I remember the first time I took my old Fortuner up that muddy trail in Benguet province - the exact place where SEABA didn't specify their games would be held, but where I've tested both these SUVs extensively. The Fortuner's 2.8-liter diesel engine growled with 204 horsepower as I navigated through slippery slopes, while my friend's Montero Sport followed closely with its slightly lower 181 hp but impressive 430 Nm torque. What struck me immediately was how differently these vehicles approached the same terrain. The Fortuner felt like a sturdy workhorse, its ladder-frame chassis absorbing bumps with authority, while the Montero Sport's Super Select 4WD-II system provided this incredible smoothness when switching between driving modes.
There's this particular creek crossing in the Cordillera mountains where I really put both vehicles to the test. The Fortuner's approach angle of 29 degrees meant I had to be slightly more careful with my entry, whereas the Montero Sport's 30.5-degree approach angle handled the steep drop more gracefully. I noticed the Montero Sport's Active Stability and Traction Control worked wonders when one wheel started slipping on moss-covered rocks, automatically transferring power to the wheels with grip. The Fortuner relied more on its mechanical locking differential, which required manual engagement but felt more direct and predictable to me.
Driving through provincial roads after heavy rains really highlighted their differences. The Montero Sport's independent front suspension provided better comfort on those washboard roads, while the Fortuner's rear leaf springs felt tougher but transmitted more vibrations. I recall thinking how the Montero Sport's 220mm ground clearance gave it just that extra edge over the Fortuner's 215mm when we encountered unexpected deep ruts. Both vehicles can wade through 700mm of water, which came in handy when we encountered flash floods near the Agno River.
What surprised me most was the fuel efficiency difference during our week-long testing. The Fortuner averaged about 10.2 km/L while the Montero Sport managed 11.5 km/L under similar conditions - quite significant when you're exploring remote areas where fuel stations are scarce. The Montero Sport's 8-speed automatic transmission felt more refined in highway driving, while I preferred the Fortuner's 6-speed when crawling over rocks at under 5 km/h. Personally, I lean toward the Fortuner for its raw, mechanical feel - there's something satisfying about that direct connection to the terrain that makes you feel more involved in the driving experience. Yet I can't deny the Montero Sport's technological advantages make it more accessible for everyday drivers who occasionally venture off-road.
