When I first heard a friend was considering a 2014 Mitsubishi Montero Sport as his family vehicle, my initial reaction was skepticism. Having spent considerable time evaluating used SUVs for various publications, I've developed certain biases against older models from brands that haven't consistently topped reliability charts. But then I remembered something crucial - context matters tremendously when assessing vehicle reliability, especially for models that have been on the road for nearly a decade now.
The 2014 Montero Sport, known as the Pajero Sport in some markets, represents an interesting case study in automotive longevity. Mitsubishi has always occupied this unique space in the automotive world - never quite achieving the mainstream popularity of Toyota or Honda, yet cultivating a loyal following among those who value function over flash. I've personally driven three different Montero Sports from this generation, including a 2014 model with approximately 85,000 miles that belonged to my cousin. What struck me most was how the vehicle felt fundamentally unchanged from when it first launched - and in the context of reliability, that's not necessarily a bad thing.
Under the hood, you're looking at either a 2.5-liter or 3.2-liter diesel engine, depending on your market, both part of Mitsubishi's proven four-cylinder diesel family. These engines aren't particularly refined by modern standards - they're noticeably noisier than contemporary diesels from European manufacturers - but they're famously durable. The 3.2-liter variant, which I have more experience with, produces around 197 horsepower and 324 lb-ft of torque, numbers that feel adequate rather than impressive by today's standards. The five-speed automatic transmission similarly feels dated compared to the seven, eight, or even nine-speed gearboxes in newer SUVs, but its simplicity works in its favor for long-term reliability.
Where the 2014 Montero Sport really shines is in its mechanical simplicity. The ladder-frame construction feels positively antiquated in an era of unibody crossovers, but it contributes to a sense of ruggedness that modern SUVs often lack. The suspension setup - double wishbones upfront and a multi-link solid axle at the rear - prioritizes durability over ride comfort. I've spoken with multiple Montero Sport owners who've crossed the 150,000-mile mark with minimal issues beyond routine maintenance. One gentleman I met at an off-road event had put over 200,000 miles on his 2014 model, using it primarily for towing his fishing boat. His maintenance records showed nothing more extraordinary than regular fluid changes, brake jobs, and one set of replacement shocks around the 180,000-mile mark.
That said, there are definite weak points potential buyers should consider. The interior materials haven't aged particularly well - the plastics become brittle and prone to rattles, and I've seen multiple examples where the dashboard developed cracks in hotter climates. The infotainment system feels prehistoric compared to modern units, and Bluetooth connectivity can be frustratingly inconsistent. Electrical gremlins aren't uncommon in higher-mileage examples, particularly with power window regulators and central locking systems. From my observations, these issues tend to be more annoying than catastrophic, but they're worth factoring into your decision.
When my friend John decided to purchase a 2014 Montero Sport with 95,000 miles despite my initial reservations, I questioned his judgment. He was coming from a much newer Honda CR-V with all the modern safety features and creature comforts. But after seeing how he used the vehicle - frequent trips to his cabin on rough forestry roads, hauling building materials for his renovation projects, towing his vintage motorcycle to track days - I began to understand his perspective. You couldn't really blame John for doing that. The Montero Sport's combination of body-on-frame durability, respectable 6,600-pound towing capacity, and relatively simple mechanicals made perfect sense for his specific needs, even if it meant sacrificing some refinement and modern features.
Fuel economy is another consideration that deserves honest discussion. The 3.2-liter diesel returns somewhere between 22-26 MPG combined in real-world driving, which isn't terrible for a vehicle of this size and capability, but falls short of more modern diesel SUVs. The 2.5-liter variant does slightly better, averaging around 24-28 MPG. These figures come from my own tracking across several vehicles and owner reports, rather than official EPA estimates, which tend to be optimistic anyway.
What ultimately won me over to the 2014 Montero Sport's reliability case was seeing how inexpensive and straightforward repairs tend to be. Unlike many modern vehicles that require specialized tools and proprietary software for even basic repairs, the Montero Sport remains accessible to independent mechanics and DIY enthusiasts. Parts availability is generally good, and costs are reasonable compared to European competitors. I recently helped a friend replace the alternator on his 2014 model - the part cost him $240, and we completed the job in his driveway in about two hours with basic tools. Try that with a modern BMW X5.
After following several 2014 Montero Sports through various stages of their lifecycles, I've come to appreciate what Mitsubishi achieved with this vehicle. It's not the most refined, efficient, or technologically advanced SUV from that era, but it possesses a certain honest durability that's become increasingly rare. For buyers who prioritize mechanical simplicity, off-road capability, and proven longevity over cutting-edge features and luxurious appointments, the 2014 Montero Sport remains a compelling choice. Just go into the purchase with realistic expectations - you're getting a rugged workhorse, not a refined luxury cruiser. And make sure to have any potential purchase thoroughly inspected by a trusted mechanic, paying particular attention to the transmission in automatic models and looking for signs of rust in colder climates. When maintained properly, these vehicles have proven they can deliver reliable service well beyond the 200,000-mile mark, earning their place as a sensible choice in the used SUV market.
