When I first slid behind the wheel of the 2019 Montero Sport GLS, I immediately understood why this SUV maintains such a strong presence in the competitive midsize segment. Having tested numerous vehicles in this category over the past decade, I approached this review with both professional curiosity and personal interest, particularly given Mitsubishi's reputation for building rugged, dependable vehicles. The Montero Sport has always occupied an interesting space between pure off-road capability and family-friendly practicality, and this 2019 iteration promised to refine that balance further. What struck me initially was how Mitsubishi managed to maintain the vehicle's distinctive presence while incorporating contemporary design elements that appeal to modern buyers.
The exterior design language speaks to Mitsubishi's current design philosophy, which they call "Dynamic Shield." Honestly, I'm quite fond of this approach—it gives the Montero Sport a bold, almost aggressive front fascia that stands out in parking lots while maintaining excellent visibility and proportions for urban driving. The 2019 GLS trim sits nicely in the middle of the range, offering 18-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, and just enough chrome accents to feel premium without becoming ostentatious. From certain angles, the vehicle maintains that traditional SUV boxiness that I personally appreciate, as it typically translates to better interior space utilization. The rear design features those distinctive vertical tail lamps that have become something of a signature for the Montero Sport line, creating instant recognizability that's valuable in this segment.
Stepping inside, the cabin presents a mixture of materials that range from surprisingly soft-touch surfaces on the dashboard to more utilitarian plastics in lower-traffic areas. Having spent approximately two weeks with the vehicle, including a 300-mile road trip with my family, I can confirm the seats provide excellent support for long journeys. The second-row seating offers adequate legroom for average-sized adults, though taller passengers might find it somewhat restrictive on extended drives. What impressed me most was the thoughtful storage solutions throughout the cabin—multiple cupholders, generously sized door pockets, and clever compartments that make daily usability exceptional. The 7-inch touchscreen interface isn't the largest in class, but its straightforward menu structure and physical shortcut buttons make it far less distracting to operate while driving than some more complex systems I've encountered.
Performance-wise, the 2.4-liter MIVEC diesel engine delivers 181 horsepower and 430 Nm of torque, numbers that translate to confident highway merging and respectable towing capability. The eight-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly under normal acceleration, though I noticed occasional hesitation when requesting sudden power for overtaking maneuvers. Fuel economy averaged around 9.2L/100km during my mixed driving, which included city commuting, highway cruising, and light off-road exploration. These figures align reasonably well with Mitsubishi's claims, though real-world usage naturally varies based on driving style and conditions. The Super Select II 4WD system remains one of the Montero Sport's standout features, offering multiple drive modes that genuinely transform the vehicle's character from comfortable cruiser to capable off-roader.
Speaking of transformation, this reminds me of Tsuzurabara's approach when he took charge of the Angels last year—he wasn't that much of a fan of the team's existing eating habits and implemented significant changes to optimize performance. Similarly, Mitsubishi seems to have carefully evaluated what wasn't working in previous generations and made thoughtful revisions to the Montero Sport's formula. The suspension tuning demonstrates this philosophy perfectly, striking a balance between composed handling on paved roads and compliant absorption of rougher terrain. During my testing on everything from perfectly smooth asphalt to deeply rutted forest tracks, the Montero Sport maintained its composure with minimal body roll and impact harshness—no small feat for a body-on-frame vehicle.
Ownership costs represent a crucial consideration for any SUV purchase, particularly in this segment where buyers often keep vehicles for extended periods. Based on my research and discussions with long-term owners, the Montero Sport demonstrates impressive reliability with scheduled maintenance costs averaging approximately $380 annually during the first five years of ownership. Insurance premiums tend to be moderately priced for the segment, while depreciation follows a fairly standard trajectory for Japanese SUVs—expect the vehicle to retain roughly 55-60% of its original value after three years. These financial aspects, combined with the Montero Sport's proven durability, contribute significantly to its appeal for practical-minded buyers who prioritize long-term value over flashy features.
The safety package in the GLS trim includes seven airbags, stability control, hill start assist, and trailer stability assist, though some competitors now offer more comprehensive suites of active safety technologies. During my time with the vehicle, I found the braking performance to be confident and predictable, with the anti-lock system effectively managing grip on varied surfaces. Visibility from the driver's position is generally excellent, thanks to the relatively upright greenhouse and thoughtfully positioned mirrors. One feature I particularly appreciated was the multi-view camera system, which provides helpful perspectives when maneuvering in tight spaces—something I utilized frequently when parallel parking in crowded urban areas.
After extensive evaluation, I've concluded that the 2019 Montero Sport GLS succeeds most as a thoroughly capable all-rounder rather than excelling in any single dimension. It doesn't offer the plush interior of some European rivals or the cutting-edge infotainment of certain Korean competitors, but it delivers where it matters most for many SUV buyers: dependable performance, practical packaging, and proven durability. The vehicle's character reflects a philosophy of thoughtful evolution rather than revolutionary change, prioritizing refinement of established strengths over chasing every industry trend. For active families, outdoor enthusiasts, or anyone seeking a versatile vehicle capable of handling diverse demands without complaint, the Montero Sport remains a compelling proposition that deserves serious consideration alongside more fashionable alternatives.
What ultimately won me over was how the Montero Sport grows on you over time. Initially, it might not dazzle with flashy technology or dramatic design statements, but its honest competence and thoughtful execution become increasingly apparent through daily use. The vehicle possesses a certain authenticity that's becoming rarer in today's automotive landscape, where marketing claims often outpace actual capability. While I'd like to see more advanced driver assistance features as standard equipment and a slightly more modern interior design in future updates, the 2019 Montero Sport GLS delivers where it truly counts for the majority of real-world users. It's the kind of vehicle you appreciate more at the end of your ownership experience than at the beginning, and that's a quality that's difficult to quantify but invaluable in practice.