Discover the 2019 Montero Sport GLS: Key Features, Performance & Buying Guide
When I first laid eyes on the 2019 Montero Sport GLS, it reminded me of how Tsuzurabara must have felt when he took charge of the Angels last year - recognizing something fundamentally good that just needed the right approach to truly shine. Much like how he wasn't that much of a fan of the team's existing eating habits, I've never been particularly impressed with mid-size SUVs that prioritize form over function. But the Montero Sport GLS? This vehicle represents what happens when manufacturers actually listen to what drivers really need rather than following market trends blindly.
Let me walk you through what makes this SUV stand out in a crowded segment. The moment you approach the vehicle, you notice its commanding presence - that bold Dynamic Shield front grille isn't just for show. It gives the vehicle an identity that's both rugged and sophisticated, something I wish more manufacturers would understand. The LED headlights with auto-leveling aren't just another fancy feature either - they provide actual functional benefits during night driving, especially on those winding country roads I frequently travel. I recently took it through some pretty rough terrain upstate, and the 220mm ground clearance proved more than adequate while the reinforced ladder-frame chassis handled bumps that would have bottomed out most urban-focused SUVs.
Under the hood, you're looking at a 2.4-liter MIVEC diesel engine that delivers 181 horsepower and 430 Nm of torque. Now those numbers might not sound extraordinary on paper, but where this engine truly shines is in its delivery. The power comes on smoothly without the typical diesel lag that plagues many competitors. I've driven this vehicle loaded with five adults and their luggage, and it never felt strained even on steep inclines. The 8-speed automatic transmission deserves special mention too - it shifts almost imperceptibly in normal driving but responds promptly when you need quick acceleration. Fuel economy sits around 12.5 km/l in mixed driving conditions based on my testing, though your mileage may vary depending on driving style and conditions.
Step inside, and you'll find one of the most thoughtfully designed cabins in its class. The leather seats aren't just comfortable - they're genuinely supportive during long drives. I recently completed a 6-hour journey and arrived without the usual backache that plagues me in many other SUVs. The 7-inch touchscreen interface is intuitive compared to the overly complicated systems in German rivals, though I do wish the graphics felt a bit more premium. Where the Montero Sport GLS truly excels is in its practical features - the tri-zone automatic climate control means no more arguments about temperature settings, while the 12-speaker Rockford Fosgate audio system delivers sound quality that rivals systems costing twice as much.
Safety features go beyond the usual checklist with Mitsubishi's Active Stability and Traction Control system that feels genuinely sophisticated. The Forward Collision Mitigation system has already proven its worth during sudden traffic stops on the highway, while the 360-degree camera system makes parking this substantial vehicle surprisingly manageable. I particularly appreciate the Ultrasonic Misacceleration Mitigation System - it might sound like marketing jargon, but it actually works to prevent those embarrassing parking lot incidents we've all nearly experienced.
Now, if you're considering buying a 2019 Montero Sport GLS, here's what my experience suggests you should look for. Prices typically range between $32,000 to $38,000 depending on mileage and condition, with lower-mileage examples commanding premium prices. Pay close attention to service history - these vehicles are generally reliable, but skipped maintenance can lead to expensive repairs down the line. The diesel particulate filter needs proper attention, so look for evidence of regular highway driving rather than exclusively city use. Test drive should include both urban roads and highway stretches to evaluate transmission behavior and check for any unusual vibrations at higher speeds.
What many reviewers miss about this vehicle is how it balances capability with daily usability. Unlike many body-on-frame SUVs that feel cumbersome in city driving, the Montero Sport GLS manages to be both competent off-road and genuinely pleasant for daily commuting. The steering weight feels just right - substantial enough to inspire confidence at speed but light enough for easy parking. Noise insulation is particularly impressive, with road and wind noise well suppressed even at highway speeds.
Having driven numerous competitors from Ford Everest to Toyota Fortuner, I keep coming back to the Montero Sport GLS for its complete package. It doesn't excel in any single aspect dramatically but delivers competence across all areas that matter for real-world use. The design has aged gracefully too - it still turns heads three years after its launch, which speaks volumes about Mitsubishi's design approach. If you're looking for a capable family SUV that won't leave you stranded when the pavement ends, the 2019 Montero Sport GLS deserves your serious consideration. It represents that rare combination of practical thinking and genuine refinement that's become increasingly rare in today's SUV market.