Is the 2019 Montero Sport GLX Still Worth Buying in Today's Market?

I remember the first time I saw a 2019 Montero Sport GLX on the road - that rugged stance and no-nonsense design made me do a double take. Fast forward to today, and I'm still seeing these vehicles holding their own on Philippine roads, which makes me wonder - does this three-year-old model still make sense when you've got newer options flooding the market? Let me walk you through what I've discovered after talking to owners and digging into the numbers.

The first thing that struck me about the Montero Sport GLX is how it manages to feel both substantial and nimble at the same time. That 2.4-liter diesel engine might not sound exciting on paper with its 178 horsepower, but when you're navigating Manila's chaotic traffic or heading up to Baguio on a weekend trip, you appreciate the 430 Nm of torque that kicks in at just 2,500 RPM. I drove one through Tagaytay's winding roads last month, and what surprised me was how composed it felt even when pushing through corners - something you don't always get with SUVs in this price range. The ride quality does get a bit firm on rougher roads, but honestly, most owners I've spoken to don't seem to mind it much.

Now let's talk about the elephant in the room - the interior. Sitting inside the GLX trim feels like visiting a reliable old friend who hasn't quite kept up with the latest fashion trends. The dashboard design is straightforward, the materials are durable rather than luxurious, and you won't find the latest giant touchscreen here. But here's the thing - everything just works. The buttons are where you expect them, the climate control is simple to operate, and there's something refreshing about not having to dig through multiple menus just to adjust the fan speed. I recently helped a friend move some furniture using his 2019 Montero, and the 1,200 liters of cargo space with rear seats folded came in surprisingly handy. We loaded up two large cabinets and several boxes, and still had room to spare.

When it comes to reliability, the Montero Sport has built quite the reputation over the years. I spoke with Luis, who owns a 2019 model with over 85,000 kilometers on it, and he mentioned that beyond regular maintenance, he's only had to replace the battery and tires. "It just keeps going," he told me, "and with the new year coming up, I'm planning road trips rather than worrying about repairs." That peace of mind is something you can't put a price on, especially when you're considering a vehicle that's already a few years old. The maintenance costs are reasonable too - an oil change and basic service will run you about ₱5,500 at authorized dealerships, which isn't bad for a vehicle of this size.

Comparing it to newer models in the same price range, the 2019 Montero Sport GLX presents an interesting value proposition. While a brand-new Toyota Fortuner G might set you back around ₱1.8 million, you can find well-maintained 2019 Montero GLX units for around ₱1.2 to ₱1.3 million. That's significant savings that could go toward modifications, insurance, or just staying in your bank account. The technology might not be cutting-edge, but you still get essential features like stability control, multiple airbags, and a decent sound system. I've always believed that sometimes, getting the slightly older but proven model makes more sense than stretching your budget for the latest version with features you might rarely use.

Fuel efficiency is another area where this vehicle continues to impress. During mixed city and highway driving, most owners report getting between 12-14 km/L, which is quite respectable for a seven-seater SUV. I tracked one owner's weekly commute from Quezon City to Makati, and even with heavy traffic, he was averaging around 10 km/L - not groundbreaking numbers, but certainly acceptable given the vehicle's size and capability. Where it really shines is on highway drives, where you can easily achieve 16 km/L or better if you maintain sensible speeds.

The used car market in the Philippines has its quirks, and finding a good Montero Sport GLX requires some patience and due diligence. From my experience, the sweet spot seems to be units with between 40,000 to 70,000 kilometers - they've been broken in properly but still have plenty of life left. I'd steer clear of modified units unless you know exactly what was done and who did the work. Stock vehicles with complete service records from reputable dealers or original owners tend to be the safest bets. I recently helped a cousin purchase a 2019 model with 52,000 kilometers, and after a thorough inspection and test drive, we found it to be in excellent condition despite being three years old.

There's something to be said about a vehicle that does its job without fuss or drama. The 2019 Montero Sport GLX might not have the latest infotainment system or the most luxurious interior, but it offers proven reliability, capable performance, and practical space at a price that's hard to argue with. For families needing a dependable daily driver with occasional off-road capability, or small business owners who need to haul goods while maintaining a professional appearance, this vehicle continues to make a compelling case for itself. As we move further into 2023, I'm noticing that well-maintained examples are holding their value remarkably well - a testament to the vehicle's enduring appeal and the smart engineering that went into it from the start.