They’re considered the modern-day family car as they offer ample seating and can handle rough terrain.

Of course, I’m referring to none other than the sport-utility vehicle (SUV). Its huge popularity and demand are down to things Filipino families love - it seats seven, offers strong engine power, runs on diesel, and has a high ground clearance.

In our local SUV segment, the Toyota Fortuner and the Mitsubishi Montero Sport are staunch and long-running rivals.

Let's take a close look at these two well-equipped SUV’s to find out which one has the upper hand.

Exterior

The top-spec Toyota Fortuner LTD variant projects a sporty new look that resembles Toyota’s current design language.

It features new split-type LED headlights and matching front and rear sequential LED turn signals. Further adding to its handsome looks is a redesigned mesh-type grille that’s thinner than before, a uniquely styled bumper, and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Lower-spec variants also receive an updated look, but it is still reminiscent of the previous style with matching new bumpers and corresponding 17-inch wheels.

The Montero Sport looks bolder with its new Advanced Dynamic Shield design.

It’s more of an upgrade as not only does it come with a new front fascia, but it also includes the matching hood and bumper change.

The headlamps are sleeker, and the chrome strips on the grille have been toned down. The auxiliary and turn signal lights have been relocated to the lower part of the bumper.

The LED taillights are also new and are now shorter than the pre-facelift version. All variants come with 18-inch wheels with different finishes.

Verdict

While both SUVs retain their familiar shape and design characteristics, it boils down to personal preference.

But as far as looks are concerned, the Montero Sport benefited from the updated design cues as it looks like an entirely new model, unlike the Fortuner, which projects a slightly tweaked look.

Interior and Tech

The top-spec Toyota Fortuner LTD variant has leather interiors with maroon accents, stitching on the seats, and maroon inserts on the door cards.

This adds more depth and a touch of color to the otherwise predominantly black cabin. LTD variants include ventilated front seats, Galaxy Black trim, paddle shifters on the leather-wrapped steering wheel, and an auto-dimming mirror.

The instrument panel of the Toyota Fortuner comes with easy-to-read gauges with either a seven or eight-inch Apple CarPlay and Android Auto infotainment system, depending on the variant. While most variants get a 6-speaker audio system, the LTD variant gets a nine-speaker JBL audio system.

As for tech features, the top-spec LTD and Q variants of the Toyota Fortuner get Toyota’s Safety Sense tech, which includes adaptive cruise control, pre-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning.

Like the Fortuner, the top-spec Montero Sport gets the leather interior treatment on the seats and the door cards. However, the seats are all black with white stitching extending to the door cards that add detail and plenty of silver accents.

Aside from its leather-wrapped steering wheel, the Mitsubishi Montero Sport also has steering-mounted controls and paddle shifters. The instrument panel has an eight-inch LCD meter that displays vital information.

An 8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a GPS navigation system is standard for its mid-to-top-spec variants.

While the mid and top-spec Mitsubishi Montero Sport variants get a six-speaker audio system, the entry-level ones only get four. It makes up for this cutdown by having a 220-volt socket for its GLS variants and the Mitsubishi Remote Control Mobile App.

The app lets users open and close the tailgate, lock and unlock the doors, start the engine, activate its car finder option, and open the windows from their smartphone.

The top-spec GT 4WD variants have an Ultrasonic misacceleration mitigation system, forward collision mitigation, rear cross-traffic alert, and a blind spot monitoring system.

Verdict

The cabin layout on both SUVs hasn’t changed much, and they still offer ample seating for seven.

But the Toyota Fortuner seems to have edged out the Mitsubishi Montero Sport in this aspect. With the Fortuner's upscale leather interior, JBL audio system, and Toyota’s Safety Sense, it is hard to beat.

Power

The top-spec Toyota Fortuner LTD and Q variants come with a 2.8-liter turbodiesel engine that’s factory rated to put out 204 PS and 500 Nm of torque.

Mated to a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission, the Toyota Fortuner offers more than enough passing or pulling power. It also has a drive mode selection with Eco, Normal, and Sport as the choices.

However, the lower Fortuner variants continue to utilize the tried and tested 2.4-liter turbodiesel engine from the previous generation, which makes 150 PS and 400 Nm of torque.

The Mitsubishi Montero Sport uses a 2.4-liter turbo diesel engine that’s factory rated at 181 PS and 430 Nm of torque for all variants.

A six-speed manual is also an option, but the eight-speed automatic transmission is beneficial for those long highway drives. This keeps the engine operating in a speed range that allows it to deliver the best performance with the least fuel consumption.

Verdict

Based on factory output ratings, it’s very evident that the top-spec Fortuner variant has the most horsepower and torque.

However, the rest of the lower-spec Fortuner variants get the previous engine with slightly less power. Different from the Montero Sport, the same engine can be found on all variants, which is good from a buyer's point of view.

But to compare the 2.4-liter engines on the Montero Sport and lower-spec Fortuner, the Montero Sport has the upper hand by 31 PS.

Safety

All Fortuner variants get driver, front passenger, and knee airbags, but the top-spec LTD variant has additional side and curtain shield airbags for a total of seven.

Not to mention Toyota Safety Sense, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, and a pre-collision warning system.

Other safety features of the Toyota Fortuner include ABS with EBD and brake assist, vehicle stability control, traction control, hill-start assist control, and downhill assist control for the 4x4 LTD.

The Mitsubishi Montero Sport comes with driver and passenger airbags on all variants, but the Black Series and the top-spec variants have side, curtain, and driver’s side knee airbags for a total of seven.

The top-spec GT 4WD and Black Series variants also come with Mitsubishi’s Active safety features, such as an ultrasonic misacceleration mitigation system, forward collision mitigation, and a multi-around view monitor.

Other safety features of the Mitsubishi Montero Sport include ABS with EBD and brake assist, brake override system, operational stability, traction control, hill start assist, trailer stability assist, and rear parking sensors on the mid-to-top-spec variant.

Verdict

Regarding safety, both top-spec SUV variants come well-equipped with a comprehensive list of features.

But Mitsubishi’s mid-to-lower-spec variants seem to have more compared to the Fortuner. Toyota concentrated its safety efforts on accident prevention, while Mitsubishi ensured that safety in an accident was the Montero Sport's priority.

This aspect will significantly depend on the variant and which features matter more to every buyer.

Price Point

Let’s start with the top-spec variants of both SUVs, with the Fortuner LTD costing ₱2,555,000 and the Montero Sport GT 4WD pegged at ₱2,370,000.

As far as the entry-level automatic variants are concerned, the Fortuner G costs ₱1,828,000. At the same time, the Montero Sport GLS comes in at ₱1,796,000.

But the entry-level manual transmission variant has the most difference as the Fortuner G MT costs ₱1,736,000 compared to the ₱1,568,000 SRP of the Montero Sports GLX MT.

Verdict

The price points of each SUV indicate that the Toyota Fortuner is more expensive regardless of variant when stacked up against the Mitsubishi Montero Sport.

Summary

Toyota and Mitsubishi’s SUV offerings come well-equipped and perform superbly, incorporating the best tech and safety features.

It isn’t easy to declare which one reigns supreme as they’re both equally equipped and capable. However, when we compare the top-spec variants of both SUVs, the Toyota Fortuner seems to have that extra edge regarding a couple of features.

However, the mid and entry-level variants of the Toyota Fortuner seem shortchanged because, despite the minor updated looks, they look outdated and underpowered compared to the top-spec variant.

This is unlike Montero Sport, which retains the same updated look and engine across all variants. We all know which is more expensive if that’s a significant concern.

Having established all the pertinent points needed to decide, which one to choose will still depend on the individual buyer’s budget and chosen variant. And if all else fails, there's always brand loyalty to fall back on when choosing.

So, which would you prefer - the Mitsubishi Montero Sport or the Toyota Fortuner?

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