I've been searching the net to answer this question but I haven't found anything useful. Most search results are forums. So I decided to answer the question myself since I've test drive both SUVs.
I first drove the Mitsubishi Montero Sport 4x2 variant. The accommodating staff of Mitsubishi Mall of Asia gladly allowed me to test drive their unit. The exterior is very pleasing to the sight. However, I can't say the same about the interiors. I was expecting something more solid. Something with less rough edges. I was specifically turned off by the clock because it seems out of place. Overall, the interiors is ok but not impressive. Putting my foot on the throttle I immediately experienced smooth acceleration. The diesel engine doesn't react quickly but when it does it doesn't disappoint. I would soon find out that delayed response is common in diesel engines. The mitsubishi agent pointed out that Montero's edge against the Fortuner is its better ride quality. The Montero's suspension system felt more like a car than a truck. Huge bumps and holes are less noticeable, according to them. I would have to agree. It did feel stable. One thing I particularly like about this vehicle is the audio controls in the steering wheel. Being a music junkie, I like to drive with music pumping through the stereo. The audio controls make the ride easier and more enjoyable. Speaking of which, I also liked the JVC stereo and the sound it created. It sounded clean even when the volume is at its highest level.
Now to the Fortuner 4x2 variant. Unfortunately, Toyota Otis didn't have any available diesel variants during that time so I had to drive the gas engine. I didn't have a jaw dropping moment when I saw the exteriors partly because Fortuners are so ubiquitous that they even invade your dreams. However I was impressed by the paint finish. The super white paint of the Fortuner I drove looked elegant. It made me think twice about going for the black variant. The first thing I asked the Toyota agent is the ride quality. I asked her if it has been improved. She quickly pointed out, and I liked her point, that ride quality is not too comfortable since it's an SUV but it has been improved because, unlike in the past, new Fortuners have 17" wheels. In the past they only had 16". The tire improvement puts it in the same level as the Montero.
I was particularly impressed with the interiors of the Fortuner. It was way better than the montero because of its smooth edges and wood panels. It looked more expensive than its actual price. The tacometer also looked better than the Montero's. Overall the interior looked more solid than the opponent's. Fortunately I didn't feel the unstable ride that I've been hearing from people who owned Fortuners. The engine also felt powerful. Once you put your foot in the throttle the engine quickly responds with powerful acceleration. However, I couldn't conclude that its better than the Montero I drove because the latter had diesel engine.
So if I were to choose, which would I go for?
I'd pick the Montero Sport. Although I didn't like the interiors that much, the power, the exterior and the price tag compensated it. The Montero is less expensive than the Fortuner. It is also more spacious. Their 4x2 diesel variant also has more horsepower than the competition's. It has 140 plus hp while the Fortuner 4x2 diesel only has 102hp. Lastly, I'd also say that the Montero is better to buy because it still has the ability to make heads turn because it is less ubiquitous than the Fortuner. If the Montero's price tag climbs up in the next months I might change my mind. The Fortuner, after all, has not been dominating the SUV market for nothing.
