2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Mitsubishi's junior SUV offers five models and two V6 engines. ES, LS, and XLS have a 3.0-liter V6, the sporty 3.5XS and top-line Limited models use a 3.5-liter V6 borrowed from the regular Montero. All have automatic transmission and offer rear-wheel drive or 4WD that must be disengaged on dry pavement but includes low-range gearing. Antilock 4-wheel discs are standard on 4x4s. For 2001, all models gain rear child-seat anchors, driver's seatbelt pretensioner, and structural strengthening designed to better absorb forces in offset impacts.

COMPETITION

This is by far the hottest market segment right now. Crowded with more than 20 vehicles, midsize SUVs vary in size and type but nearly all seat five adults and offer V6 or V8 engines. Our Best Buy is the car-based Lexus RX 300. Though it lacks a low range in 4WD mode, it's the most carlike to drive and offers all of the versatility of a truck-based model.

Our Recommended choices are all traditional SUVs: the Dodge Durango, which offers optional third-row seating; the best-selling Ford Explorer clone Mercury Mountaineer; the Teutonic Mercedes-Benz M-Class; the utilitarian Nissan Xterra; and the refined but expensive Toyota 4Runner.