2005 Mitsubishi Montero Limited Road Test

The trunk, which, depending on the configuration of the second and third row seats can hold as much as 2,597 litres (91.7 cu ft) of stuff due to a wide and tall body shell. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)

And with that in mind, other than the few minor bugaboos mentioned, the Montero is a relaxing and relatively affordable way to experience similar comfort and look as a Lexus, Lincoln or Caddy, with way more exclusivity, at a $15,000 discount.

With the knowledge that a large sport utility is a haven for clutter, the Montero is equipped with a variety of cubbies including twin gloveboxes to help organize toys, fishing tackle, or what have you. And this is in addition to the multiple storage bins that can be found on the door pockets, under the centre armrest, as well as on the inside of the tailgate. For everything else, there's the trunk, which, depending on the configuration of the second and third row seats can hold as much as 2,597 litres (91.7 cu ft) of stuff due to a wide and tall body shell.

With its substantial ground clearance and stratospheric overall height, you literally have to step up onto the Montero's illuminated running boards, to clamber inside. Thankfully, with more grab handles than the average person has hands at every door, entry is manageable. In the

With its substantial ground clearance and stratospheric overall height, you literally have to step up onto the Montero's illuminated running boards, to clamber inside. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

second row there's no shortage of legroom, but with a tall floor headroom is lacking for passengers over six feet tall. A simple cure is to recline the rear seat slightly, which helps significantly. For those who ride in mid-cabin there are separate controls for temperature and ventilation too, which flows through roof-mounted vents.

As with an increasing number of midsized sport 'utes, the Montero has a third row of seats enabling it to carry a total of seven people. Better make those occupants five regular sized adults and two kids, as the third row is only for the junior-sized and the short legged - there's only 497 mm (19.6 inches) of legroom with precious little space for Nike pumps. Aside from this, the second row flips forward to gain access, which can be a bit troublesome considering the path to the rear is a narrow.