2010 Mercury Mountaineer

 For 2010, the Mountaineer adds a few standard features to the Premier trim, and the navigation system gains Sirius' Travel Link service. The electronic stability system adds trailer-sway control. Premier trims get upgraded standard equipment; including a power moonroof, heated front seats with driver memory, power adjustable pedals, auxiliary rear climate control, upgraded audio and a reverse sensing system. Additionally, the 4.6-liter V8 engine and six-speed automatic transmission are no longer offered on Base trims. The Mercury Mountaineer is basically an upscale twin to the Ford Explorer. It competes against SUVs like the Buick Enclave and Kia Borrego. It's available in base or Premier trim, with optional four-wheel drive. The Mountaineer seats up to seven people and has an EPA Fuel Economy of 13 - 15 mpg for the city and 19 - 21 mpg for the highway. Although the Mountaineer is mechanically identical to the Ford Explorer and shares its trucklike chassis construction, Mercury has attempted to differentiate it over the years by specifying more standard amenities, softer suspension tuning and all-wheel drive instead of traditional four-wheel drive. For years, those virtues placed the Mercury Mountaineer in the upper ranks of midsize SUVs. This was especially true after its most recent 2002 redesign, which brought about a vast improvement in ride and handling.

Mountaineer Power

 There is a choice between a V-6 or V-8 engine for the Mountaineer; a 210-horsepower, 4.0-liter V-6 with 254 pounds-feet of torque 292-hp and a 4.6-liter V-8 with 315 pounds-feet of torque. The Mountaineer is available in both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations. The V6 is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission, while the V8 is paired with a six-speed automatic.

2010 Mercury Mountaineer Design

Mercury says the front styling and rectangular headlights suggest a subtle evolution in the company's design direction, with an emphasis on the vertically stacked front-end elements. Premier models add upgraded wheels and aluminum roof rails. The standard 17-inch and optional 18-inch wheels feature designs exclusive to Mercury. Large 20-inch wheels will be offered later in the model year. At the back, the liftgate is a two-piece, with the glass hinged separately. This lets you load cargo through the window, which is useful. The taillights get clear lenses. The front bumper holds rectangular fog lamps, a sectioned lower air intake and a satin-finish aluminum cross bar running the width of the grille. The Mercury Mountaineer shares much of its exterior design with the Ford Explorer. The design is highlighted by Mercury's trademark waterfall grille, with free-standing, vertical bars and a robust Mercury emblem front and center. The grille is flanked by large headlights that are an offbeat mix of curving lines and sharp angles.

Inside the Mountaineer

The Mountaineer has room for five people, with an optional third-row seat raising capacity to seven. The Sync communication system integrates phones and media players and allows those devices to be voice-activated. Sirius' subscription-based Travel Link service, included with the optional navigation system, can pull up local gas prices, movie times, weather reports and sports scores.  The Mountaineer comes with cloth upholstery; air conditioning; six-way power driver seat'; leather-wrapped, tilt steering wheel with audio and climate controls; AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo with auxiliary input jack; cruise control; power windows, heated outside mirrors and keyless remote central locking; trip computer; fog lights; Class II towing package; auto on/off headlights; roof rails; rear cargo management system; and P245/65R17 all-terrain tires on machined aluminum wheels. Standard features for the Premier include leather upholstery; 10-way power adjustable driver seat; six-way power front passenger seat; 60/40 split second-row seats; fold-flat third-row seats; keyless entry keypad; auto-dimming rear-view mirror; and 235/65R18 all-season tires on chromed aluminum wheels.

Driving the Mercury Mountaineer

The Mountaineer offers a smooth ride. This Mercury model handles fairly well for a truck-based SUV. The V6 offers decent power and towing capacity. The V8 is better on both counts. Though they never feel quick, V8-powered Mountaineers are about as fast as anything in the class.

Conclusions

Ford's AdvanceTrac now incorporates standard trailer-sway control. The system senses when the trailer you're towing is starting to sway and takes measures to bring it back into line. Mountaineer Base trims are well-equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlamps, air conditioning and cruise control. For more research on this model, visit the official 2010 Mercury Mountaineer page. Standard safety features include AdvanceTrac electronic stability control with anti-rollover technology, traction control and anti-lock disc brakes, as well as dual front, front side-impact and side-curtain airbags. If you are looking for a traditional SUV with a nicely appointed cabin and capable performance, the Mountaineer may do the job. Think of it as an upper class Explorer.  It works great for families, especially with the available third row.