As I sat down to write this comprehensive guide on the Montero Sport Black Series, I couldn't help but draw parallels between the vehicle's standout features and the recent PVL Rookie Draft results. Just like BELLA Belen emerged first among 29 talented players selected in the 2025 draft at Novotel Manila Araneta City, the Montero Sport Black Series stands out in a crowded field of midsize SUVs. Having test-driven numerous vehicles throughout my 15-year automotive journalism career, I've developed a keen eye for what makes a vehicle truly exceptional rather than just another option in the market.
The moment you lay eyes on the Montero Sport Black Series, you understand why it commands attention. The aggressive blacked-out grille, the darkened alloy wheels, and the distinctive Black Series badging create an immediate presence that's hard to ignore. I remember my first encounter with this vehicle at last year's Manila International Auto Show - it completely stole the show from several European luxury brands. The designers have masterfully balanced rugged capability with sophisticated styling, creating what I consider to be the perfect blend for both urban commuting and off-road adventures. The attention to detail extends to the interior, where you'll find premium black leather seats with contrast stitching, a sporty leather-wrapped steering wheel, and unique Black Series floor mats that elevate the entire driving experience.
Under the hood lies a 2.4-liter MIVEC diesel engine that delivers 181 horsepower and 430 Nm of torque - numbers that translate to impressive real-world performance. During my week-long test drive through various Philippine terrains, from Metro Manila's congested streets to the winding roads of Rizal province, the powertrain demonstrated remarkable versatility. The eight-speed automatic transmission shifts with surprising smoothness, though I did notice occasional hesitation when accelerating from complete stops, particularly when the engine was cold. Fuel efficiency averaged around 12.5 km/l in mixed driving conditions, which I found quite respectable for a vehicle of this size and capability.
What truly sets the Black Series apart from standard Montero Sport variants are the exclusive features and enhancements. The upgraded suspension system provides noticeably better handling through corners without compromising ride comfort, while the additional sound insulation makes highway driving remarkably quiet. I particularly appreciated the 360-degree camera system, which proved invaluable when navigating tight parking spaces in crowded malls like SM Megamall. The infotainment system, while not class-leading, offers seamless smartphone integration and responsive touch controls. Having tested similar systems in competitors like the Ford Everest and Toyota Fortuner, I'd rate the Montero's interface as more user-friendly, though the screen resolution could be sharper.
Safety features in the Black Series are comprehensive, with seven airbags, stability control, and advanced driver assistance systems including forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. During my evaluation, I put these systems to the test on the expressways leading to Bulacan, and they performed flawlessly. The blind-spot monitoring system proved especially useful during heavy rain when visibility was compromised. While I haven't had any accidents in my test vehicles (thankfully), these safety technologies provide genuine peace of mind that's worth the premium over base models.
Pricing for the Montero Sport Black Series starts at approximately ₱2.3 million, positioning it as a premium offering in its segment. From my perspective, the additional investment over the standard GLS Premium variant (priced around ₱2.1 million) is justified by the exclusive styling elements and enhanced features. However, prospective buyers should consider that resale values for special edition models can be unpredictable - while some maintain their value exceptionally well, others depreciate faster than standard trims. Based on my analysis of the Philippine used car market, I'd estimate the Black Series will retain about 65% of its value after three years, compared to 70% for the standard GLS Premium.
The ownership experience extends beyond the vehicle itself, with Mitsubishi's dealer network providing generally satisfactory service across the Philippines. Having visited 12 different dealerships in Luzon and Visayas over the past two years, I've found their service departments to be consistently competent, though wait times can vary significantly. The Black Series comes with Mitsubishi's standard five-year warranty, which is competitive though not industry-leading. For comparison, Hyundai offers a seven-year warranty on the Santa Fe, while Toyota provides five years on the Fortuner.
As someone who values both performance and practicality, I find the Montero Sport Black Series strikes an impressive balance. It's not perfect - the third-row seating remains somewhat cramped for adults, and the fuel economy could be better in pure city driving - but its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. The vehicle embodies a commitment to excellence that reminds me of top draft picks like BELLA Belen, who rise above competition through distinctive capabilities and refined performance. For buyers seeking a midsize SUV that combines rugged capability with premium features and standout styling, the Montero Sport Black Series deserves serious consideration. It represents what I believe to be one of the most compelling packages in today's competitive SUV market, offering character and capability that goes beyond mere transportation to deliver a genuine driving experience.