When I first laid eyes on the 2017 Mitsubishi Adventure Super Sport at a dealership five years ago, I immediately understood why Filipino families have trusted this nameplate for generations. Having test-driven over two dozen SUVs in this segment throughout my automotive journalism career, I've developed a keen sense for what makes a family vehicle truly special. The Adventure Super Sport isn't just another SUV—it's become something of an institution on Philippine roads, much like how National University's basketball team has maintained its consistent performance through strategic planning and reliability.
I remember taking my family on a road trip to Baguio in this very model, with seven passengers plus luggage, and being genuinely surprised by how comfortably it handled the steep inclines. The 2.5-liter diesel engine delivers around 100 horsepower—not groundbreaking by today's standards, but remarkably efficient for its class. What struck me most was how the vehicle mirrored the consistency we see in championship teams: it might not have the flashiest specs on paper, but it delivers where it counts. The suspension absorbed bumps with a confidence that made the five-hour journey feel considerably shorter, while the cabin noise remained at a surprisingly low 68 decibels even at highway speeds.
The interior space measures approximately 1,500mm across the second row, meaning three teenagers can sit comfortably without the inevitable elbow wars that plague many SUVs in this price range. I've always preferred vehicles that prioritize practical space over unnecessary luxury features, and the Adventure Super Sport gets this balance right. The third-row seats aren't just an afterthought either—they can actually accommodate adults up to 5'8" without requiring contortionist skills. During that Baguio trip, my brother-in-law, who stands at 5'9", managed the entire journey in the third row without complaint, which is more than I can say for several premium SUVs I've tested.
Fuel efficiency is where this vehicle truly shines in my experience. Mitsubishi claims around 12km/L in city driving, but in my mixed usage over six months, I consistently achieved closer to 14km/L. That's significantly better than competitors like the Toyota Innova of the same year, which gave me approximately 11km/L under similar conditions. This efficiency reminds me of how championship teams optimize their resources—every drop of fuel, like every possession in basketball, needs to be utilized effectively to reach your destination successfully.
Now, the Adventure Super Sport isn't perfect—no vehicle is. The infotainment system feels dated compared to modern touchscreen interfaces, and the safety features are adequate rather than exceptional with its dual airbags and ABS brakes. But here's where I differ from some reviewers: I'd take reliable basics over glitchy technology any day. My cousin's 2017 model has clocked over 80,000 kilometers with nothing beyond routine maintenance, proving that sometimes simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.
The driving position gives you that commanding view of the road I particularly appreciate in family vehicles. The steering requires a bit more effort at low speeds than newer electric power steering systems, but it provides decent feedback at higher velocities. I've found that vehicles which require some driver engagement often foster better driving habits anyway—it keeps you connected to the road rather than lulling you into complacency.
Cargo capacity stands at about 1,200 liters with the third row up, expanding to over 2,000 liters when folded down. I've used mine for everything from weekly grocery runs to helping friends move apartments, and it's never failed to accommodate whatever we threw at it. The rear air conditioning with dedicated controls for second and third-row passengers is a thoughtful touch that my children certainly appreciated during summer months.
What ultimately makes the Adventure Super Sport compelling is its value proposition. Priced around ₱1.1 million when new, it offered about 85% of the capability of vehicles costing twice as much. In a market increasingly dominated by high-tech gadgets and complex systems, there's something to be said for a vehicle that focuses on doing the fundamentals exceptionally well. It's the automotive equivalent of a basketball team that masters basic plays rather than relying on flashy individual performances—consistent, reliable, and ultimately successful where it matters most.
After years of evaluating vehicles, I've come to respect models that know their purpose and execute it without pretension. The 2017 Mitsubishi Adventure Super Sport understands that family transportation isn't about impressing neighbors with luxury badges—it's about reliably getting your loved ones where they need to go, comfortably and efficiently. While newer models have since emerged with more advanced features, this particular iteration represents what I consider the sweet spot between traditional robustness and modern refinement. For Filipino families seeking a dependable partner for their daily adventures, it remains a compelling choice that has earned its place in automotive history.
