In most categories, Mountaineers perform much like their Ford Explorer counterparts. For performance, a Mountaineer or Explorer V8 is the answer. V8 models offer ample power for most any situation. The V8's six-speed automatic shifts smoothly, but while part-throttle downshifts occur quickly, full-throttle downshifts take longer. A test 2WD Ford Explorer accelerated to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds. Ford said V6 models could accelerate to 60 mph in 10.2 seconds, which is acceptable for the class. Maximum towing capacity is 7300 pounds. Fuel economy sets no records. A test AWD Mountaineer Premier V8 averaged 15.4 mpg. With 2WD, a test V8 Ford Explorer Limited averaged 15.1 mpg; with 4WD, 15.0 mpg. Both V6 and V8 models use regular-grade fuel. Ride quality ranks among the best of truck-type SUVs. Suspensions are compliant, even with optional 18-inch wheels, and devoid of sloppy motions. Some testers believe Mountaineers suffer undue impact harshness and body oscillations over low-speed bumps. Steering and handling are typical of truck-type SUVs. Expect some body lean in turns, plus delayed reaction in quick directional changes. The AdvanceTrac antiskid system and Roll Stability Control are laudable features, designed to help prevent sideways skids and rollovers. Smooth, light steering is responsive and accurate, but delivers little road feel. Good brake-pedal feel is the rule, with no undue nosedive in quick stops. Mountaineers and Explorers are among the quieter SUVs. Wind and road noise are well muffled; so is noise over bumps. Engines intrude only under full throttle. Explorer and Mountaineer cabin designs differ mainly in trim appearance. Both have large, clear primary gauges, but the dashboard angle puts the radio high, just out of easy reach. Climate controls are easily accessed but mounted low, and rotary dials would be better than the automatic system's buttons. The transmission's shift lever blocks easy access to climate controls. Turn-signal stalks are mounted at an awkward angle. Rear climate controls are set into the ceiling, making them difficult to read. Cabin materials are of good quality, mostly solid feeling, despite presence of many hard plastic surfaces. Front occupants enjoy plenty of room on comfortable seats, but some may find that door armrests block the pull handles underneath. Entry/exit is impeded by fairly high step-in. Outward visibility is hindered by thick roof pillars, but second- and third-row headrests fold to reduce obstructions. The available rear-obstacle-detection system adds a measure of safety when backing up. Three adults can squeeze across in the roomy second row, taking advantage of generous headroom. Legroom grows tight only with front seats fully aft, and toe room is restricted. The third-row seat cushion is low to the floor and pancake-flat, and the floor shape obstructs foot room, but headroom is expansive and leg space surprisingly good. Second-row seats tip forward in a single, easy motion with relatively little effort, but access to the third row is still for the young and/or limber. Available power running boards deploy automatically as the door opens, but don't extend far enough to be as useful as they could be. Separate-opening hatch glass is handy, but the hatch itself is weighty to open or close. Second- and third-row seats fold nearly flat for ample cargo room, but leave gaps large enough for smaller items to fall through. The optional power-folding third row is a real convenience. Aside from the large console box, interior storage is meager.

Value for the Money
Mountaineer and its Ford Explorer sibling are highly competent overall performers with an outstanding array of available features, including V8 power, seven-passenger seating, and a power-folding third-row seat. Standard and optional safety features also appeal. Their truck-type chassis serves trailering needs without giving up much refinement to lighter-duty midsize SUVs with car-type construction. Mountaineers provide nothing of consequence beyond similarly-equipped Explorers, making the Ford version our Recommended pick for its broader range of model choices. Still, both are solid choices. So-so resale values translate to fairly moderate secondhand prices.