Montero Sports 2019: 7 Essential Features Every Driver Should Know About

As an automotive journalist who's been test driving vehicles for over a decade, I've developed a particular fondness for the 2019 Montero Sports that goes beyond mere specifications. When I first got behind the wheel of this SUV, what struck me immediately was how Mitsubishi had managed to create something that genuinely bridges the gap between rugged capability and family comfort. The 2.4-liter MIVEC diesel engine delivers 181 horsepower and 430 Nm of torque, numbers that might not sound extraordinary on paper but translate to remarkably responsive performance on both city streets and challenging terrain. I remember taking it through some rough backroads during a weekend trip, and the Super Select 4WD-II system handled everything with an elegance that made me forget I wasn't driving a luxury SUV.

What really sets the 2019 Montero Sports apart in my experience is its clever blend of practical features that drivers actually use daily. The seven seats aren't just for show - I've comfortably transported six adults with luggage, something many mid-size SUVs struggle with. The second-row seats slide and recline, which makes long journeys significantly more pleasant. During a particularly memorable coastal drive, the panoramic sunroof transformed the cabin atmosphere completely, flooding the interior with natural light and creating that open, airy feeling that makes road trips special. The 8-inch touchscreen interface, while not the largest in its class, stands out for its intuitive operation - I found myself navigating menus without ever needing to consult the manual, which is more than I can say for some German competitors.

Safety features in the 2019 model demonstrate Mitsubishi's thoughtful approach to real-world driving concerns. The forward collision mitigation system has intervened twice during my testing in unexpected situations - once when a motorcycle suddenly cut across traffic, and another time when a pedestrian stepped out between parked cars. Both times, the system responded faster than I could, confirming my belief that these technologies genuinely enhance driver safety rather than just serving as marketing bullet points. The 360-degree camera system provides a bird's-eye view that's particularly useful in tight parking situations, though I did notice the image quality could be better in low-light conditions.

Fuel efficiency is where the Montero Sports pleasantly surprised me. During my mixed driving tests covering approximately 300 kilometers of combined city and highway routes, I recorded an average of 12.5 km/L - impressive for a vehicle of this size and capability. The electric power steering feels nicely weighted at highway speeds yet light enough for effortless city maneuvering, striking a balance that many manufacturers still struggle to achieve. Having driven numerous competitors in this segment, I'd argue the Montero Sports offers one of the most comfortable rides, with its suspension effectively absorbing road imperfections without feeling too soft in corners.

Looking back at my extensive time with the vehicle, what stands out most isn't any single feature but how well everything works together to create a cohesive driving experience. The 2019 Montero Sports represents that sweet spot where practical functionality meets genuine driving pleasure. While it may not have the prestige of some European brands, it delivers where it matters most - reliability, capability, and everyday usability. For drivers seeking a dependable partner that can handle both family duties and adventurous escapes, this vehicle deserves serious consideration, proving that sometimes the most rewarding choices aren't the flashiest ones, but the ones that consistently deliver where it counts.