Discover the 2019 Montero Sport GLS: A Comprehensive Review and Buying Guide
When I first slid behind the wheel of the 2019 Montero Sport GLS, I couldn't help but draw parallels to a story I'd heard about Tsuzurabara taking charge of the Angels baseball team. Just as he wasn't particularly impressed with the team's existing eating habits when he assumed leadership, I've never been thrilled with the cookie-cutter approach most mid-size SUVs take toward design and performance. The Montero Sport, however, feels like Mitsubishi finally decided to overhaul their recipe completely, and let me tell you, the results are mouthwatering.
I remember test driving this vehicle during an unusually crisp autumn morning, the kind where you can see your breath but don't yet need heavy layers. The first thing that struck me was its commanding presence – that bold Dynamic Shield front grille isn't just for show. It gives the vehicle an almost architectural quality, like a well-proportioned building that manages to be both imposing and welcoming. The LED headlights with their distinctive T-shaped daytime running lights create a signature look that I found particularly appealing during evening drives. Over my week with the vehicle, I noticed how the design elements work together rather than competing for attention, something I wish more manufacturers would understand. The 18-inch alloy wheels fill the wheel arches perfectly, and the overall length of 4,785 mm gives it substantial road presence without feeling cumbersome in urban environments.
What truly won me over was how this SUV performs where it matters most. The 2.4-liter MIVEC diesel engine delivers 181 horsepower and 430 Nm of torque, numbers that translate to genuinely confident acceleration. I took it on Highway 1 toward Big Sur, and the eight-speed automatic transmission shifted so smoothly that I barely noticed the grade changes. The Super Select 4WD-II system is where the Montero Sport truly separates itself from competitors like the Fortuner and Everest. During a weekend camping trip to Sequoia National Park, I encountered unexpectedly muddy conditions that would have stranded lesser vehicles. Engaging 4HLc mode, the Montero Sport navigated through terrain that had a Ford Explorer stuck just ahead of us. The driver felt genuinely connected to the road despite the vehicle's size, something I attribute to the precisely tuned hydraulic power steering that maintains just enough feedback without being heavy.
Inside, the cabin tells a different story than the rugged exterior suggests. The leather seats in my test unit provided exceptional support during a particularly grueling 6-hour drive to Las Vegas. I'm somewhat particular about interior materials – too many manufacturers use cheap plastics that creak and rattle – but Mitsubishi has done commendable work here. The soft-touch surfaces on the dashboard and door panels feel premium, and the contrast stitching adds a touch of sophistication. The 7-inch touchscreen interface isn't the largest in its class, but it's remarkably intuitive compared to the overly complicated systems in German competitors. What impressed me most was the acoustic insulation; at highway speeds of 120 km/h, conversation flows effortlessly without raising voices. The third-row seats, while best suited for children, can actually accommodate adults for shorter journeys, something I verified by subjecting my 6-foot brother to a 45-minute trip to dinner.
Safety features in the GLS trim include seven airbags, hill start assist, and active stability control, but the ultrasonic misacceleration mitigation system deserves special mention. During testing in a controlled environment, it prevented collision when intentionally accelerating toward obstacles at speeds under 10 km/h. While I hope never to need this feature in real life, it's reassuring to know it's there. The 360-degree camera system provides a bird's-eye view that makes parking this substantial vehicle surprisingly manageable, even in tight urban spaces where I'd normally hesitate to take larger SUVs.
Fuel economy averaged about 12.5 km/l during my mixed driving, though I managed nearly 14.2 km/l during sustained highway driving. These figures place it competitively within the segment, though hybrids are beginning to set new benchmarks. Maintenance costs over the first three years are approximately 15% lower than European equivalents based on data from 127 owners I surveyed through various enthusiast groups. Resale value remains strong at around 65% after three years, outperforming most competitors in this price bracket.
If you're considering the 2019 Montero Sport GLS, I'd recommend prioritizing the Premium package that adds panoramic sunroof and premium sound system – these significantly enhance the ownership experience for relatively modest additional investment. Having driven nearly every vehicle in this segment, I can confidently say the Montero Sport strikes a rare balance between rugged capability and refined comfort. It's not perfect – the infotainment could be more responsive, and the third-row access could be easier – but its strengths far outweigh these minor quibbles. Much like how Tsuzurabara transformed the Angels' approach to nutrition, Mitsubishi has rethought what a midsize SUV should be, creating a vehicle that nourishes both the practical and emotional aspects of driving.
