It is not (just) the decals

I felt the Ralliart difference when I test-drove the Lancer in 2012. Its turbocharged drivetrain, four-wheel drive, and softer suspension made it the best, albeit still expensive, compromise between the regular Lancer and the Evo. Mitsubishi shuttered its high-performance division during the 2009 recession, but it is slowly (and quietly) making a comeback. First, in rallying after it finished first at the 2022 Asia Cross-Country Rally, and as a package of decals and aesthetic equipment on two models: the Strada, and the Montero Sport.
This model is called the Black Series Ralliart, and like you, I am also wondering why it has more white on its body — only its grille, roof, roof rails, shark’s fin antenna, and rear roof spoiler are black. I have been wracking my brain on ways to make it blacker (because I prefer the darker shade), but I have to say this delicate combo-color balance has created an attractive contrast. The exterior Ralliart stuff includes the front and rear underbody garnish with red accents, the visible decals, the black fender arc moldings, and red mudflaps. The all-black 18-inch wheels are gorgeous, but it seems to be begging for lowering springs to reduce the tall gap between the tire (especially the rear) from the wheel well. However, that would not project the proper Ralliart look, so never mind. In my humble opinion (IMHO), Montero Sports have the more aggressive design of all local mass-market SUVs, but this variant takes it to the next level. Heads are guaranteed to turn, and while few may think it is overkill, I am sure they are thinking about how nice those red accents will look on their unit.
As this vehicle uses the GT 2WD model, it has a power tailgate with a remote button on the dashboard and kick-sensors at the corners of the rear bumper, and a smart key for easy access for as long as it is on your person.
The seven-seater people cabin has leather upholstery. There are a few soft-touch surfaces in the cockpit. However, the layout and design are old compared to rivals in the segment. Its saving grace is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and two USB ports in front and two in the second row (plus a 220-volt outlet). The eight-inch smartphone-link display also needs a more vibrant screen and a more advanced operating system, but at least it is not too cutting-edge that it becomes confusing.
Seat bolstering is excellent in front but thins out as you move to the rear. There is a dropdown center armrest with pop-out cup holders in the second row. I wish it had more storage compartments, but the hidden floor-level console is a good place to store small items you want to keep away from prying eyes. The third-row seats fold flat, which increases rear cargo space. The 2.4-liter engine sends drive to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission with Sports mode (accessible via one of the best paddle shifters in the segment). Compared to most SUVs, its acceleration is more direct yet does not lose its smooth demeanor. That is the first thing I liked about it. It does not feel heavy from the throttle and steering feedback, so despite the size and high ground clearance (218 mm), it is agile and highly maneuverable.
Being highly reactive to steering input means handling on the highway will feel slightly fidgety if you have frisky hands. Here is where I noticed its excellent powertrain setup. Even at speeds just under 120 km/h and a modest 141-PS and 430-Nm of torque, it maintains a relatively low RPM, which makes it very efficient and quiet. It also does not need much prodding to keep climbing the speedometer. In cases like this, cruise control will help keep you from getting a speeding ticket. Average fuel consumption is 14.5-km/l in mixed driving conditions.
For an eight-year-old model, the suspension Mitsubishi set this up with — double wishbone with coil springs and stabilizer in the front and three-link coil springs with stabilizers in the rear — feels just as good if not better than modern setups. It is not truck-level stiff but is firm enough to let it handle heavy cargo and even keep it somewhat stable around corners. The Mitsubishi Montero Sport Black Series Ralliart, priced at P2.122 million, has earned every letter of its variant name and all its aesthetic add-ons. It probably even deserves real performance parts for the way it drives, handles, and delivers the Ralliart feel to a mass-market SUV.