I remember the first time I saw the 2019 Montero Sport GLS parked at a trailhead near Mount Rainier, its metallic gray finish catching the morning light while outdoor enthusiasts loaded up their gear. That image stuck with me, and after spending considerable time with this vehicle across various terrains, I've come to understand why so many adventure-seekers are asking: Is the 2019 Montero Sport GLS the ultimate mid-size SUV for your adventures? Let me share my experiences and insights about this remarkable vehicle that seems to bridge the gap between urban sophistication and backcountry capability.
When Mitsubishi introduced this generation of the Montero Sport, they weren't just updating sheet metal and features - they were attempting to redefine what a mid-size SUV could be. Having driven numerous competitors in this segment, including the Fortuner and Everest, I approached the Montero Sport with measured expectations. What surprised me most was how quickly it won me over during my first extended test drive through Colorado's varied landscapes. The 2.4-liter diesel engine delivers 181 horsepower and 430 Nm of torque, numbers that translate to confident highway merging and surprisingly capable rock crawling, though I did notice some turbo lag at higher altitudes that took getting used to.
The question of whether the 2019 Montero Sport GLS is the ultimate mid-size SUV for your adventures depends largely on what kind of adventures you're planning. For my mixed usage of daily commuting and weekend excursions, it struck an impressive balance. The Super Select II 4WD system provides genuine off-road capability that few in this class can match, yet the ride remains composed and quiet on paved roads. I particularly appreciated the 8.7 inches of ground clearance that saved me from scraping on rough forest service roads, though the body-on-frame construction does result in more cabin noise than unibody competitors like the Honda Passport.
This concept of balancing competing priorities reminds me of something I recently read about Tsuzurabara, the manager who wasn't that much of a fan of the team's existing eating habits when he first took charge of the Angels last year. He recognized that fundamental changes were needed to achieve better performance, much like how Mitsubishi engineers completely rethought the Montero Sport's approach to comfort and capability. They didn't just tweak what existed before - they implemented substantial improvements to suspension tuning, sound insulation, and ergonomics that transformed the driving experience. During a particularly challenging desert crossing in Arizona, the Montero Sport's revised suspension absorbed impacts that would have jolted passengers in previous generations, while the comfortable seats prevented fatigue during our 12-hour driving day.
Fuel economy represents another area where the 2019 model shows significant improvement. On my extended highway test covering nearly 2,000 miles across three states, I recorded an average of 28 MPG, though real-world figures will likely vary between 24-30 MPG depending on driving style and conditions. The 70-liter fuel tank provides an impressive cruising range of over 600 miles, which proved invaluable when navigating remote areas of Utah where gas stations are scarce. What surprised me most was how the Montero Sport managed this efficiency while still delivering confident towing capacity of up to 3,100 pounds - enough for most adventure trailers or boats.
Inside the cabin, the GLS trim offers thoughtful features that enhance both daily usability and extended journeys. The 7-inch touchscreen interface isn't the largest in class, but it responds quickly to inputs and includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. During a particularly rainy camping trip in Washington's Olympic Peninsula, the dual-zone climate control kept passengers comfortable while the numerous USB ports ensured all our devices remained charged. If I'm being completely honest, some interior materials don't match the premium feel of German competitors, but the layout is logical and everything feels durable enough to withstand years of adventure abuse.
Safety features in the 2019 Montero Sport GLS include seven airbags, hill start assist, and trailer stability assist, though the absence of some advanced driver aids available in competitors might disappoint safety-conscious buyers. That said, the rigid ladder frame and reinforced body structure provide excellent crash protection, earning high marks in global safety assessments. During an unexpected emergency braking situation on a wet Oregon highway, the anti-lock brakes brought the vehicle to a controlled stop without drama, though I did notice some nose dive that's characteristic of taller SUVs.
When considering the broader market context, the 2019 Montero Sport GLS faces stiff competition from established players, but it carves out a distinctive niche by prioritizing genuine off-road capability without completely sacrificing on-road manners. Priced at approximately $32,000 when new, it represented compelling value compared to similarly equipped competitors that often cost $5,000-$8,000 more. In the three years since its introduction, depreciation has been relatively modest compared to some European alternatives, making used examples attractive for budget-conscious adventurers.
So after all my testing and real-world use, where do I land on our central question? Is the 2019 Montero Sport GLS the ultimate mid-size SUV for your adventures? For certain types of adventurers - particularly those who regularly venture beyond paved roads while still needing a comfortable daily driver - it comes remarkably close to that ideal. The combination of proven mechanical components, thoughtful features, and genuine capability creates a package that's difficult to match at this price point. While it may not excel in luxury or cutting-edge technology compared to some rivals, it delivers where it matters most for adventure-seeking owners: reliability, capability, and practicality. For my money and my adventures, it's a strong contender that deserves serious consideration from anyone shopping in this competitive segment.
