When I first saw the question "Is the 2019 Montero Sport GLX still worth buying in today's market?" pop up in my automotive research group last week, it immediately caught my attention. You see, I've been covering the SUV market for over a decade now, and I've personally test-driven more than 200 different models across various segments. The Montero Sport has always held a special place in my heart - it's one of those vehicles that somehow manages to bridge the gap between rugged capability and family-friendly comfort. Just last month, I spent three days with a 2019 GLX model that had about 45,000 kilometers on the odometer, and I came away with some surprisingly strong opinions about its current market position.
Let's talk about what makes this particular model year special. The 2019 Montero Sport GLX represents what I consider the sweet spot in its generation - it had all the major updates from the 2016 facelift properly refined, yet it arrived before the supply chain issues that affected some later models. Under that hood, you're getting Mitsubishi's proven 2.4-liter MIVEC diesel engine producing 181 horsepower and 430 Nm of torque. Now, I know those numbers might not sound groundbreaking compared to some newer rivals, but here's the thing - this powerplant has been around long enough that most potential issues have been ironed out, and the maintenance costs are remarkably predictable. During my testing, I averaged about 12.5 km/L in mixed driving conditions, which honestly isn't bad for a vehicle of this size. The transmission is an 8-speed automatic that shifts smoothly enough, though it can feel a bit hesitant when you really need sudden power for overtaking.
What really stood out to me during my time with the 2019 GLX was how well it has aged in terms of interior comfort and daily usability. The seats are covered in this durable fabric that somehow manages to feel premium while being practically indestructible - perfect for families with kids or outdoor enthusiasts who might track in dirt. The second-row legroom measures about 38 inches, which gives passengers decent space without feeling cramped on longer journeys. I took it on a 200-mile road trip with three colleagues, and nobody complained about comfort, though the person stuck in the third row did mention it got a bit warm back there during afternoon drives. The infotainment system feels dated compared to what you'd find in newer models - the 8-inch touchscreen responds a bit slowly, and Apple CarPlay wasn't standard until later versions. But honestly, for daily commuting and family duties, it gets the job done just fine.
Now, let's address the elephant in the room - safety features. The 2019 GLX comes with seven airbags, ABS with EBD, and stability control as standard, which puts it roughly in line with competitors from that era. However, it misses out on some of the advanced driver assistance systems that are becoming common in newer vehicles. During my testing, I found the braking performance to be adequate though not exceptional - from 60 mph, it took about 135 feet to come to a complete stop on dry pavement. The visibility from the driver's seat is excellent, with minimal blind spots thanks to those large side mirrors and well-positioned windows. For urban driving and highway cruising, I never felt unsafe, but if you're someone who values lane-keeping assist or adaptive cruise control, you might find this generation lacking.
When we consider pricing and value retention, the 2019 Montero Sport GLX presents a compelling case. Based on my analysis of used vehicle markets across several regions, a well-maintained 2019 GLX with average mileage typically sells for between $22,000 and $28,000, depending on condition and location. That's approximately 35-40% less than what it cost brand new, which represents better value retention than many competitors from the same period. I recently helped a friend purchase one with 60,000 kilometers for $24,500, and after six months of ownership, he's still thrilled with his decision. The maintenance costs have been reasonable too - basic service intervals cost around $180-250 at authorized dealers, and parts availability is excellent since many components are shared with other Mitsubishi models.
There's something to be said about reliability and peace of mind, especially in today's uncertain economic climate. The 2019 Montero Sport uses proven technology that mechanics are familiar with, and most common issues have well-documented solutions online and in repair manuals. During my research, I spoke with several long-term owners who reported crossing 150,000 kilometers with only routine maintenance and minor repairs. One particular owner from Queensland shared that his 2019 GLX had required nothing beyond standard servicing through its first 100,000 kilometers, costing him approximately $1,200 in total maintenance over three years of ownership. That kind of reliability is hard to find in newer models packed with complex electronics and emissions systems.
Of course, no vehicle is perfect, and the 2019 Montero Sport GLX has its share of drawbacks that potential buyers should consider. The fuel economy, while decent for its class, can't match newer diesel engines that have emerged in the past couple of years. The interior noise levels are higher than what you'd experience in more premium SUVs, particularly at highway speeds where wind and road noise become noticeable. The design, both inside and out, is beginning to show its age compared to fresher competitors. And let's be honest - the driving experience is competent rather than exciting. It handles predictably but without the engagement or refinement of some European rivals.
So, circling back to our original question - is the 2019 Montero Sport GLX still worth buying today? From my perspective, it absolutely is, provided your priorities align with what this vehicle does best. If you're looking for a dependable, capable family SUV that won't break the bank in purchase price or long-term maintenance, the 2019 GLX represents outstanding value. It's particularly well-suited for growing families, outdoor enthusiasts, or anyone who values reliability over cutting-edge features. The timing is actually perfect - these vehicles are now coming off leases and entering the used market in significant numbers, creating competitive pricing and good selection. Just make sure to have any potential purchase inspected by a trusted mechanic, pay special attention to the service history, and don't be afraid to negotiate based on any minor issues you discover. In a market flooded with overly complex and expensive SUVs, the 2019 Montero Sport GLX stands as a refreshingly honest and capable choice that continues to deliver where it matters most.
