Acceleration

AWD Premier V8 w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	5.2

No opportunity to test a V6 Mountaineer. V8 versions provide ample power, and their 6-speed automatic changes gears smoothly, delivers quick part-throttle downshifts for fine around-town response; some testers say full-throttle downshifts take too long, however. Maximum towing capacity is 7130 lb.

Fuel Economy

AWD Premier V8 w/nav. sys.	Class Average
3	4

Test Explorer 4WD Limited V8 averaged 15 mpg. Test AWD Mountaineer Premier V8 averaged 15.1 mpg. Test 4WD Eddie Bauer V6 Explorer averaged 17.1 mpg. Both engines use regular-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

AWD Premier V8 w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	5.5

Among best of truck-type SUVs. Mountaineer compliant, even with Premier's 18-inch wheels, and devoid of sloppy motions. Some testers say Mountaineer suffers undue impact harshness, body oscillations over low-speed bumps.

Steering/Handling/Braking

AWD Premier V8 w/nav. sys.	Class Average
4	4.5

Typical of truck-type SUVs: some body lean in turns and delayed reaction in quick directional changes. Steering responsive, accurate, but needs more road feel. Tight turning radius. No undue nosedive in quick stops, but brake-pedal action mushy.

Quietness

AWD Premier V8 w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	5.6

Among the quieter SUVs. Wind, road well-muffled. So is noise over bumps. Engine intrudes only under full throttle.

Controls

AWD Premier V8 w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	6.6

Large, clear main gauges. Transmission shifter lever blocks easy access to some climate controls. Dashboard puts radio just out of easy reach. Turn-signal stalk mounted at awkward angle. Rear climate controls set into ceiling, are difficult to read. Interior materials mostly solid-feeling, though many surfaces are hard plastic.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

AWD Premier V8 w/nav. sys.	Class Average
8	7

Plenty of room on comfortable seats. Outward visibility hindered some by thick roof pillars, but 2nd- and 3rd-row headrests fold to reduce obstruction. Available rear-obstacle-detection system adds a measure of safety when backing up.

Room/Comfort (rear)

AWD Premier V8 w/nav. sys.	Class Average
7	6.1

Three adults can squeeze across in roomy 2nd row. Leg room tight only with front seats fully aft. Third-row seat cushion low to floor, pancake flat, and floor shape obstructs foot room. But 3rd-row head room expansive, leg space surprisingly good. Second-row seats tip forward with relatively little effort, but access to 3rd row is only for the limber. Mountaineer offers running boards that automatically deploy when a door is open, but they don't extend far enough to be as useful as they could be.

Cargo Room

AWD Premier V8 w/nav. sys.	Class Average
8	8

Separate-opening hatch glass handy, but hatch itself is weighty to open or close. Second- and 3rd-row seats fold nearly flat for ample cargo room; available power-folding 3rd row a real convenience. Aside from large console box, interior storage meager.

Value within Class

AWD Premier V8 w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	5.9

It suffers some ergonomic lapses, and interior materials are unimpressive. But Mercury Mountaineer is overall a highly competent SUV with an outstanding array of useful features. These include standard curtain side airbags and antiskid system, plus available V8 power and a power-folding 3rd-row seat. Its truck-type chassis serves trailering needs without giving up much refinement to lighter-duty midsize SUVs with car-type construction. However, there's nothing of consequence Mountaineer provides over similarly equipped Explorers, making the lower-priced Ford version our Recommended pick.

Total Score

AWD Premier V8 w/nav. sys.	Class Average
60	58.4

Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		48
Average Score		58
High Score		69