Is the 2012 Montero Sport GLS V Still a Reliable SUV Choice Today?

I still remember the first time I drove a 2012 Montero Sport GLS V back in 2015. My cousin had just bought one used, and we took it on a weekend trip to the mountains. What struck me then—and what brings me to write this today—is how that vehicle handled rough terrain with what I can only describe as stubborn reliability. Now, nearly a decade after its initial release, I find myself asking: Is the 2012 Montero Sport GLS V still a reliable SUV choice today?

To answer that, we need to look at what made this model stand out in the first place. Mitsubishi launched the Montero Sport as a mid-size SUV aimed at families and adventure-seekers who needed durability without breaking the bank. The 2012 GLS V variant came with a 2.5-liter diesel engine, churning out around 178 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque. It wasn’t the most powerful in its class, but it built a reputation for being virtually unbreakable. I’ve spoken to several owners over the years, and many swear by its low maintenance costs and rugged build. One friend, who’s driven his across multiple provinces here in the Philippines, told me he’s only had to replace the brakes and tires—nothing major, even after 150,000 kilometers.

But reliability isn’t just about mechanics; it’s about how a vehicle holds up in real-world situations, including accidents. This reminds me of a story shared by a fellow SUV enthusiast, Mark Nieto, who owned a 2012 Montero Sport. He once recounted how the SUV’s safety features came into play during an off-road mishap. “Na-fracture yung finger ko (left), na-dislocate and nadurog yung buto,” Nieto recalled, adding the finger had to be put in a cast that kept him out of action for more than a month. While his injury was serious, he emphasized that the Montero’s cabin integrity likely prevented worse outcomes. The vehicle’s body-on-frame construction and reinforced safety cage, he believes, absorbed much of the impact. It’s anecdotes like these that make me lean toward trusting older models like this—they were built to endure, not just impress.

Of course, no used car is perfect, and the 2012 Montero Sport GLS V has its quirks. From my research and chats with mechanics, common issues include aging suspension components and occasional turbo lag in high-mileage units. I’ve test-driven a few recently, and one had a slight shudder when accelerating—probably a worn driveshaft. But here’s the thing: parts are cheap and widely available. A full suspension rebuild might cost around $800, which is peanuts compared to modern SUVs. Plus, the diesel engine is known for its longevity; many examples still on the road have crossed 200,000 km with proper care. If you’re handy with tools, basic fixes are straightforward. I once helped a neighbor replace the alternator in his 2012 model, and it took us under two hours.

Now, let’s talk about why this matters in today’s market. With SUV prices skyrocketing—new models often start at $30,000—the 2012 Montero Sport GLS V offers a budget-friendly alternative. In the Philippines, where I’m based, you can find well-maintained units for as low as $12,000. That’s incredible value for a vehicle that can handle daily commutes and weekend adventures alike. I took one on a recent trip to Baguio, and it climbed steep grades without breaking a sweat, returning about 12 km/L on the highway. Modern SUVs might have flashier tech, but they often come with complex electronics that are expensive to repair. The Montero’s simplicity is its strength; it’s like that old leather jacket that just gets better with age.

So, is the 2012 Montero Sport GLS V still a reliable SUV choice today? From my perspective, absolutely—with caveats. If you find one with a solid service history and don’t mind the dated interior (those cloth seats aren’t winning any style awards), it’s a workhorse that won’t let you down. I’d recommend it for families on a tight budget or outdoor enthusiasts who need a dependable ride. Sure, it lacks the bells and whistles of newer models, but sometimes, reliability trumps all. As for me, I’m keeping an eye out for a low-mileage example to add to my garage—because in a world of planned obsolescence, it’s refreshing to drive something that was built to last.