The Montero?s high stance does make climbing in and out something of a chore. But once inside, passengers will find themselves in an attractive and well-appointed interior. There?s comfortable seating for five in front-bucket and center-bench seats, with leg- and headroom to spare. Two additional passengers can be carried in a rear-facing third seat, though this is suitable for short trips only. There are 3-point seat belts for each seating position.Cargo space is generous - there?s almost 45 cu. ft. behind the center seat, a capacity that more than doubles when center and rear seats are folded flat. The rear door provides good access to this space, though the Montero?s ground clearance contributes to a higher-than-normal heave. The dashboard carries major controls and instruments directly ahead of the driver, with an exceptional collection of subsidiary readouts in a central pod. If there is any fault to find in the Montero?s design, it is in the cabin?s minor details. Between sound system, air conditioning, automatic transmission (when supplied) and 4-wheel-drive controls, there are a lot of buttons, knobs and levers for the driver to deal with, and their placement seems a little haphazard. There?s always a period of adjustment for a driver in an unfamiliar vehicle; it takes a little longer in a Montero. The base Montero LS is pricey, but a pretty good value because of its comprehensive complement of standard equipment - power windows, mirrors and locks; cruise control; and chassis skid plates for off-road underbody protection are all baked into the basic retail price. And the LS is even more attractive for 1995, thanks to a new engine.
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