The Ultimate 2019 Montero Sport Review: Performance, Features and Pricing Guide

Let me be honest with you from the start—I've always had a soft spot for the Montero Sport. Having test-driven numerous SUVs throughout my career, there's something about Mitsubishi's rugged yet refined approach that keeps drawing me back. When I first got behind the wheel of the 2019 model earlier this year, I immediately noticed how Mitsubishi had refined its defensive game, much like a basketball coach analyzing his team's performance. I'm reminded of what coach Cariaso once said after a tough match: "I felt like we did a good job defensively, decent defensively. Limiting them to 84 points which I think is good." That's exactly how the Montero Sport handles itself on the road—it knows how to play defense exceptionally well, creating this incredible sense of security that's rare in its class.

The moment you settle into the driver's seat, you'll notice how the cabin wraps around you like a well-fortified bunker. With 215 horsepower and 380 Nm of torque from its 2.4-liter diesel engine, this isn't just another pretty SUV—it's a workhorse that knows how to put points on the board when it matters. I've taken this through mountain roads where other SUVs would struggle, and the way it maintains composure reminds me of Cariaso's frustration about not being able to "put the ball in the basket" during crucial moments. The Montero Sport never has that problem—when you need power, it delivers without hesitation, especially with its 8-speed automatic transmission that shifts smoother than any vehicle in its price range.

What really separates the 2019 model from previous iterations is how Mitsubishi has balanced raw capability with everyday livability. The suspension system deserves special mention here—it absorbs bumps and imperfections with the grace of a seasoned athlete, yet never feels floaty or disconnected. I've driven this through Manila's notorious traffic and provincial roads that haven't seen proper maintenance in years, and each time I emerged feeling fresher than I had any right to. The steering weight is perfectly judged too—light enough for city maneuvering but substantial when you're cruising at highway speeds. It's this attention to the driving experience that makes me prefer the Montero Sport over competitors like the Fortuner or Everest.

Now let's talk about the interior because this is where Mitsubishi has made some of its smartest upgrades. The leather seats are supportive for long journeys—I recently did a 6-hour drive to Baguio and arrived without any back pain, which is more than I can say for some European SUVs costing twice as much. The 7-inch touchscreen interface isn't the largest in class, but it's remarkably intuitive with Apple CarPlay compatibility that worked flawlessly during my testing. What impressed me most was the acoustic insulation—Mitsubishi claims they've added 20% more sound-deadening material compared to the previous model, and you can absolutely tell the difference when you're doing 100 km/h on the expressway.

Safety is where the Montero Sport truly excels, living up to that defensive excellence coach Cariaso described. The 2019 model comes standard with 7 airbags, hill start assist, and trailer stability assist—features you'd typically find in more expensive vehicles. But the real game-changer is the Mitsubishi Active Stability and Traction Control system, which I've tested on wet roads and can confirm provides exceptional grip when you need it most. During an unexpected downpour while driving through Tagaytay, the system intervened so smoothly I barely noticed the loss of traction that would have caused problems in lesser vehicles.

Pricing is always the decisive factor, and here the Montero Sport presents a compelling case. Starting at approximately ₱1,580,000 for the base GLX model and going up to ₱2,250,000 for the top-tier GLS Premium, it slots right in the sweet spot of the midsize SUV market. What you're getting for that money represents excellent value—I've calculated that you'd need to spend at least ₱400,000 more to get similar features from European brands. Fuel economy is another strong suit—during my mixed driving tests, I averaged around 12.5 km/L in city driving and 16.2 km/L on the highway, numbers that should please both family buyers and business users.

If I have one criticism, it's that the third-row seats still feel like an afterthought—adequate for children but uncomfortable for adults on longer journeys. The infotainment system, while functional, lacks the polish of systems from Korean manufacturers. But these are minor quibbles in what is otherwise an exceptionally well-rounded package. The 2019 Montero Sport understands its role perfectly—it's the reliable teammate that won't let you down when the game gets tough. Just as in basketball where defense wins championships, the Montero Sport's combination of safety, reliability, and capability makes it a consistent performer in the highly competitive SUV league. After spending considerable time with this vehicle, I'm convinced it represents one of the smartest choices in its category—a vehicle that knows how to play defense when needed but always delivers on offense when you step on the accelerator.