Discover the 2019 Mitsubishi Montero Sports: Performance Features and Owner Insights

I remember the first time I saw the 2019 Mitsubishi Montero Sport on a dusty Manila road, its bold chrome grille cutting through the tropical haze. As someone who’s spent years testing mid-size SUVs across Southeast Asia, I’ve developed a particular fondness for vehicles that balance rugged capability with everyday comfort. The Montero Sport has always stood out in this segment, and the 2019 iteration particularly caught my attention with its refined approach to a proven formula.

What struck me immediately was how Mitsubishi managed to retain the vehicle's adventurous spirit while smoothing out some rough edges from previous generations. The 2.4-liter MIVEC diesel engine produces 181 horsepower and 430 Nm of torque – numbers that might not sound extraordinary on paper but translate to remarkably confident performance on challenging terrain. I've taken this SUV through mountain roads in Baguio and coastal routes in Palawan, and that torque curve between 2,500 to 3,500 RPM provides exactly the kind of pulling power you need when overtaking slower vehicles on narrow highways. The eight-speed automatic transmission shifts smoother than what I experienced in earlier models, though I did notice occasional hesitation when suddenly flooring the accelerator.

The phrase "Gusto kong bumawi" – a Tagalog expression meaning "I want to make up for it" or "I want to redeem myself" – perfectly captures Mitsubishi's approach with this model. Having tested the previous generation, I can confirm they've addressed several pain points. The suspension tuning, for instance, now absorbs potholes and rough patches with significantly less cabin disturbance. During a particularly memorable drive through Quezon Province's uneven backroads, the improved shock absorption made me appreciate how much engineering went into balancing comfort and stability. The electric power steering feels weightier than in competitors like the Ford Everest, giving better feedback at highway speeds while remaining light enough for city maneuvering.

Inside the cabin, you'll find one of the more thoughtful interiors in its class. The leather-wrapped steering wheel has just the right thickness, and the 7-inch touchscreen interface, while not the largest in the segment, responds quickly to inputs. I particularly appreciate the dual-zone climate control system – during a scorching summer test drive from Manila to Subic, it maintained perfect cabin temperature throughout the journey. The third-row seats fold flat more easily than in the Toyota Fortuner, creating up to 1,477 liters of cargo space. Where the Montero Sport truly shines, in my opinion, is its Super Select II 4WD system. The variable terrain management offers concrete advantages when navigating everything from slippery gravel to deep mud, and I've found its sand mode particularly effective during beach drives.

From conversations with actual owners, I've gathered fascinating insights that align with my own experiences. One owner from Davao reported averaging 12.3 km/L in mixed driving conditions – slightly better than Mitsubishi's claimed 11.8 km/L. Another from Pampanga praised the adaptive cruise control during long drives to Bicol, though he wished the lane keep assist was more responsive on winding roads. The general consensus seems to be that while the Montero Sport may not excel in any single category, it delivers a remarkably balanced package that holds up well over time. Having driven over 5,000 kilometers across various Montero Sports, I can confirm their durability – the suspension components show minimal wear even after rough use, and the interior materials withstand tropical conditions better than many competitors.

There are aspects where I feel Mitsubishi could have pushed further. The infotainment system lacks the polish of Korean rivals, and the rear air conditioning could be more powerful for third-row passengers. However, these are minor quibbles in what is otherwise an exceptionally capable vehicle. The 2019 Montero Sport represents Mitsubishi's commitment to refining rather than reinventing – a philosophy that serves them well in this conservative segment. It may not have the flashiest features or the most powerful engine, but it delivers where it matters most: reliability, capability, and real-world usability. For families and adventurers alike, this SUV continues to offer one of the smartest combinations of value and performance in its class.