As opposed to the smaller Montero Sport, the full-sized version also has true four-wheel drive rather than all-wheel drive, with a real two-speed transfer case including a locking center differential, and the aforementioned air-locking rear diff. Tyler also installed manually locking hubs up front, which is a nice touch to save the 4WD components some wear and tear during daily driv
The Mazda CX-5 is powered by an inline 4 engine that pushes 187 horsepower. The Mazda CX-5’s engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission that delivers power to all four wheels. Its limited ratios hold back the engines when it comes to passing power despite firing quick shifts most of the t
Lexus has always had a sweet spot in the American market. Being Toyota’s luxury model, it is no surprise that the Lexus NX is competing for the title of best SUV in 2020. This ride features two powertrain choices. The first option is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that pushes 235 horsepower and delivers 258 lb-ft of torque to the drivetr
Meanwhile, compared to the Toyota-badged competition, the full-sized Montero—it’s important to note that this is not the smaller Montero Sport—sits somewhere between the 4Runner and Land Cruiser in terms of size and sellers ask a mere fraction of the prices of used Toyota SUVs on the secondhand market to
Another popular modification is the addition of an auxiliary battery. This also comes with some modified electrical workings. The electrical work is usually the most time-consuming stage, as it has to be done properly to not only make the modification functional but also to make sure the vehicle still runs when all is said and d
Off the tarmac, however, is where the Montero truly shines. The suspension setup is truly remarkable, revealing why the Pajero Evo was able to survive the grueling Dakar Rally so effectively. Shortly before selling, Tyler installed new Bilstein shocks all around, which perfectly complement the coil-sprung solid rear axle (no leaf springs!) and Panhard bar setup. And the Cooper Discoverer Mud Terrains might be a bit loud in town but they’re worth the bit of noise once they leave the asph
The front seat upholstery has deteriorated to the point of requiring seat covers—but I just don’t care. This is a third-world truck and spending a few grand to get the leather seats redone would be an absurd investm
Offset wheels are not everybody’s cup of tea, but in the end, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. It is, however, unarguably true that offset tires on lifted princesses are played out. No one finds the made-for-the-freeway lifted trucks with offset tires impressive anym
But how does the Montero compare to new off-roaders on the market? Well, as the social media feud between Jeep and Ford heats up , I can’t help but chuckle. Sure, my Montero doesn’t have electronically disconnecting sway bars, multiple suspension settings, suvinsightzone.com or an eight-speed automatic transmission. But it can do 90% of the things a Wrangler Rubicon can at about 10% of the pr
A new exhaust system will not only give you a better sound to your truck when you turn it on but it will also ensure that you enhance your driving experience. You will get more out of your truck performance-wise if you add a new exhaust sys
The globally known Rubicon Trail has destroyed an unimaginable amount of axles and suspensions. Over the years, the trail has seen a variety of trucks proving their real worth. It is quite normal, given the reputation of the Wrangler, that a Rubicon edition was released and produced years after ye
Every single conversation I’ve had during the past few weeks in Los Angeles has inevitably turned into a discussion of impending doom. A global pandemic continues racking up its toll on both human lives and economic prospects. Civil unrest has been only exacerbated by political division and the seemingly unavoidable collapse of American democracy. And to top it all off, the worst fires in recorded history have turned LA’s skyline into a smoky Blade Runner grey, just without the flying cars and murderous robots (for now, anyw
The sound system in the Raptor is good enough. You do not want to go and add a whole new sound system and take up space that the pickup truck doesn’t really have. Rather roll down your window and listen to the sweet sounds that the engine ma
However, after spending quite some time looking into oneself, it is time for action. The terrain does not seem to be an issue for this Wrangler. Its aftermarket suspension system is showing that it is possible to get over a hill or elevated bump. In fact, it seems as if the coffee in the cup holder is still there and has not splashed any of the passeng
On the exterior, he installed an aftermarket front bumper from Adventure Driven Design, sourced the rear ladder off a Land Rover, and had a set of five steel Toyota wheels machined to fit the Montero’s hubs. The beat-up roof rack will be perfect for a ski box if I ever go on a trip with friends—til then, social distancing efforts will allow my skis to ride up to the hill inside the tr