Take the company's rally-bred 4WD technology and our recreational vehicle (RV) know-how and mix it all together. The result was the Challenger (known as the Montero Sport in the US). Introduced in July 1996, customers could choose from one of three impressive engines: 2.5L and 3.0L V6 and a 2.8L intercooled, diesel turbo engine.

It had a double-wishbone front suspension, with a 3-link arrangement at the rear. It also had Super-Select 4WD (Easy Select 4WD on some models) which helped to deliver nimble, but tough, all-terrain performance.