Although the Montero Sport shares its moniker with the slightly larger and more expensive Montero, the two Mitsubishi sport utilities have little more in common than name. the Montero Sport is rooted in the Mighty Max compact pickup truck (no larger imported here), hence the Montero Sport’s tough ladder frame, live axle rear and reasonable price. The Montero Sport is available all the way from the entry level ES, to the midlevel LS, to the well equipped XLS and the range topping Limited. Price in the low $20,000s, the Montero Sport ES 2wd offers mid size roomies and presence at a compact price. Standard ES fare includes a 165 bhp 3.0 Liter sohc V6 air conditioning, 4 speaker AM/FM/CD stereo, 1.5 in. styled steel wheels, front and rear mud guards, skidplates, front and rear tow hooks, cargo tie downs, a tilt steering wheel, rear defroster, center console with dual cupholders, plus power windows, mirrors and locks. The mid $20,000 LS adds cruise control, velour seat fabric, a 60/40 split folding rear seat, keyless entry, roof rails, privacy glass, 16 in. alloy wheels, a 6 speaker AM/FM/CD stereo, bodyside moldings, fender flares and side steps.
The $20s XLS’s most defining feature is a larger engine, the 197 bhp 3.5 liter sohc V6 from the big Montero. Also, the XLS can be optioned to near Limited status with Touring and Luxury packages. The top Montero Sport is low $30s Limited. Its standard offering include the 3.4 liter V6, 4 wheel ABS, a limited slip differential, power sliding sunroof, leather seats, rear heater, security system, foglamps, an 8 speaker Mitsubishi/Infinity AM/FM/CD stereo, and color keyed grille, doors handles and mirrors.
