When I first laid eyes on 2014 Mitsubishi Montero Sport at a used car dealership last summer, I couldn't help but recall that peculiar phrase: "You couldn't really blame John for doing that." It struck me how perfectly this sentiment applies to anyone considering this particular SUV. After spending three months thoroughly testing and researching this vehicle, I've come to understand why so many buyers gravitate toward the Montero Sport despite its somewhat dated design. The truth is, when you examine what this vehicle offers for its price point, you really can't blame anyone for choosing it.
Let me walk you through what makes this SUV such a compelling choice in the pre-owned market. The 2014 model represents the final year of this generation before Mitsubishi introduced significant updates, making it something of a collector's item for Montero enthusiasts. Under the hood, you'll find a 3.2-liter diesel engine that produces 197 horsepower and 324 lb-ft of torque - numbers that still hold up remarkably well against modern competitors. During my testing, I found this power plant particularly impressive for towing, handling my boat's 3,500-pound weight with an ease that surprised me. The transmission is a five-speed automatic that feels slightly outdated compared to today's eight and nine-speed units, but honestly, its simplicity might be a blessing in disguise for long-term reliability.
What really stands out about the Montero Sport is its off-road capability. The Super Select 4WD system allows drivers to switch between two-wheel drive and four different four-wheel drive modes, giving it versatility that few modern SUVs can match. I took it through some pretty challenging terrain in the Arizona desert, and it handled everything I threw at it with confidence. The ground clearance measures 8.3 inches, which is about half an inch better than most contemporary midsize SUVs. The approach angle of 30 degrees and departure angle of 24.2 degrees further enhance its off-road credentials. Inside, the cabin shows its age with more hard plastics than you'd find in newer vehicles, but everything feels solidly built. I've put about 5,000 miles on the one I've been driving, and there are no squeaks or rattles to report.
Fuel economy is where the Montero Sport shows its age most noticeably. During my mixed driving tests, I averaged about 22 mpg combined, which falls short of what you'd get from newer diesel SUVs. However, considering its capabilities and the fact that diesel prices have been relatively stable, the operating costs remain reasonable. Maintenance is another strong point - the vehicle's mechanical simplicity means repair costs tend to be about 15-20% lower than comparable European SUVs. I spoke with several owners who've crossed the 150,000-mile mark with only routine maintenance, which says a lot about its durability.
The technology features definitely feel dated compared to 2023 standards, but they were quite respectable for 2014. The touchscreen measures 6.1 inches, which seems tiny today, but it includes navigation and Bluetooth connectivity. What it lacks in modern driver assists, it makes up for with pure mechanical capability. Safety ratings were decent for its time, with four stars in NHTSA crash tests, though it misses out on today's standard features like automatic emergency braking.
Having driven numerous SUVs in this category, I've developed a particular fondness for the Montero Sport's honest character. It doesn't pretend to be something it's not - it's a capable, reliable workhorse that has aged remarkably well. The prices I've seen range from $18,000 to $25,000 for well-maintained examples with reasonable mileage, representing excellent value considering its capabilities. "You couldn't really blame John for doing that" keeps coming back to me when I think about why people choose this vehicle over newer options. Sometimes, proven reliability and specific capabilities matter more than having the latest technology. The 2014 Montero Sport occupies a unique position in the used car market - it's modern enough to be comfortable daily driver, yet traditional enough to handle serious off-road adventures without breaking a sweat. For the right buyer, it represents one of the smartest choices in the pre-owned SUV market today.