2005 Mitsubishi Montero Limited Road Test

It seems these days that the entrance ticket to the sport utility world is height, and I'm not even talking about ground clearance. It's a game of visual appeal. Whoever has the most rugged and durable looking design often emerges as the sales champ, particularly if backed by wood, leather and a decent view to the outside world. Mud-slinging, terrain-gripping and hill-scaling abilities have all been scaled back for a more price-effective, car-based, image-oriented product, equipped with plenty of creature comforts.