I remember the first time I saw the 2019 Montero Sport GLX parked at my local dealership - its bold chrome grille and commanding presence immediately caught my eye. Having spent considerable time researching midsize SUVs that could handle both city driving and occasional off-road adventures, I found myself particularly drawn to this model's balanced approach to capability and comfort. What struck me most during my initial test drive was how Mitsubishi managed to create a vehicle that feels rugged without sacrificing daily drivability, something many competitors struggle to achieve.
Under that sculpted hood lies a 2.4-liter turbodiesel engine that produces 181 horsepower and 430 Nm of torque, numbers that might not sound extraordinary on paper but translate to remarkably confident performance on the road. I've personally taken this SUV through everything from congested city streets to winding mountain roads, and it never fails to impress with its responsive acceleration and surefooted handling. The eight-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly, almost imperceptibly in normal driving conditions, yet adapts beautifully when you need more aggressive gear changes during overtaking or steep ascents. What many reviewers don't mention is how the Super Select 4WD-II system makes you feel like you can tackle almost any terrain, even if you're just navigating flooded city streets during monsoon season.
Stepping inside the cabin reveals where Mitsubishi made some thoughtful compromises to hit the GLX's price point. The upholstery features durable fabric rather than leather, which I actually prefer for its practicality, especially if you have kids or frequently transport outdoor gear. The 7-inch touchscreen interface isn't the largest in its class, but it's remarkably intuitive compared to some more complicated systems I've encountered in pricier competitors. Where the Montero Sport truly shines for me is in its seating comfort - the driver's seat provides excellent support during long journeys, and the second-row passengers enjoy generous legroom that makes family trips considerably more pleasant.
Ownership costs represent one of the Montero Sport's strongest selling points in my experience. The diesel engine achieves around 12-14 km/L in mixed driving conditions, which translates to significant savings at the pump compared to gasoline alternatives. Maintenance intervals occur every 10,000 kilometers or six months, with typical service costs ranging between $150-$300 for routine work. I've found that genuine Mitsubishi parts remain reasonably priced, and the brand's widespread dealership network means you're never far from qualified service technicians. Insurance premiums tend to run about 3-5% lower than comparable Toyota Fortuner models, an advantage that adds up over years of ownership.
The safety package includes seven airbags, stability control, and hill start assist, though I do wish Mitsubishi had included their forward collision mitigation system as standard rather than reserving it for higher trims. Having driven the Montero Sport through various weather conditions, I can attest to the effectiveness of its anti-lock braking system and the reassurance provided by the reinforced safety cell construction. The rearview camera provides a clear image during reversing maneuvers, though the resolution could be sharper compared to some Korean rivals.
When considering the 2019 Montero Sport GLX against competitors like the Ford Everest or Isuzu MU-X, what stands out to me is its remarkable value proposition. Priced around $32,000 when new, it offered about 85% of the premium features found in vehicles costing $10,000 more. The depreciation curve has proven gentler than I anticipated, with well-maintained examples retaining approximately 65% of their value after three years. From my perspective, the Montero Sport makes the most sense for buyers who need genuine off-road capability but don't want to sacrifice everyday comfort or break the bank on operating costs.
After nearly two years of ownership, I've come to appreciate the Montero Sport's honest engineering and lack of pretension. It doesn't try to be a luxury vehicle masquerading as an off-roader, nor does it prioritize ruggedness over daily livability. The design may not turn heads like some European SUVs, but it grows on you with its functional elegance and thoughtful details. What ultimately won me over was how this vehicle seamlessly transitions from school runs to mountain trails without ever feeling out of its element. For families and adventure-seekers who need one vehicle to do it all without draining their wallets, the 2019 Montero Sport GLX remains, in my opinion, one of the most compelling choices in its class.