The new Montero features big ventilated disc brakes at both front and rear, necessary to haul this 4675-pound truck down from highway speeds, and they work well. ABS comes standard.
Mitsubishi designed this truck to be both a pavement cruiser and an off-road marauder. So just on the off chance that you are the rare one who likes dirt roads and rocks, we took the Montero into some severe backcountry terrain. First, we tested it on rippled washboard dirt surfaces so typical of back roads. Thanks to its fully independent multi-link rear suspension, the Montero exhibited no axle-tramp -- that disturbing resonance typical in solid rear axles where the back wheels bounce so busily that they begin to steer the rear end. On washboard, the Montero's rear wheels maintain full directional control. Mitsubishi's compliant springs and shocks soak up most of this motion, producing a very smooth ride.
On really steep descents and climbs, the Montero's V6 and low-range transfer case are superb, keeping it in excellent control going down and providing plenty of torque for creeping back up. Even over tall rocks on one side or the other, the Montero kept its poise, proving that it can go where many lesser four-wheel drive vehicles would be creaking and groaning and complaining bitterly. Next Page