Overview & Reviews
The Mercury Mountaineer features a number of significant improvements for 2006. Styling has been updated with a bolder grille treatment, a new tailgate and more attractive taillights. Interior furnishings get an upgrade, too, and additional sound insulation results in a supremely quiet cabin, while a stiffened frame and new shocks provide even better ride and handling characteristics than before. Mercury says it has tweaked the 4.0-liter V6 to cut smog-forming emissions by 74 percent and expects it to achieve ULEV-II status. A new three-valve 4.6-liter V8 replaces last year's two-valve version. With 292 horsepower (up 52 from last year's) and 300 pound-feet of torque, the engine raises the V8 Mountaineer's tow limit to 7,300 pounds and delivers 10-percent better fuel economy. Front-seat side airbags, AdvanceTrac stability control and Roll Stability Control are standard on all Mountaineers and a navigation system and a power-operated third-row seat are new options.
- Excellent ride and handling characteristics for a truck-based SUV, strong optional V8, comfortable cabin with user-friendly layout, standard Roll Stability Control.
- Low resale value, lousy fuel economy.
