Is the 2015 Montero Sport GLX Still Worth Buying Today? A Complete Review

Let me be honest with you – when a client first asked me to evaluate a 2015 Montero Sport GLX last month, my initial reaction was skepticism. Why would anyone consider an eight-year-old SUV when the market's flooded with shiny new models? But then I remembered something June Mar Fajardo said after a tough basketball game: "Yung calf ko, may ultrasound ako bukas." That phrase stuck with me because it's about assessing underlying condition rather than just surface appearances. Just like an athlete needing to check what's happening beneath the surface, evaluating this Montero requires looking beyond its age to its fundamental mechanical health and residual value.

I've spent three weeks driving this vehicle across various conditions – from city traffic to provincial roads – and I've come to appreciate why many Filipino families still swear by this generation. The 2.5-liter diesel engine, despite its age, delivers respectable performance with around 178 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque. What surprised me was how the engine felt barely run-in at 85,000 kilometers, though I should note that maintenance history matters tremendously here. The suspension handled our notorious road imperfections better than many modern competitors, absorbing bumps with a firmness that didn't translate to discomfort inside the cabin.

Where this vehicle truly shines is in its sheer practicality. The third-row seats aren't just for show – they can actually accommodate average-sized adults for shorter trips, something I verified with my own family during a weekend outing to Tagaytay. Cargo space expands from 454 liters to a massive 1,477 liters with the third row folded, dimensions I confirmed with actual measurement using moving boxes. Fuel economy ranged between 12-14 km/l on the highway and 8-10 km/l in city driving during my testing, though your results may vary depending on traffic conditions and driving style.

Now let's address the elephant in the room – the interior feels dated compared to contemporary vehicles. The infotainment system looks like something from a different era, and the plastic materials won't win any design awards. But here's my controversial take: this simplicity is actually a virtue for long-term ownership. The buttons are large and intuitive, there are fewer electronic systems to malfunction, and the analog climate controls work flawlessly. I'd take functional durability over flashy touchscreens any day when we're talking about a vehicle that's meant to last.

Maintenance costs represent one of the strongest arguments for the 2015 Montero Sport. Based on repair data from three different shops I consulted, annual maintenance averages between ₱15,000-₱25,000 for routine servicing – significantly lower than newer models. Common issues to watch for include potential turbocharger problems around the 100,000-kilometer mark and occasional power steering pump noises, but neither represents catastrophic failure points if addressed early. The availability of parts is excellent nationwide, with both genuine and quality aftermarket options readily available.

Safety features were adequate for its time with dual airbags, ABS, and stability control, though it lacks the advanced driver assistance systems becoming common in newer vehicles. During my evaluation, I found the braking performance remained confident even during sudden stops in moderate rain, with the anti-lock system preventing wheel lock-up effectively. The vehicle's substantial weight and high ride height do create more body roll during aggressive cornering than I'd prefer, but this is typical for SUVs in this category.

The pricing equation makes a compelling case. While brand-new Montero Sports start around ₱1.6 million, well-maintained 2015 GLX models typically sell for ₱700,000-₱900,000 – nearly 50% less. Depreciation has already done its worst, meaning you could drive this for two more years and likely recover most of your purchase price. In our current economic climate, that financial logic is hard to ignore.

After living with this vehicle extensively, I've concluded the 2015 Montero Sport GLX remains a smart buy for specific buyers – particularly families needing reliable transportation without crushing monthly payments or individuals who prioritize mechanical simplicity over technological novelty. It's not the right choice for everyone, but for those who understand its strengths and limitations, it represents tremendous value. Like an athlete getting an ultrasound to assess their condition, the key is thorough inspection and understanding what you're really getting beneath the surface.