2006 Mitsubishi Montero

Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:

The four-door Mitsubishi Montero comes in Limited trim only. Standard equipment includes leather upholstery, a 315-watt Infinity audio system with a CD changer, 17-inch alloy wheels, power-adjustable front seats, a sunroof, a trip computer, automatic climate control and a leather-and-wood steering wheel. A DVD entertainment system is optional, which deletes the standard six-disc CD changer and sunroof.

Powertrains and Performance:

The engine available on the Mitsubishi Montero is a 3.8-liter V6 that generates 215 hp and 248 lb.-ft of torque. The Montero’s five-speed Sportronic transmission with adaptive shift control and clutchless manual shift mode gives you the best of both worlds. Mitsubishi’s ActiveTrac four-wheel-drive system comes standard and offers both full- or part-time operation.

Safety and Security:

For the Montero, safety begins with active safety. With its MultiMode anti-lock braking system, Active Trac drive system and Mitsubishi Active Skid and Traction Control System (M-ASTC), Montero is capable of applying individual brakes and modulating engine power to keep you on course. It’s not enough just to survive an accident, it’s better to avoid them all together. And with its rigid construction, technological advances, refined suspension and responsive steering, Montero is nimble and capable when surprises come your way.

With Montero, active safety is only part of the bargain. You also get a tough unibody chassis with integrated frame rails, front and rear crumple zones protecting the cabin, and a full complement of front SRS and front seat-mounted side-impact air bags†. Montero is a vehicle you can have confidence in, wherever the road takes you.

Interior Design and Special Features:

Montero offers thoughtful convenience features such as a full-size spare tire with alloy wheel and cover, front and rear reading lights, door-mounted puddle lamps, removable toolbox with flashlight, six passenger-assist grips, six cup holders (two front, two mid-cabin in center armrest and two rear) and floor mats. Roof rails, rear privacy glass and flip-open third-row windows round out the long list of standard features.

The Montero’s seven-passenger seating comes courtesy of a clever third row that completely disappears into a well in the cargo-area floor. Storing the third seat under the floor frees up considerable cargo space, which is ideal for the instances when added passenger-carrying ability isn’t required. When the seat is in the upright position, the covered storage well remains accessible. For additional space, the third-row seat can be removed completely leaving the deep covered storage well and rear cargo area available for luggage and gear.

The Montero Limited includes several upscale features, including leather seating surfaces (first and second rows); a leather- and wood-trimmed steering wheel; woodgrain interior accents; six-CD 315-watt Mitsubishi/Infinity(R) AM/FM/CD premium audio system with seven speakers; heated front seats; power driver’s seat with 14 adjustments; power passenger seats; heated side-view mirrors; illuminated running boards, stylish 17-inch alloy wheels, a tire pressure monitoring system and LCD information center with compass, outside temperature, miles-to-empty, date and time.

Other luxury features offered as standard equipment on the 2006 Montero Limited include an oversized one-touch power tilt-and-slide glass sunroof, a fully automatic climate control system, and rear heater and air conditioner with passenger controls at the back of the center console. A DVD entertainment system with roof mounted screen and remote headphones for rear-seat passengers is available as optional equipment.

Driving Impressions:

On the road, the Montero’s suspension is firm enough to keep it under control during evasive maneuvers, but don’t expect carlike handling. The dual-wishbone front and multilink rear suspension results in an overall feel that is soft and forgiving, but minor road irregularities can transmit a surprising amount of harshness throughout the otherwise isolated cabin. The Montero’s off-road ability is exceptional. Whether it’s rugged washboard pathways, fast fire roads or technical rock-strewn riverbeds, the 2006 Mitsubishi Montero never flinches as it stays the course.