Spring for the $48,507 Montero Limited and add all the Touring Package extras to the base XLS features, plus automatic front climate control, a 14-way (4 manual and 10 power) adjustable driver's seat, leather seats throughout, leather and wood steering wheel, woodgrain interior accents, illumination for the running boards, color-keyed grille and door mirrors (the latter now heated), and integrated fog lights. The only option is a $439 LCD information screen, available exclusively with the Limited.
When I first laid eyes on a Montero driving around New York City in spring of 2001, and then later that week within the Jacob Javits Convention Center as part of the New York International Auto Show, I was immediately taken by its unique, bold exterior lines. Even today, a year and a half later no other SUV even remotely resembles it, giving the Montero a distinct identity and true exclusivity. Most unique are its curving fenders, even more pronounced up front. It looks purposeful, ready to tackle the uncharted wilderness while equally at ease in a country club setting. While that might be the mantra of competitive brands, it might be best expressed in the full-size Mitsubishi.
Here we are back at the full-size SUV thing again. Remember I began the review with a few inflammatory words about the world needing more large SUVs. Before you get all out of sorts in another self-righteous, higher-than-thou huff, take a good look in your driveway. If your fuel efficient economy car is more than five years old or worse yet older, those big demon SUVs you regularly curse under your breath will no doubt produce lower emissions than what pours into the atmosphere every time you turn your ignition key. As for the Montero it uses a relatively fuel efficient V6 - 15.7 / 12.3 L/100 km (15 / 19 mpg) - and is LEV (Low-Emission Vehicle) rated.