The
2010 Mercury Mountaineer is a midsize sport utility vehicle (SUV) available in Base and Premiere trim levels. Coming as either rear- or all-wheel drive, the Mercury Mountaineer's base engine is a 4.0-liter V-6 mated to a standard five-speed automatic transmission, while the Premier is equipped with an optional 4.6-liter V-8 engine coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission. Properly equipped, a rear-wheel-drive Mountaineer with the V-8 can tow up to 7,220 pounds.
The Mercury Mountaineer is a body-on-frame SUV, so the ride is not smooth as glass. While other crossovers have better handling, greater performance, and better driving manners, the Mountaineer does support a nice payload and towing capacity, and has good off road abilities as well. Boasting good crash test ratings, the Mountaineer's fuel economy, however, according to EPA estimates, is only 13 mpg city / 19 mpg highway.
New for 2010
For 2010, the Mercury Mountaineer received Trailer Sway Control as a standard feature along with a six-speaker, 190-watt stereo, while a moon roof has become standard on the Premier trim.
Essentials
Engines: 4.0L V-6, 4.6L V-8
Transmissions: 6-speed automatic, 5-speed automatic
Body Style: SUV
Trims: Base Sport Utility, Premier Sport Utility
On the Outside
The grille in front gives the Mercury Mountaineer a soft look, while the rear end is accented by clear tail lamps and chrome strips in the tailgate and lower fascia.
From the Inside
The Mercury Mountaineer is available with two or three rows of seating to accommodate up to seven passengers; however, the third row is a bit tight for large adults. But yet, there are 85.8 cubic-feet of cargo capacity.
Driving Performance
The dated 4.0-liter V-6 engine in the Mercury Mountaineer generates 210 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque and gets worse fuel economy than the V-8 engine, which churns out 292 horsepower and 315 pound-feet of torque and is capable of towing up to 7,040 pounds. Meanwhile, the maximum towing ability of the V-6 engine is 5,000 pounds.
Safety Equipment
Standard safety features on the Mercury Mountaineer encompass six standard airbags, including side curtain airbags for all three rows of seats. In addition, roll stability control and trailer sway control systems are standard.
Gas Mileage
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
Plusses
- Impressive towing capability
- Seating for seven
Minuses
- Underpowered V-6 engine
- Poor gas mileage
- Rough ride
Rating
Midsize SUV hauls like a truck, drinks like a horse
People Who Like the 2010 Mercury Mountaineer Also Like
- Nissan Pathfinder
- Toyota 4Runner