Mitsubishi Montero has built up plenty of respect for the name Montero -- or Pajero, as this midsize SUV is known in other global markets.Four-wheel drive was always standard, and specialty items such as locking differentials and adjustable shock absorbers were available on the second-generation Mitsubishi Montero.
The Mitsubishi Montero was tall, heavy and high off the ground, and consequently felt slow-witted on the street. For the third generation, Mitsubishi made fundamental shifts to the Montero's hardware and driving character in hopes of improving the vehicle's appeal.
Most Recent Mitsubishi MonteroThe third-generation Montero midsize SUV was sold from 2001-'06 and marked several key design changes over the previous generation. The new Mitsubishi Montero certainly dealt with bumps more forgivingly and handled with more precision than before.
We were more impressed by the Montero's interior, at least in appearance. Solid ergonomics, upscale materials and supremely comfortable front seats made the Montero feel like part of a more expensive class of SUV. The Limited added a five-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode, "Active Trac" full-time four-wheel drive, a limited-slip rear differential and upgraded interior appointments such as leather seats and an Infinity stereo.
Also in 2003, Monteros received a 3.8-liter V6 with 215 hp, a stability control system and a head restraint and a three-point belt for the center rear seat. For this model's final two years, Mitsubishi discontinued the XLS trim.To anyone drawn to a Mitsubishi Montero, we recommend models from 2003 onwards. Past Mitsubishi Montero ModelsThe second-generation Montero was sold from 1992-2000.
Smaller than its predecessor in every way but height, this Montero was a traditional four-wheel-drive SUV with body-on-frame construction and a solid rear axle.Power initially came from a 3.0-liter V6 with 151 hp, available with either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission.
Initially, the second-gen Mitsubishi Monterocame in four trim levels: base, RS, LS and SR. For 1994, the Montero lineup was simplified to LS and SR lines, with the latter getting the new 3.5-liter V6 plus alloy wheels, antilock brakes, air-conditioning, a sunroof, CD stereo, keyless entry and in certain years, adjustable shocks and a locking rear differential. All Monteros now had seven-passenger seating and a driver-side front airbag. You could also go way back to the first-generation Mitsubishi Montero of 1983-'91.
The 2011 BMW X5 gets significant powertrain changes for 2011. The 2011 BMW X5 is a midsize luxury crossover SUV that comes standard with five-passenger seating. There are five trim levels available: xDrive35i, xDrive35i Premium, xDrive35i Sport Activity, xDrive35d and xDrive50i.
Standard equipment on the xDrive35i includes 18-inch wheels, foglights, automatic and adaptive xenon headlights, automatic wipers, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, 10-way power front seats, leatherette premium vinyl upholstery and a 12-speaker sound system with HD radio, a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack. The xDrive35i Premium adds to the 35d's extra content 19-inch wheels, roof rails, privacy glass, a power-adjustable steering wheel, leather upholstery and an iPod/USB audio interface (all optional on xDrive35d). The xDrive35i Sport Activity adds an upgraded suspension, 20-inch wheels, sport seats, a thicker steering wheel, darker exterior trim and an increased top speed.
The base xDrive35i has the fewest number of optional items available, with only a Convenience package (panoramic sunroof, auto-dimming mirrors, 2011 BMW X5 Assist telematics and Bluetooth), heated front seats, satellite radio, the iPod interface and navigation system available.The M Sport package available on the xDrive35i Sport Activity and xDrive50i includes different 20-inch wheels, the adaptive suspension, parking sensors, a body kit and an M steering wheel.
Powertrains and PerformanceEvery 2011 BMW X5 is all-wheel drive (hence xDrive), but there are three engines available. The xDrive35i gets a 3.0-liter inline-6 turbocharged to produce 300 hp and 300 pound-feet of torque.
Both this engine and the xDrive50i come standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine, which features so-called "clean diesel" technology returns estimated fuel economy of 19/26/22.SafetyStandard safety equipment for the 2011 BMW X5 includes antilock brakes, stability control, brake drying and standby features, a rollover sensor, front side airbags and side curtain airbags for the first and second rows.
In government crash tests, the X5 scored a perfect five stars for frontal-impact driver protection and four stars for frontal-impact passenger protection. The front seats are nicely shaped and adjust for a wide range of body types (the optional comfort seats offer even more adjustment).
Then came the Hummer H3. The H3's styling still proclaimed loudly that it's a card-carrying member of the Hummer guild, and the truck had more off-road capability than just about every other midsize SUV when the pavement ends.
Unless you were driving the "Alpha" version, which boasted V8 power, the Hummer H3 was painfully slow in certain situations.
Current Hummer H3 The Hummer H3 was a midsize SUV that was produced from 2006-'09. Hummer addressed the power shortage in 2007, bumping it up to 3.7 liters and 239 hp. In our Hummer H3 road test, we recorded a 0-60-mph time of 11 seconds. Allowed to play in the dirt, the smallest Hummer was basically unstoppable.
For optimum performance, adding the optional Off-Road Suspension package yielded a shorter-geared transfer case for better hill climbing and descending, a locking rear differential, 33-inch off-road tires and firmer suspension tuning.
Outward visibility was hampered by the gun-slit-style windows and tailgate-mounted spare tire. Aside from its engine updates, there were few changes during the Hummer H3's single generation. Stability control and side curtain airbags were made standard for '08 and a rearview camera became optional.
Mitsubishi Montero has built up plenty of respect for the name Montero -- or Pajero, as this midsize SUV is known in other global markets. Four-wheel drive was always standard, and specialty items such as locking differentials and adjustable shock absorbers were available on the second-generation Mitsubishi Montero.
