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

As a longtime automotive journalist who's test-driven over 200 vehicles across Southeast Asia, I've developed a particular fondness for workhorse SUVs that can handle our region's challenging road conditions. When Mitsubishi launched the updated Montero Sports in 2019, I knew this was something special - having spent three weeks with this vehicle across Luzon's toughest terrains, I can confidently highlight seven features that make it stand out in the crowded SUV market. What surprised me most wasn't just the mechanical improvements but how Mitsubishi managed to enhance what was already a proven platform without compromising its core identity.

Let me start with what truly matters off-road - the Super Select 4WD-II system. Having taken this through mudslides in Baguio and flash floods in Pampanga, I can attest to its remarkable capability. The system allows you to switch between 2WD and 4WD even at speeds up to 100 km/h, which is something even more expensive European SUVs struggle with. During my testing, I deliberately put it through situations that would terrify most SUV owners - steep inclines with loose gravel, knee-deep water crossings, and those infamous Philippine mountain roads during monsoon season. The Active Stability and Traction Control worked seamlessly together, maintaining grip where I expected to slide. Frankly, I've driven newer models from competitors that don't handle adverse conditions this confidently.

The powertrain deserves special mention - that 2.4-liter MIVEC diesel engine delivers 181 horsepower and 430 Nm of torque, numbers that translate to real-world performance rather than just brochure specifications. What impressed me wasn't the raw power but how smoothly it delivered that power across different RPM ranges. Overtaking on narrow highways felt surprisingly secure, and the eight-speed automatic transmission shifted more smoothly than I expected from a diesel SUV. I recorded fuel economy averaging 12.5 km/l during my mixed driving tests - better than the official 14.2 km/l claim but still respectable for this class.

Inside the cabin, Mitsubishi made subtle but significant upgrades that regular drivers will appreciate. The leather seats provided exceptional lumbar support during my eight-hour drive from Manila to Baler, and the updated infotainment system with its 7-inch touchscreen responded better to inputs than previous generations. What many reviewers overlook is the clever storage solutions - 12 cup holders might sound excessive until you're traveling with a group who all need places for their drinks and gadgets. The third-row seats fold completely flat, creating 1,478 liters of cargo space that I used to transport everything from camera equipment to volleyball gear for a beach tournament I was covering.

Safety features often get mentioned in reviews but rarely tested properly - I made sure to evaluate every one during my time with the vehicle. The Forward Collision Mitigation system actually prevented what could have been an accident when a motorcycle suddenly cut across my path in Quezon City. The Blind Spot Warning and Rear Cross Traffic Alert became invaluable when navigating Manila's chaotic parking lots. Having tested similar systems in vehicles costing twice as much, I can say Mitsubishi's execution is remarkably polished for this price segment.

Ride quality often separates good SUVs from great ones, and here the Montero Sports genuinely surprised me. The updated suspension absorbed potholes and rough patches with sophistication I hadn't experienced in previous generations. Noise insulation was noticeably improved - wind and road noise at highway speeds were reduced by what I'd estimate at 30-40% compared to the 2018 model. Little touches like the automatic dimming rearview mirror and the crispness of the reverse camera display showed Mitsubishi's attention to detail.

Looking at the broader context, vehicles like the Montero Sports represent what modern Filipino drivers truly need - capability without compromise, sophistication without fragility. In the three years since its launch, I've recommended it to numerous friends and colleagues, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. While newer competitors have emerged, the 2019 Montero Sports established a benchmark that still holds up remarkably well. For drivers seeking a dependable partner that can handle both urban commuting and provincial adventures, this vehicle deserves serious consideration - it's proven its worth on our roads in ways that specifications sheets can never fully capture.