Mercury's only seven passenger offering is identified as the Mountainer. The Mountainer is an SUV with a body on frame construction and it shares many features found in the Ford Explorer. A brand new Explorer is in the works right now. However, the Mercury Mountainer will soon be coming to its end.
Launched in 2006, the Mountainer has had very few changes since its birth. Its design is clearly aging. It lacks Ford's Sync Connect, a feature that is often in alternative Ford models. It also lacks any changes to its engine and it lacks the V-6 Ecoboost motor found in the newest crossovers.
This vehicle still has the old body on frame design so the ride it offers is short of smooth. Newer crossovers have better handling, greater performance, and better driving manners overall. The Mountainer does however; offer a nice payload and towing capacity. It also has better off road abilities too. Therefore, if you want an exceptional off road vehicle, the Mountainer will be offered at great discounts and is an ideal option for the outdoor type.
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