Is the 2014 Mitsubishi Montero Sport Still a Reliable SUV Choice Today?

When I first saw the question "Is the 2014 Mitsubishi Montero Sport Still a Reliable SUV Choice Today?" pop up in my automotive research group, I'll admit I chuckled. Having owned one for nearly five years and put over 80,000 kilometers on it, I've developed what you might call a love-hate relationship with this particular SUV. You couldn't really blame John for doing that - switching from his flashy European SUV to what many would consider an "outdated" Montero Sport. See, that's the thing about reliability - it's not just about what breaks down, but what keeps going when everything else around you seems to be falling apart.

Let me take you back to when I first purchased my 2014 Montero Sport GLS. The odometer showed 45,000 kilometers, and the dealership was practically giving it away compared to similar-aged Fortuners and Everests. What struck me immediately was how basic everything felt - the interior materials, the infotainment system, even the door handles had this utilitarian feel that either screams "dated" or "built to last," depending on your perspective. Over the years, I've come to appreciate this simplicity in ways I never expected. The 2.5-liter diesel engine, while producing only 178 horsepower (significantly less than contemporary rivals), has this tractor-like durability that I've come to trust on long journeys through rural Malaysia where the nearest mechanic might be hours away.

Now, let's talk about what really matters - the maintenance costs and common issues. In my ownership period, I've spent approximately RM 8,500 on maintenance and repairs, which breaks down to about RM 1,700 annually. The most significant repair was replacing the timing belt at 90,000 kilometers, which cost me RM 1,200 at an independent workshop. Compare that to my friend's 2014 Ford Everest which needed a turbo replacement costing nearly RM 7,000 last year, and you start to understand why people like John make the switch. The Montero Sport's 4D56 engine has been in production in various forms since the 1980s, and while that might sound ancient, it means mechanics everywhere know how to fix it, and parts are plentiful and affordable.

Where the Montero Sport truly shines is in its mechanical simplicity. The suspension uses straightforward strut front and multi-link rear setup rather than fancy air suspensions or complex electronic damping systems that plague modern SUVs. I've replaced shock absorbers twice, each time costing me under RM 400 for parts and labor. The transmission is a conventional 5-speed automatic rather than the 8 or 9-speed units in newer vehicles, which means fewer things to go wrong, even if it does result in higher fuel consumption - I average about 10.5 L/100km, which isn't great by today's standards.

I should mention the elephant in the room - safety features. The 2014 Montero Sport came with only two airbags in most variants, compared to six or more in competitors. The electronic stability control system feels generations behind what you'd find in a contemporary Toyota or Ford. This is where my recommendation comes with a significant caveat - if you're primarily driving in urban areas with modern traffic conditions, the safety shortcomings might outweigh the reliability benefits. But for those who need a workhorse for rough terrain or rural areas, the trade-off might be acceptable.

What continues to surprise me is how well the Montero Sport has held its value. When I checked last month, similar models with my mileage were still selling for around RM 65,000, which represents only about 45% depreciation from its original price of approximately RM 120,000. That's actually better than some more popular models from the same period, suggesting that the market recognizes its durability even if reviewers often overlook it.

The interior has held up remarkably well, though the entertainment system feels like something from a different era. I recently installed an aftermarket touchscreen with Apple CarPlay for RM 1,200, which dramatically improved the daily driving experience without compromising the vehicle's fundamental character. The seats, while not as plush as in more premium SUVs, have shown minimal wear despite years of family use, including two children who've treated them like their personal playground.

After all these years and kilometers, I find myself in a curious position regarding the 2014 Montero Sport. It's not the most comfortable, not the most powerful, certainly not the most high-tech SUV from its generation. But there's something to be said about a vehicle that starts every morning without complaint, that tackles terrible roads without drama, and that costs relatively little to maintain. For specific buyers - particularly those in regions with limited service networks or those who prioritize mechanical simplicity over modern features - it remains a surprisingly sensible choice. Would I recommend it to everyone? Absolutely not. But for that narrow segment of buyers who understand what they're getting into, the 2014 Montero Sport represents a type of vehicle that's increasingly rare in today's market - one that values function over form, durability over dazzle. Sometimes, going against the grain with an "outdated" choice like John did isn't just understandable - it might just be the smartest decision you make.