Mitsubishi Montero Overview

Since Mitsubishi first offered its Montero to sport-utility customers, it has presented a utilitarian, boxy appearance that disguised the luxury touches inside. Like the Jeep Cherokee and Isuzu Trooper, the Montero's looks have suggested that style had been accorded a distant second-place ranking to function.

Sport-utility buyers liked that, and still do. The piano-case Montero continues on sale, but now it's joined by a new, slightly smaller version, the Montero Sport, that puts the same rugged underpinnings under a slick new shell.

Style-wise, the Montero Sport faces rivals that wouldn't have been considered by previous Montero intenders. Nissan's Pathfinder and Toyota's 4Runner, both redesigned last year, and the Isuzu Rodeo/ Honda Passport twins come to mind, as do the Jeep Cherokees, Chevy Blazer/GMC Jimmy/ Oldsmobile Bravada and Ford Explorer.

It's important to re-member that all of these competitors have as much substance as style. That's a major consideration for those looking to the sport-utes for more than just high-profile on-road duty. The larger Montero has never been found lacking when asked to work hard; can the same be said of its new junior partner?