The Mercury Mountaineer, now in its second generation, is the only SUV in Mercury's catalog large enough to seat 7 people. While it uses a truck like body on frame chassis, it remains highly regarded in this category, much like its corporate cousin, the Ford Explorer. As with all Mercury models, if you want one, you need to act soon, as the entire brand is going to under the axe in the near future. The Mercury has sold well due to its more pleasant ride, the use of All-Wheel Drive as opposed to standard four wheel drive, and a host of standard feature upgrades. The class has become more competitive however, and the Mountaineer is starting to slip under pressure from other auto makers.
Engines for the Mountaineer are either a 4.0 liter V-6 making 210 HP or a 4.6 liter V-8 which produces 292 HP. The V-6 makes due with a five speed automatic transmission, while the V-8 gets an upgrade to a six speed automatic. Both engine models come standard with rear wheel drive but can utilize all-wheel drive as an optional upgrade.
The Range
THE RANGE
Bodystyles: SUV
Engines: 4.0L V-6, 4.6L V-8
Transmissions: 6-speed automatic, 5-speed automatic
Models: V6, Premier V6, Premier V8
What's New
For 2010, the Mercury Mountaineer received Trailer Sway Control as a standard feature along while the upgraded 6-speaker, 190-watt stereo and a moonroof has become standard on Premier models.
Exterior
The vertical Mercury grille gives the Mountaineer a softer look up front. Rear end is characterized by clear taillamps and chrome accent strips in the tailgate and lower fascia.
Interior
The Mountaineer can be had with two or three rows of seats and there's seating for up to seven, with the third row being a tight fit for larger adults. Maximum cargo space is 85.8 cubic-feet.
Performance & Handling
The Mountaineer's dated 4.0-liter V-6 makes a mere 210 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque while getting worse fuel economy than the V-8. That engine makes 292 horsepower and 315 pound-feet of torque and can tow up to 7040 lbs. Maximum towing capacity for the V-6-powered model is 5000 lbs. A six-speed automatic is paired with the Mountaineer's V-8 while V-6 models get a five-speed.
Safety
In addition to six standard airbags, including side curtain airbags for all three rows of seats, the Mountaineer comes standard with roll stability control and trailer sway control systems.
EPA Fuel Economy
V-6 4x2: 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway
V-6 AWD: 13 mpg city/19 mpg highway
V-8 AWD: 14 mpg city/19 mpg highway
You'll Like
- Truck-like capability
- Seven-passenger seating
You Won't Like
- Underpowered V-6 engine
- Poor fuel economy
- Truck-like on-road demeanor
Sum Up
The Joan Rivers of SUVs
If You Like This Vehicle
- Nissan Pathfinder
- Toyota 4Runner