Montero Sport's low roofline leads to more cramped feeling inside, but this is the trade-off for high fashion in the frenzied sport-utility market. While the average SUV-shopper ranks styling as their sixth buying priority, Montero Sport owners (according to Mitsubishi's research) list good looks as their number-two criteria. Possibly this explains why two-thirds of Montero Sports are sold with rear-drive only.

Last year, Mitsubishi updated the Montero with a new grille and tail lights and, more significantly, a new coil-spring rear suspension. For 2001, the emphasis has been on safety. Structural improvements are designed to deflect the force of an offset-front-end crash, and a new seat-belt pre-tensioner will help protect the driver from injury.