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.