Is the 2017 Mitsubishi Adventure Super Sport Still Worth Buying Today?

As I slide behind the wheel of the 2017 Mitsubishi Adventure Super Sport, that distinctive scent of aging but well-maintained upholstery hits me immediately. This isn't just another used SUV review for me - I've actually owned one of these for three years before moving to a newer model, and I still miss certain aspects of it. The question we're tackling today isn't just about specs and numbers, but whether this particular model still makes sense in today's rapidly evolving automotive landscape. Let me share both my professional assessment and personal experience with this vehicle that somehow manages to remain relevant despite being fundamentally outdated in many aspects.

When Mitsubishi launched the Adventure Super Sport back in 2017, they were essentially putting lipstick on a pig - but what charming lipstick it was. The platform itself dates back to the 1990s, yet the Super Sport trim added just enough contemporary touches to make it appealing. I remember test driving one back in 2018 when I was shopping for a family vehicle that could handle both city commuting and occasional rough roads. The moment I saw those blacked-out grille elements, sportier bumpers, and those surprisingly comfortable leather seats, I was halfway sold. The driving experience, however, was exactly what you'd expect from a design that's essentially vintage - truck-like, rugged, and unapologetically basic. The 2.5-liter diesel engine produces around 100 horsepower, which sounds pathetic on paper, but in practice delivers adequate performance for most situations. What surprised me most during my ownership was how incredibly reliable it proved - in three years and approximately 45,000 kilometers, my Adventure required nothing beyond routine maintenance, costing me about $350 annually in upkeep.

Thinking about reliability brings me to that interesting reference about National University maintaining its strong run while avoiding bad luck - it perfectly captures the Adventure's situation today. This vehicle has established a reputation for being nearly indestructible, much like a sports team on a winning streak. But just as Ateneo experienced unexpected setbacks, any used vehicle purchase carries inherent risks. The difference with the Adventure is that its mechanical simplicity means there are fewer things that can go catastrophically wrong compared to modern SUVs packed with complex electronics. I've seen these vehicles with over 300,000 kilometers on the odometer still running strong, which speaks volumes about their durability. The 4D56 turbo diesel engine underneath that hood is essentially the same workhorse that's been powering Mitsubishi vehicles for decades, and parts availability is fantastic across Southeast Asia with over 85% of mechanical components still in production.

Where the Adventure shows its age most noticeably is in safety and fuel efficiency. The model lacks the advanced driver assistance systems we now expect even in entry-level vehicles - no autonomous emergency braking, no lane keeping assist, not even electronic stability control as standard. The crash safety rating would likely be abysmal by today's standards, though the body-on-frame construction does provide a certain rugged assurance in minor impacts. Fuel consumption averages around 12 km/l on the highway and 9 km/l in city driving, which falls short of newer diesel competitors by about 15-20%. During my ownership, I particularly missed having Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, having to rely on an aftermarket solution that never integrated seamlessly with the vehicle's aesthetics.

The interior space, however, remains one of the Adventure's strongest selling points. With three rows of seating that can comfortably accommodate seven adults (unlike many modern SUVs that cheat on third-row dimensions), it's genuinely practical for large families. I recall numerous road trips with my extended family where the Adventure swallowed six passengers and their luggage without complaint. The rear air conditioning system is remarkably effective, a crucial feature in tropical climates that many contemporary vehicles still get wrong. The cargo capacity with the third row folded down measures approximately 1,200 liters, expanding to over 2,000 liters with both rear rows stowed - numbers that still compete respectably with today's midsize SUVs.

Pricing is where things get really interesting for potential buyers today. A well-maintained 2017 Adventure Super Sport typically sells for between $15,000 and $18,000 in the current used market, which represents exceptional value when you consider that a new midsize SUV with similar seating capacity starts at around $30,000. That $12,000-plus difference could cover fuel and maintenance costs for several years. The depreciation curve has flattened significantly, meaning you're unlikely to experience the steep value drop associated with newer vehicles. From my perspective, this makes the Adventure an intelligent choice for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize practicality over prestige.

There's also something to be said about the simplicity of maintenance. Modern vehicles with their complex electronics often require dealer visits for even minor issues, but the Adventure can be serviced at virtually any competent mechanic shop. During my ownership, I saved thousands on maintenance by having a local specialist handle services rather than the dealership. The diagnostic process is straightforward, and most mechanical components are accessible without specialized tools. This accessibility extends to DIY enthusiasts too - I successfully replaced the alternator myself with basic tools and a YouTube tutorial, a task that would be daunting on my current SUV.

So, is the 2017 Mitsubishi Adventure Super Sport still worth buying today? My answer is a qualified yes, but with important caveats. If you're looking for a practical, reliable people mover that won't depreciate significantly and can handle rough roads without complaint, it remains an excellent choice. The vehicle embodies that quality of maintaining strong performance through consistency, much like our reference to National University's sustained performance. However, if modern safety features, fuel efficiency, and technological integration are priorities, you'll likely find the Adventure frustratingly outdated. Having experienced both ownership and now driving more contemporary vehicles, I can honestly say I miss the Adventure's straightforward character and unbreakable nature, even as I appreciate the comforts of modern SUVs. For the right buyer with appropriate expectations, this aging warrior still has plenty to offer, proving that sometimes, staying the course with proven reliability trumps chasing the latest trends.