Acceleration

2WD Limited V8	4WD Limited V8 w/18-in wheels	Class Average
6	6	5.5

No V6 Explorers or Mountaineers have been made available for us to test. V8 versions provide ample power. A 2WD Explorer Limited did 7.4 seconds 0-60 mph in our test. The transmission changes gears smoothly and delivers quick part-throttle downshifts for fine around-town response. Some testers say full-throttle downshifts take too long, however.

Fuel Economy

2WD Limited V8	4WD Limited V8 w/18-in wheels	Class Average
3	3	3.6

In Consumer Guide testing, a 2WD V8 Limited averaged 15.1 mpg, with 4WD, 15.0 mpg. An AWD Mountaineer Premier V8 averaged 15.4 mpg. All Explorers and Mountaineers use regular-grade gas.

Ride Quality

2WD Limited V8	4WD Limited V8 w/18-in wheels	Class Average
6	6	5.5

Explorer and Mountaineer are among the best-riding traditional SUVs. Explorer is compliant, even with 18-inch tires, and is devoid of sloppy motions. Some of our testers say Mountaineers suffer undue impact harshness and body oscillations over low-speed bumps.

Steering/Handling/Braking

2WD Limited V8	4WD Limited V8 w/18-in wheels	Class Average
4	4	4.4

Typical of a traditional SUV: some body lean in turns and delayed reaction in quick directional changes. Ford or Mercury, steering feel is responsive and accurate, but some testers want more road feel. Good brake pedal feel with no undue nosedive in quick stops.

Quietness

2WD Limited V8	4WD Limited V8 w/18-in wheels	Class Average
6	6	5.4

Among the quieter SUVs of any stripe. Wind and road noise are well-muffled. So is noise over bumps. Engines intrude only under full throttle.

Controls

2WD Limited V8	4WD Limited V8 w/18-in wheels	Class Average
4	4	6.3

Explorer and Mountaineer cabin designs differ mainly in trim appearance. Both have large, clear main gauges. The transmission shift lever prevents easy access to climate controls. The dashboard puts the radio just out of easy reach. The turn signal stalk is mounted at an awkward angle. Rear climate controls are set into the ceiling and are difficult to read.

Details

2WD Limited V8	4WD Limited V8 w/18-in wheels	Class Average
5	5	5.4

Interior materials feel solid, and assembly quality has been good on all models tested. There are many hard plastic surfaces throughout the interior, which are fine on Explorer, but inappropriate for Mountaineer, given the Mercury's upscale aspirations.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2WD Limited V8	4WD Limited V8 w/18-in wheels	Class Average
8	8	7.1

Plenty of room on comfortable seats. Entry and exit are complicated by a fairly high step-in. Outward visibility is hindered some by thick roof pillars, but the 2nd- and 3rd-row headrests fold to reduce obstruction.

Room/Comfort (rear)

2WD Limited V8	4WD Limited V8 w/18-in wheels	Class Average
7	7	6.1

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

Cargo Room

2WD Limited V8	4WD Limited V8 w/18-in wheels	Class Average
9	9	8.6

Opening hatch glass is handy, but the hatch itself is heavy to open and close. Second- and 3rd-row seats fold nearly flat for ample cargo room, but leave gaps large enough for smaller items to fall through. The optional power folding 3rd row is a real convenience. Aside from a large console box, interior storage is meager.

Value within Class

2WD Limited V8	4WD Limited V8 w/18-in wheels	Class Average
7	8	5.8

Explorer and its Mercury Mountaineer sibling are highly competent overall performers with an outstanding array of available features. These include V8 power, seven-passenger seating, and a power folding 3rd-row seat. Their traditional truck-type design serves trailering needs without giving up much refinement to lighter-duty midsize SUVs with car-type construction. Mountaineer provides nothing of consequence over similarly equipped Explorers, making the Ford version our pick for its broader range of model choices.

Total Score

2WD Limited V8	4WD Limited V8 w/18-in wheels	Class Average
65	66	63.7

Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		53
Average Score		63
High Score		76