Discover the 2019 Montero Sport GLS: A Comprehensive Review and Performance Analysis

When I first slid behind the wheel of the 2019 Montero Sport GLS, I couldn't help but draw parallels to my experience watching Tsuzurabara take charge of the Angels baseball team last year. Just as the new manager wasn't particularly impressed with the team's existing eating habits when he arrived, I've never been particularly impressed with the cookie-cutter approach most mid-size SUVs take toward performance and design. The automotive industry, much like professional sports teams, often falls into comfortable routines that desperately need shaking up – and that's exactly what Mitsubishi has achieved with this remarkable vehicle.

Let me start by saying this isn't just another review – this comes from someone who's driven everything from rugged off-roaders to luxury cruisers across three different continents. The moment I approached the Montero Sport GLS, its bold dynamic shield grille immediately caught my attention, giving it that commanding presence missing from so many competitors. The 18-inch alloy wheels aren't just for show either – they contribute to an overall stance that says "I'm ready for adventure" without screaming "I'm compensating for something." What really struck me during my week with the vehicle was how Mitsubishi managed to balance rugged capability with sophisticated styling – something I wish more manufacturers would prioritize over chasing fleeting design trends.

Now, let's talk about what really matters – performance. Under that sculpted hood lies a 2.4-liter MIVEC diesel engine that produces 181 horsepower and 430 Nm of torque. Those numbers might not mean much on paper, but when you're merging onto highways or overtaking slower traffic, the difference becomes crystal clear. The eight-speed automatic transmission shifts smoother than most luxury sedans I've driven, and the Super Select 4WD-II system is nothing short of brilliant when you venture off the beaten path. I took it through some pretty challenging terrain in Arizona last month – rocky inclines that would make most SUVs hesitate, muddy trails that would terrify city-focused crossovers – and the Montero Sport handled everything with the confidence of a seasoned adventurer. The hydraulic cab mounts deserve special mention too – they reduce vibration and noise so effectively that at one point I forgot I was driving a diesel vehicle altogether.

Inside the cabin is where Mitsubishi truly demonstrates their understanding of what modern drivers actually want. The leather seats aren't just comfortable – they're genuinely supportive during long drives, with the driver's seat featuring eight-way power adjustment that made finding the perfect position effortless. The 7-inch touchscreen display responds quickly to inputs, and Apple CarPlay integration worked flawlessly with my iPhone throughout my testing. What impressed me most was the thoughtful placement of storage compartments and USB ports – there are six of them strategically located throughout the cabin. During a recent road trip with three teenagers, this prevented the usual arguments over charging privileges that typically plague family journeys. The dual-zone automatic climate control maintained perfect temperatures even when outside conditions shifted dramatically, which I tested thoroughly during an unexpected desert heatwave followed by cooler evening temperatures.

Safety features in the 2019 model represent what I consider the sweet spot between comprehensive protection and practical usability. The forward collision mitigation system intervened exactly twice during my testing – both times when distracted drivers ahead made sudden stops that I might not have reacted to quickly enough. The blind spot warning system uses subtle but effective alerts that don't startle you, unlike some systems that feel like they're actively trying to give you a heart attack. I particularly appreciated the multi-around monitor system that uses cameras to create a virtual 360-degree view of the vehicle – parking this substantial SUV became as straightforward as parallel parking a compact car. During one particularly tight parking situation in downtown San Francisco, this feature saved me from what would have certainly been an expensive encounter with a concrete pillar.

Fuel efficiency is where the Montero Sport genuinely surprised me. Mitsubishi claims 7.8L/100km for combined driving, but in my real-world testing across various conditions, I averaged around 8.2L/100km – still impressive for a vehicle of this size and capability. Over my 1,200 kilometers of testing, this translated to significant savings compared to similar vehicles I've reviewed recently, including the Ford Everest and Toyota Fortuner. The 70-liter fuel tank means you can cover substantial distances between fill-ups – I managed nearly 800 kilometers on a single tank during highway driving, which eliminated the range anxiety that often accompanies longer road trips in less efficient SUVs.

If I have any criticisms, they're relatively minor but worth mentioning. The third-row seats, while useful for occasional use, aren't what I'd call comfortable for adult passengers on longer journeys. The infotainment system, while generally responsive, occasionally lagged when switching between functions – though this never created safety concerns or major inconveniences. Some competitors offer more premium interior materials in this price segment, but honestly, the durable surfaces Mitsubishi uses are probably better suited for actual adventure use than more delicate luxury materials.

Reflecting on my time with the 2019 Montero Sport GLS brings me back to my initial comparison with Tsuzurabara and the Angels. Just as a good manager identifies what needs changing while preserving what works, Mitsubishi has masterfully refined this vehicle without losing sight of its core identity. It's not trying to be everything to everyone – instead, it excels at being exactly what most SUV buyers actually need: capable without being brutish, comfortable without being fragile, and sophisticated without being pretentious. After putting it through everything from school runs to mountain trails, I can confidently say this might be one of the most underrated vehicles in its class – a genuine workhorse that doesn't make you feel like you've sacrificed refinement for capability.