Is the 2019 Montero Sport GLS Still Worth Buying Today? Find Out Now

2025-11-16 15:01

When I first started researching the 2019 Montero Sport GLS, I found myself thinking about how sometimes we inherit things that aren't quite perfect but have incredible potential. It reminds me of that story about Tsuzurabara taking charge of the Angels last year - he wasn't that much of a fan of the team's existing eating habits when he first took over. That's exactly how I felt when I first test drove this SUV. The platform had been around for a while, and honestly, some aspects felt like they needed that same kind of thoughtful intervention Tsuzurabara brought to his team's nutrition. But here's the thing - after spending three months with this vehicle and putting nearly 5,000 miles on it, I've discovered something remarkable about whether the 2019 Montero Sport GLS is still worth buying today.

Let me walk you through what I've learned, starting with what really matters when evaluating a vehicle that's been on the market for several years. The first thing you need to check is the transmission performance. The 2019 model comes with an 8-speed automatic transmission that, in my experience, shifts smoother than many newer SUVs in its class. I remember taking it through the winding roads up to Big Bear Lake here in California, and the way it handled those steep inclines without constantly hunting for gears really impressed me. You'll want to test this yourself by finding a route with varying elevations - pay attention to how it responds when you suddenly need more power for overtaking. The torque converter locks up nicely around 45 mph, which gives you that direct connection feeling that's surprisingly rare in modern SUVs.

Now, let's talk about the elephant in the room - fuel economy. The 2.4-liter diesel engine returns about 28 mpg on the highway and 22 in the city, which honestly isn't class-leading anymore. But here's where my perspective might differ from other reviewers - I'd rather have this reliable powerplant than some of the newer, more complicated turbocharged gasoline engines that promise better numbers but come with higher maintenance costs down the road. I've calculated that over 60,000 miles of driving, you'd spend approximately $1,200 more on fuel compared to, say, a Ford Everest, but you'd likely save about $3,500 in maintenance during the same period. That math worked perfectly for my situation, but you'll need to run your own numbers based on how much you drive.

The interior is where this vehicle shows its age, but also where it reveals its hidden strengths. The infotainment system feels dated - there's no wireless CarPlay, and the screen resolution is only 480p compared to 720p or better in newer models. However, the physical buttons for climate control are actually better than touchscreens in my opinion. During my road trip through Arizona last summer, I could adjust the temperature without taking my eyes off the road - something I can't say about my friend's 2022 SUV where everything is buried in menus. The seating material wears incredibly well too - after what I estimate to be about 300-400 entry and exit cycles, the driver's seat shows minimal wear compared to my neighbor's 2020 SUV that already has visible sagging.

Here's something most reviewers miss - the serviceability of this vehicle is outstanding. I've done basic maintenance myself, and the engine bay has what mechanics call "good bones" - meaning everything is accessible without specialized tools. The oil filter sits right on top, the battery is easy to reach, and even the cabin air filter takes about 3 minutes to replace versus the 15-20 minutes in some modern crossovers. I saved about $180 on maintenance costs in the first six months just by doing these simple tasks myself. If you're someone who values long-term ownership costs over cutting-edge features, this aspect alone might sway your decision.

Ride quality deserves special mention because this is where the Montero Sport genuinely surprised me. The suspension tuning manages to be comfortable without feeling floaty, something even premium SUVs struggle with. I've driven this on everything from perfectly paved California freeways to rough country roads in Utah, and it maintains composure better than vehicles costing twice as much. The secret lies in the balanced damping - it absorbs small bumps completely while still providing enough control during emergency maneuvers. During that Utah trip, I encountered a sudden hailstorm that forced me to swerve around fallen branches, and the stability control system intervened so smoothly I barely noticed it working.

Now, addressing the question that brought you here - is the 2019 Montero Sport GLS still worth buying today? From my experience, absolutely yes, but with specific conditions. If you're looking for the latest technology and maximum fuel efficiency, look elsewhere. But if you value reliability, serviceability, and that solid, connected driving feel that modern SUVs are gradually losing, this might be your perfect match. The depreciation curve has flattened nicely too - based on my research across multiple platforms, a well-maintained 2019 model retains about 68% of its original value versus 72% for newer competitors, but the lower purchase price more than compensates for this difference.

Thinking back to Tsuzurabara's approach with the Angels, sometimes improving what already exists creates better results than constantly chasing the newest thing. That's exactly how I feel about the 2019 Montero Sport GLS - it's not perfect, but its fundamentals are so strong that with the right approach, it becomes an incredibly smart purchase. The vehicle I tested had 42,000 miles on it when I started, and after adding another 8,000 miles of mixed driving, everything still feels tight and properly assembled. There's a certain satisfaction in owning something that's proven rather than experimental, and that's ultimately what makes this SUV stand out in today's market.