When I first laid eyes on the 2019 Montero Sport GLX at the dealership, I immediately understood why this SUV has maintained such a strong presence in the competitive midsize market. Having driven various SUVs over my fifteen years as an automotive journalist, I've developed a keen sense for vehicles that balance practicality with personality, and this Mitsubishi model certainly delivers on both fronts. The moment I slid into the driver's seat, I noticed how the cabin manages to feel both spacious and intimate, with controls positioned exactly where your hands naturally fall.

Let's talk about what really matters to buyers - performance. Under the hood, you'll find a 2.4-liter turbodiesel engine that produces 181 horsepower and 430 Nm of torque. Now, these numbers might not sound groundbreaking on paper, but when you're actually behind the wheel, the power delivery feels remarkably smooth and responsive. I remember taking it on a weekend trip through winding mountain roads, and the eight-speed automatic transmission shifted so seamlessly that I barely noticed the transitions. The Super Select 4WD-II system deserves special mention here - it handled sudden rain showers with such composure that I found myself deliberately seeking out puddles just to test its limits. What impressed me most was how the suspension absorbed bumps that would have jolted passengers in other SUVs I've tested, making me wonder why more manufacturers haven't adopted similar damping technology.

Fuel efficiency is where the Montero Sport GLX truly shines in my experience. During my mixed driving tests - which included city traffic, highway cruising, and those mountain roads I mentioned - I consistently achieved around 12.8 km/L. That's significantly better than what I've recorded in competitors like the Fortuner or Everest under similar conditions. The 70-liter fuel tank means you can cover substantial distances between fill-ups, which I appreciated during longer drives. I particularly enjoyed how the Eco mode subtly encourages efficient driving without feeling restrictive, unlike some systems that make the vehicle feel strangled.

The interior packaging demonstrates Mitsubishi's understanding of real-world needs. With seating for seven passengers and cargo space that swallowed my family's weekend camping gear with room to spare, it strikes what I consider the perfect balance between passenger comfort and utility. The second-row seats slide and recline, which my passengers commented made long journeys much more comfortable than in rival vehicles. My only complaint would be the infotainment system - while functional, the 7-inch touchscreen feels slightly dated compared to what you'll find in newer models from other brands. That said, the eight-speaker sound system produces remarkably clear audio that made even my questionable music choices sound decent.

Safety features in the GLX variant include seven airbags, stability control, and hill start assist, though I do wish Mitsubishi had included their forward collision mitigation system at this trim level. During emergency braking tests, the anti-lock brakes brought the vehicle to a stop from 100 km/h in what felt like 3.2 seconds - impressive for a vehicle of this size. The multi-view camera system provides crystal-clear visibility around the vehicle, making parking this substantial SUV surprisingly manageable even in tight spaces.

What continues to surprise me about the Montero Sport GLX is how it manages to feel both rugged and refined. The chassis communicates enough road feedback to keep driving engaging while isolating occupants from harshness. I've driven this model through everything from urban commutes to light off-road trails, and it never failed to inspire confidence. The steering weight feels perfectly judged to me - light enough for parking maneuvers yet substantial at highway speeds. After spending considerable time with this vehicle, I've come to appreciate its honest character - it doesn't pretend to be a luxury SUV, yet it delivers sophistication where it matters most.

For buyers considering this segment, the 2019 Montero Sport GLX represents what I believe to be one of the smarter choices available. It may not have the brand cachet of some European rivals, but it delivers where it counts - reliability, capability, and day-to-day usability. The ownership experience, from maintenance costs to resale value, remains consistently strong based on my conversations with long-term owners. While no vehicle is perfect, this Mitsubishi model comes closer than most to hitting that sweet spot between affordability and premium feel. Having driven nearly every vehicle in this category, I'd confidently recommend the Montero Sport GLX to anyone seeking a dependable family adventure vehicle that won't disappoint when the road gets challenging or the family grows. It's the kind of vehicle that makes you look forward to road trips, and in my book, that's the highest compliment you can give any SUV.