightly cumbersome in tight parking situations.
Now, let's talk about the interior because this is where the 2013 model shows its age most noticeably. The infotainment system feels ancient compared to what we have today—no Apple CarPlay, no Android Auto, and the screen resolution is what we'd generously call "retro" by modern standards. The plastic materials, while durable, lack the premium feel of newer SUVs. However, what it lacks in technological sophistication, it makes up for in sheer practicality. The cabin space is generous, with seating for seven that's actually usable for adults in the second row. I've carried everything from construction materials to a month's worth of groceries with the third row folded down, and the utility never fails to impress me. The air conditioning system deserves special praise—it's arguably one of the best I've experienced in any vehicle, cooling the cabin rapidly even under the brutal Philippine sun.
Fuel efficiency is another area where the 2013 Montero continues to shine. In mixed driving conditions, I've consistently achieved around 12-14 km per liter, which is quite respectable for a vehicle of this size. The diesel engine's low-end torque makes city driving less stressful, and on highways, it cruises comfortably at legal speeds without feeling strained. Maintenance costs are where this vehicle truly wins hearts. Compared to newer SUVs with their complex electronics and specialized components, the 2013 Montero is relatively straightforward to maintain. A standard oil change and filter replacement at my trusted mechanic costs significantly less than what friends with newer SUVs report paying at dealerships. Parts availability is excellent too—you can find everything from alternators to suspension components at reasonable prices throughout the country.
Of course, no vehicle is perfect, and the 2013 Montero has its share of issues that prospective buyers should know about. The most common complaint I've heard—and experienced myself—relates to the automatic transmission's shifting behavior. It can be hesitant at times, especially when you need quick acceleration for overtaking. There have been reports of injector problems in higher-mileage examples, with replacement costs running around ₱15,000-₱20,000 per injector. Some owners have mentioned minor electrical gremlins developing over time, particularly with power window mechanisms and the multi-info display. The brake system, while generally reliable, might feel underwhelming to drivers accustomed to the sharper brakes in newer vehicles.
What really surprises me is how well these vehicles have held their value. A quick check online shows well-maintained 2013 models still commanding ₱700,000-₱900,000 depending on condition and mileage. That's remarkable depreciation resistance for a nearly decade-old vehicle. When I asked a used car dealer friend why this is, he explained that the Montero's reputation for reliability makes it a safe bet for second-hand buyers who can't afford the ₱1.8 million price tag of a new one but still want Mitsubishi's proven durability.
So, after all these years and kilometers, would I still recommend the 2013 Montero Sport? For buyers who prioritize reliability, low running costs, and proven durability over the latest features and premium interiors, absolutely. It's not the most sophisticated or technologically advanced SUV by today's standards, but it gets the fundamentals right in a way that many modern vehicles don't. There's something to be said about a vehicle that simply works year after year without demanding much in return. The 2013 Montero Sport reminds me of that reliable friend who might not be the flashiest person in the room but who you know will always have your back when things get tough. In a market flooded with increasingly complex and sometimes fragile new vehicles, that kind of old-school reliability is becoming rare—and frankly, more valuable than ever.
