2009 Mercury Mountaineer

The Mercury Mountaineer is a mid-sized semi-luxury SUV that shares all of its major components with the Ford Explorer. In contrast to the vast numbers of car-based crossover SUV's flooding the market, the Mountaineer is an old school, body on frame SUV that offers a more truck-like ride in return for high towing and off-roading capabilities. The Mountaineer can be configured with seating for 5, 6, or 7 passengers and differentiates itself from the Explorer with unique exterior styling, a more luxurious interior, and a more comprehensive choice of options.

Now in its third generation, the Mountaineer has been improved with an independent rear suspension that improves handling and ride characteristics while providing for a 6960 lb. max towing capacity. The Mountaineer comes standard with a 4.0 Liter V6 that produces 210 horsepower and 254 lb.-feet of torque that hooks up to a 5-speed automatic transmission; this combo can feel slightly inadequate at times, especially when carrying a car-full of passengers and their luggage. The more capable choice is the optional 4.6 Liter V8, which makes 292 horsepower and a healthy 300 lb.-feet of torque and mates to a 6-speed auto. Standard Mountaineers are equipped with rear-wheel drive, while All-Wheel Drive is optional on all models.

The V6 Mountaineer comes in two trim levels, Base and Premier; Mountaineers equipped with the V8 only come in the more upmarket Premier trim. The Base model features standard 5-passenger seating, a cloth interior, fog lamps, and a CD player with MP3 capabilities. The Premier trim adds such niceties as leather seating with alcantara trim, Ford's new SYNC hands free system that allows for control of the audio system and navigation system (when so equipped) through verbal commands, 7-passenger seating, 18-inch satin chromed aluminum wheels, and fixed running boards to aid ingress and egress. Customers can choose from a bevy of optional features on the Mountaineer, which include a premium Audiophile sound system with a 6-disc in-dash CD changer, a voice-activated Navigation System, enormous 20-inch polished aluminum wheels, and a power moonroof.

The Mountaineer is packed with safety features including dual front airbags, side curtain airbags and a Advancetrac stability control with a rollover prevention feature. While the rugged Mountaineer offers a capable and traditional alternative to crossover SUVs, it is rumored that it and the Explorer will feature car-based unibody construction when their next generation launches around 2010.