When I first considered buying a used 2019 Montero Sport GLX last month, I'll admit I was skeptical. Having driven newer models in friends' garages, I wondered if a five-year-old SUV could still hold up. But after spending three weeks with this vehicle and putting nearly 800 miles on it across city streets and mountain roads, I've come to appreciate why this model remains popular in the used car market. Let me walk you through my experience and whether I believe it's still worth your money today.
Starting with the exterior, the 2019 Montero Sport GLX maintains that rugged, commanding presence Mitsubishi is known for. The angular lines and that distinctive front grille still turn heads – I noticed several people checking out my vehicle during grocery runs. The 18-inch alloy wheels show minimal wear even after what the previous owner claimed was 45,000 miles of use. What surprised me most was how well the paint has held up; the "cool silver" finish on my test unit showed only two minor chips on the hood despite the car's age. The LED daytime running lights remain bright and functional, though I did notice the main headlights could use an upgrade to brighter bulbs for night driving.
Sliding inside the cabin reveals where the GLX shows its age compared to newer competitors. The upholstery uses durable but basic fabric that's held up remarkably well – no stains or tears in my unit. The dashboard layout is straightforward with physical buttons everywhere, which I actually prefer over touchscreen controls for climate adjustments while driving. The 8-inch touchscreen feels dated with its slightly slower response time, but it handles Bluetooth connectivity perfectly fine for music and calls. Where the GLX really shines is space – I managed to fit three large suitcases plus two carry-ons in the trunk with room to spare, something most modern midsize SUVs in this price range struggle with.
Under the hood, the 2.4-liter diesel engine delivers 178 horsepower and 430 Nm of torque, numbers that remain competitive even today. During my testing, I achieved approximately 12.3 km/L in mixed driving conditions – about 28.9 mpg for those who prefer imperial measurements. The engine does produce that characteristic diesel clatter on cold starts, but it smooths out once warmed up. The transmission shifts smoothly through its 8-speed automatic, though I noticed slight hesitation when accelerating from complete stops. Off-road capability surprised me – during a weekend trip to muddy trails, the Super Select 4WD-II system handled conditions that would have stranded most modern crossovers.
Now, addressing reliability concerns that come with any five-year-old vehicle, I consulted maintenance records showing the previous owner spent approximately $1,200 on routine services over three years. The timing belt replacement at 60,000 miles will cost around $800 if you use OEM parts, which I strongly recommend. During my testing, the only issue I encountered was a slightly stiff rear door handle that needed lubrication. As my mechanic friend Luis would say when discussing vehicle maintenance, "Get well this new year," meaning proper care prevents major issues down the road – advice that perfectly applies to maintaining a used Montero Sport.
Driving dynamics reflect its truck-based origins with noticeable body roll in sharp corners compared to newer unibody SUVs. The steering provides decent feedback at highway speeds but feels overly light during parking maneuvers. Road noise is more pronounced than in contemporary rivals, especially on coarse asphalt surfaces. However, the ride comfort over bumps and potholes remains exceptional – the suspension absorbs impacts that would jolt passengers in stiffer-suspended competitors.
Considering current market prices ranging from $22,000 to $28,000 for well-maintained examples, the 2019 Montero Sport GLX presents interesting value proposition. You're getting proven mechanical components that might lack the latest tech but offer demonstrated reliability. The infotainment system won't wow your friends, but it gets the job done with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. Safety features include seven airbags and stability control, though you'll miss out on modern driver assists like lane-keeping or adaptive cruise control.
After my thorough evaluation, I can confidently say the 2019 Montero Sport GLX remains a compelling choice for buyers prioritizing durability and capability over cutting-edge features. It's not the most refined or technologically advanced option, but it delivers where it counts – reliable transportation with genuine off-road ability and massive practicality. The question "Is the 2019 Montero Sport GLX Still Worth Buying Today?" ultimately depends on your priorities. If you value low maintenance costs, proven reliability, and rugged capability, this aging warrior might just be the smartest $25,000 you'll spend on a used SUV. Just remember to budget for those timing belt services and maybe upgrade those headlight bulbs – small prices to pay for a vehicle that still has plenty of life left in it.
