As with the Explorer, we noticed some slack in the drivetrain in some situations. After stopping for a stop sign then stepping on the gas, there was a momentary lag, as if we were waiting for the driveline hook up. This was annoying.
The Mountaineer rides about as well as a GMC Envoy, but handles a bit better. The ride is supple, though the Mountainer's high stance means it can bound over bumps. It tracks relatively well on level, straight roads. While it leans corners, it isn't as excessive as in the Envoy. When pushed, however, the Mountaineer plows as readily as any top-heavy SUV. The steering is responsive and offers good feel.
While the Mountaineer rides smoothly and handles fairly well for a truck-based sport-utility, most crossover-type SUVs ride and handle better while also getting better fuel economy.
The all-wheel-drive system in the Mountaineer is more for conquering the snowy parking lot at a ski resort and maintaining controlled headway in downpours than for tackling rock-strewn terrain. And by that measure, it's quite competent. In the same vein, it's also just as good as the Envoy. Off road, it can't stay with a Nissan Pathfinder or Toyota 4Runner or Jeep Grand Cherokee.
At speed on pavement, there's some wind noise, but not enough to detract in the least from the stereo. Both engines emit a breathy growl that is well muffled, and road noise is decently muted. Next Page