2007 Mercury Mountaineer: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

A pared-down model lineup and an optional heated windshield are 2007 news for Mercury's midsize SUV. Mountaineer is a retrimmed Ford Explorer. Base and Premier models are offered; entry-level Convenience and midline Luxury models are dropped for '07. Base and Premier are available with a 210-hp V6; a 292-hp V8 is available on Premier only. The V6 teams with a 5-speed automatic transmission; the V8 has a 6-speed automatic. All Mountaineers are available with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive that includes low-range gearing. ABS is standard. So is Ford's AdvanceTrac antiskid system with rollover sensors. A split folding 3rd-row seat for seven-passenger capacity is standard on Premier, optional on Base. A power-folding feature is included on Premier and optional on Base. The 2nd row has a 60/40 split bench with available reclining seatbacks. Front side airbags are standard on all models. For '07, curtain side airbags with rollover deployment are also standard on all models; these cover the 1st and 2nd seat rows. Other available features include 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 18 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 eight-passenger seating. This class also includes crossover vehicles.

Our Best Buy choice is the Honda Pilot. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Explorer, Ford Freestyle, Mazda CX-7, Nissan Murano, and Toyota Highlander.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Dodge Nitro, Ford Edge, GMC Acadia, Hyundai Santa Fe, Mazda CX-7, Mazda CX-9, Saturn Outlook, Suzuki XL-7, and Toyota FJ Cruiser.