2009 Mercury Mountaineer: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

The 2009 Mercury Mountaineer adds a few new features. This midsize SUV is a retrimmed Ford Explorer, which means it uses traditional truck-type construction. It comes in Base and Premier trims. Both are available with a 210-hp 4.0-liter V6 engine. Premiers offer a 292-hp 4.6-liter V8. The V6 teams with a 5-speed automatic transmission; V8s use a 6-speed automatic. Maximum towing capacity is 7130 lb. All Mountaineers are available with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive that does not include low-range gearing. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. A split-folding 3rd-row seat for seven-passenger capacity is standard on Premier, optional on Base. A power-folding feature is optional. The 2nd row has a 60/40 split bench with available reclining seatbacks. Another available feature is Ford's Sync voice-activated control for cell phones and MP3 players. Also available is Ford's "capless" fuel filling system, which allows the vehicle to be filled without having to remove a gas cap. Satellite radio is now standard on Premier models, and traffic information is now available with the Navigation and Moon and Tune Package. Mountaineer's performance and accommodations mirror those of similarly equipped Ford 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 choices are the Chevrolet Traverse, Honda Pilot, GMC Acadia, Mazda CX-9, and Saturn Outlook. Our Recommended picks are the Dodge Journey, Ford Flex, Hyundai Santa Fe, and Toyota Highlander.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Chevrolet Traverse, Dodge Journey, Ford Flex, Kia Borrego, Nissan Murano, and Toyota Venza. The Hummer H3 adds a crew-cab pickup truck bodystyle for 2009, while the Dodge Durango adds a gas/electric hybrid model.