The front seats hold the driver firmly and offer adjustable lumbar support. In the Limited, they come with seat heaters. They don't feel as bucket-like as the front seats in an Explorer or Grand Cherokee, but they seem to keep the body in better control. A trip home after a weekend on the trails is relatively easy on your back, even after you've done things on your mountain bike that your chiropractor warned you not to do.

The instrument panel is straightforward. Gauges are easy to read with bold black numerals on platinum-colored faces. We didn't particularly care for the fake wood surrounding the instruments and window switches on our 2002 Limited model. The handbrake lever is spindly and the material in the center console/cup holder area looks and feels like plastic. The tall center console takes up some elbow room and makes reaching the switches to the available seat heaters awkward. And the inside door handles are small.

The 210-watt Infinity stereo sounds good.

Just to the left of the floor-mounted automatic transmission shifter is the shift lever for the transfer case. Drivers can choose between AWD, 4H, and 4L. AWD is used in all but the worst off-road conditions. 4H is for part-time four-wheel drive to be used in rugged terrain, when there's a chance of getting stuck. 4L is the low-range for steep off-road grades, deep mud, sand or anywhere else ultimate traction is required.

Montero Sport's low roofline leads to a more cramped feeling inside. Looking out of the windshield is somewhat turret-like. Headroom is adequate for normal-size adults, but tall people may find it restrictive.

In the back seat there's adequate room for three adults and, although the interior is slightly cramped for headroom, your legs will have no complaints. Limited models provide rear heating controls on the back of the center console.

The Montero Sport offers more useful cargo space than its small exterior dimensions might suggest. With the seatback raised for passengers, the Montero Sport has noticeably more cargo room than the Rodeo, or the Nissan Pathfinder. With the seatback folded down, there is just a milkcrate less of cargo room than you'll find in Toyota's 4Runner or Isuzu's Rodeo.