Mercury's upscale version of the Ford Explorer got more V8 power, fresh styling, and an available navigation system for 2006. Offered with rear-drive or all-wheel drive, the midsize Mountaineer SUV came in Convenience, Luxury, and Premier trim. Standard on Luxury and Premier models, and available for the Convenience version, was a split folding third-row seat for seven-passenger capacity, with a power-folding feature newly available. The second row had a 60/40 split bench with available reclining seatbacks. Two engines were offered: a 210-horsepower V6, and a V8 with 292 horsepower (up 53 over the 2005 model's V8). The V6 teamed with a five-speed automatic transmission, the V8 with a new six-speed automatic. Both engines worked with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, which was usable on dry pavement and had low-range gearing. Antilock four-wheel disc brakes were standard. So was Ford's AdvanceTrac antiskid system, with Roll Stability Control, which was designed to detect an impending tipover and activate the antiskid system to counteract that occurrence. Front side airbags were newly standard for 2006. Optional head-protecting curtain side airbags covered the first and second seat rows, and were designed to deploy in side impacts and rollovers. All models had 17-inch alloy wheels; 18-inchers were optional. Also available: second-row bucket seats, rear DVD entertainment, power-adjustable pedals, power in/out running boards, rear obstacle detection, and a navigation system. Satellite radio was a dealer-installed option. Mountaineers competed against the Dodge Durango and Toyota Highlander, as well as the closely related Ford Explorer.