Midsize in dimensions, the Mountaineer sport utility vehicle shares its design with the Ford Explorer. Both were redesigned for 2002. Built with a wider stance and longer wheelbase, they gained an independent rear suspension. Mountaineers featured more expressive styling, inside and out. They also had a standard third-row seat for seven-passenger capacity. A V6 engine was standard. The optional V8 was a new overhead-cam design, in place of the previous overhead-valve V8. Both engines came only with a five-speed automatic transmission; prior V8 Mountaineers had used a four-speed automatic. Mountaineers were available with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive without low-range gearing. (The Explorer's 4WD system had low-range gearing for off-road use.) Antilock four-wheel disc brakes and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel were among the standard features. Options included a rear-obstacle-warning system, power-adjustable pedals, and a driver-seat memory. Torso side airbags were not offered, but the optional curtain side airbags were designed to provide head protection in a side collision. Later in the model year, they were programmed to deploy in a rollover. Performance and accommodations reflect those of similarly-equipped Explorers. Competitors included the Acura MDX, GMC Envoy, and Toyota Highlander.