With the vital parts in mind the Montero Sport uses a Mitsubishi's 2-speed viscous-coupling equipped ALL4-wheel drive (A4WD) transfer case to automatically distribute power to front and rear axles. Torque from its 165-hp 3.0-L (ES and LS) or 197-hp 3.5-L V6 (XLS and Limited) gets to the transfer case via a 4-speed automatic transmission incorporating Adaptive Shift Control technology. Both engines are quite adequate with the latter being fairly energetic from a standing start, despite the SUVs healthy 1,865 kg (4,105 lb) to 1,925 kg (4,240 lb) curb weight - depending on trim level.
Its standard 4-wheel disc brake with 4-wheel Multi-Mode ABS do a good job of bringing all that forward momentum to an immediate halt when called upon, in all weather conditions. A capable chassis always aids in safety, and particularly accident avoidance. While not a sports car the Montero Sport is quite capable of safe passage if kept to reasonable speeds. Its independent double-wishbone front suspension is actual quite sophisticated for this class while the 3-link coil spring setup in the rear soaks up bumps well and doesn't chatter when driven over uneven pavement. Front and rear stabilizer bars do a fair job keeping body roll to a minimum through tight corners as well.