2006 Mercury Mountaineer: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Mountaineer is a Ford Explorer dressed as a Mercury. For 2006, it gets more V8 power, freshened styling, and front side airbags. Convenience, Luxury, and Premier models are offered. Each is available with a 210-hp V6 or with a 292-hp V8; the V8 gains 53 hp for '06. The V6 teams with a 5-speed automatic transmission. For '06, the V8 has a 6-speed automatic instead of a 5-speed. All Mountaineers are available with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive that includes low-range gearing. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes are standard. So is Ford's AdvanceTrac antiskid system with rollover sensors. Optional on the Convenience models and standard on other Mountaineers is a split folding 3rd-row seat for seven-passenger capacity; it's newly available for '06 with a power-folding feature. The 2nd row has a 60/40 split bench with available reclining seatbacks. Front side airbags are standard on all models. Standard on Premier and optional on other models are curtain side airbags with rollover deployment; these cover the 1st and 2nd seat rows. Also available: 2nd-row bucket seats, DVD entertainment, power-adjustable pedals, power-deployable running boards, rear obstacle detection, and a navigation system. Mountaineer's performance and accommodations mirror those of similarly equipped Explorers.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Larger than Compact SUVs, Midsize SUVs offer a mix of car- and truck-type construction, V6 and V8 power, and up to 8-passenger seating. This class also includes crossover vehicles.

Our Best Buys include Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. Our Recommended picks are Dodge Durango, Ford Explorer, Ford Freestyle, Nissan Murano, Nissan Xterra, and Toyota 4Runner.

New or significantly redesigned models include Hummer H3, Jeep Commander, Pontiac Torrent, and Subaru B9 Tribeca.