Acceleration

AWD Premier V8 w/navigation	Class Average
6	5.5

Only V8 Mountaineers have been made available to test so far. They provide ample power, and their 6-speed automatic 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

AWD Premier V8 w/navigation	Class Average
3	3.6

In Consumer Guide testing, an AWD V8 Mountaineer averaged 15.1 mpg. Both engines use regular-grade gas.

Ride Quality

AWD Premier V8 w/navigation	Class Average
6	5.5

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

Steering/Handling/Braking

AWD Premier V8 w/navigation	Class Average
4	4.4

Typical of its ilk. Some body lean is noticeable in turns and Mountaineer suffers a delayed reaction in quick directional changes. Steering is responsive and accurate but needs more road feel. Brake pedal action is mushy.

Quietness

AWD Premier V8 w/navigation	Class Average
6	5.4

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

Controls

AWD Premier V8 w/navigation	Class Average
5	6.3

Large, clear main gauges. The transmission shift lever blocks easy access to some climate controls. The dashboard design puts the radio just out of easy reach, and the turn-signal stalk is mounted at an awkward angle.

Details

AWD Premier V8 w/navigation	Class Average
5	5.4

Interior materials mostly solid-feeling. Many surfaces are hard plastic, however, which we deem inappropriate given Mountaineer's upscale intentions.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

AWD Premier V8 w/navigation	Class Average
8	7.1

Plenty of room on comfortable seats. Outward visibility is hindered somewhat by thick roof pillars, but the 2nd- and 3rd-row headrests fold to reduce the obstruction.

Room/Comfort (rear)

AWD Premier V8 w/navigation	Class Average
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. Third-row headroom is expansive, and legroom is surprisingly good. Second-row seats tip forward with relatively little effort, but access to the 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/navigation	Class Average
9	8.6

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

Value within Class

AWD Premier V8 w/navigation	Class Average
5	5.8

It suffers some ergonomic lapses, and interior materials are unimpressive. Mountaineer, however, is a competent SUV with a solid array of useful features. Its traditional truck-type chassis serves trailering needs without giving up much refinement to lighter-duty crossovers. However, there's nothing of consequence Mountaineer provides over similarly equipped Explorers, making the lower-priced Ford version our pick.

Total Score

AWD Premier V8 w/navigation	Class Average
64	63.7

Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		53
Average Score		63
High Score		76