Sport-utility vehicles scored by the marque of Mitsubishi extend now to four separate products. There are two rugged SUVs with off-road capability - Montero and Montero Sport - plus two crossover sport-utes designed to run on pavement - Outlander and Endeavor.

Mitsubishi's original SUV, Montero, stretches to full-size proportions on a unibody structure with a plush four-door cabin for seven and strong mechanical systems capable of aggressive action, whether on pavement or dirt. Sibling Montero Sport fits in the mid-size class and provided four passenger doors and two tiers of seats for five riders. Trim designations for Montero Sport have been pared to two models and each packs a forceful 3.5-liter V6 engine.

Outlander, a five-door, erected on the chassis of Mitsubishi's front-wheel-drive (FWD) Lancer sedan, segments into two trims with optional all-wheel-drive (AWD) traction. All Outlander editions score a new 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with more power to play.

And Endeavor, Mitsubishi's new mid-size crossover sport-utility, blends the manners of a refined luxury sedan with the elevated stance and cargo capacity of a boxy SUV plus the cabin flexibility and interior efficiency of a minivan.

A new design for Montero emerged in 2001 with fresh lines drawn over a unibody structure containing plush fittings in a spacious cabin and powerful mechanicals.

The enlarged passenger compartment brought more room for people as well as cargo, providing three rows of seats with the two back ones folding flat to the floor to expand the space for more gear. Two trim levels work for 2004 issues with XLS and Limited. For power, a single-cam 3.8-liter V6 engine drops below the shapely hood.

Also, both trims stock Mitsubishi's Active Trac four-wheel-drive (4WD) mechanism with push-button switching between rear two-wheel-drive (2WD), AWD, and high or low range of 4WD. All tie together to a five-speed Sportronic automatic with clutch-less manual mode.

Also working is a Dynamic Skid Control (DSC) system with computer-managed braking called Active Brake Traction Control (ABTC). Additional gear clusters in optional packages, including a power glass sunroof, seats trimmed in suede-like Ecsaine, leather-wrapped steering wheel and Infinity Premium sound. A tire pressure monitoring system has been added to the list of standards and a rear seat entertainment system is now available.

The mid-size SUV from Mitsubishi can carry five adults in comfort and, with optional 4WD equipment, also maintain steady tire traction when venturing away from pavement. It rides on a chassis out of the previous version of Montero, yet Sport measures less in length than Montero and its roof dips for a lower center of gravity.

Mitsubishi simplifies trim tiers for Sport by creating two models, base LS and deluxe XLS. Each comes with a single-cam 3.5-liter that achieves 197 hp and offers 2WD or 4WD equipment. The 4WD models stock Mitsubishi's ALL4-wheel drive (A4WD) system, which amounts to full-time AWD for automatic application of the proper traction for on-road and light-duty off-road situations. In addition, the system brings part-time 4WD with locked center differential and both high and low ranges.

Montero Sport LS offers a convenience package with tubular side steps and body side moldings, a remote keyless entry system and cruise control. XLS supports two new packages, touring and luxury.

The former includes a power sunroof, limited-slip differential, Infinity premium audio system, cargo cover and dimpled leather steering wheel and shift knob, while the latter also covers seats in leather. (CONTINUE...)