In contrast to its sporty exterior, the interior harkens back to the Montero's truck roots, with a large square

dashboard holding essential gauges in front of the driver: speedometer, tachometer, fuel level and water temperature

gauges, plus a bevy of warning lights. Stereo and heating, ventilation and air conditioning controls are centered in

the dash within easy reach of driver and passenger. Each of the four outboard seating positions has a hefty grab

handle, an amenity much appreciated when riding off road. Mitsubishi's traditional Multi-Meter was one of the

options fitted to our test vehicle; it carries compass, outside temperature, battery voltage and oil pressure

readouts. A compass can be quite useful in the backcountry and oil pressure gauges can be useful whenever the engine

is running out of oil.

Exterior style concessions haven't robbed the Montero Sport of essential interior space. Plenty of leg- and

headroom has been provided for five passengers. Outward visibility is first-rate, though we're not completely

sold on the dark-tinted privacy glass, which reduces visibility at night.

All Montero Sport models have good-looking cloth seats except the XLS, which comes with a good-looking leather interior. Seats are well-padded and comfortable, and the range of adjustment for the front seats is sufficient to give most people plenty of legroom without cramping the folks in the back seats. Lots of luggage can be brought along; even with a full load of passengers on board more than 43 cubic feet of load space is available. Folding the rear seats down provides nearly 80 cubic feet of cargo capacity.

By class standards, the Montero Sport's soft suspension, power steering and extensive application of sound-deadening

materials make it a smooth highway cruiser. The high seating position is beneficial as well, putting the driver in a

position to see over whatever blocks the path.

Real-world use tends to highlight the best and worst features of sport-utilities, however, so bear in mind that

comfort and softness are relative terms. The Montero Sport's ride quality does not achieve passenger-car levels.

Neither does maneuverability. You will get jiggled around somewhat by rough pavement, and will need to be aware of

handling limitations if sudden, evasive action is needed on the highway. Tight parking spaces will highlight the

large turning radius.

Driven appropriately, however, the Montero Sport is a class leader in both handling and ride quality. And thanks to

its proven chassis hardware (a rugged box-section steel frame and hefty suspension pieces taken from the Montero) and

a generous 8.5 inches of ground clearance, the Montero Sport can be driven off road with confidence. If trail-busting

is on your agenda, we suggest ordering the limited-slip rear differential and bigger wheels and tires.

Mitsubishi's four-wheel-drive system uses a traditional floor-mounted lever with which the driver chooses between

2WD, 4WD and 4WD Low. The 4WD positions are strictly for off-road use or when snow is heavy enough to allow wheel

slippage in tight corners.

On the highway, the Sport is a bit noisy; tire treads are the prime culprits at low speeds, joined by the engine

when accelerating or cruising at high speeds. There's also a shortage of horsepower. These traits are common to most

sport-utilities, so they'll come as no surprise to the experienced SUV owner. Just allow extra room for passing maneuvers.

Like its big brother, the Montero, the Mitsubishi Montero Sport offers exceptional roominess, a high vantage point and comfortable seating. It has enough strength to pull a trailer or traverse unpaved ground with ease. The Montero Sport adds muscular good looks. We think it deserves serious consideration.