Mercury Mountaineer vs. Toyota 4Runner - Comparative Review

The 2009 Mercury Mountaineer

The Mountaineer is a truck based SUV that is offered in two trim levels, Base and Premier.  It is available in both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations, and has two powertrain combinations: a 210-hp 4.0-liter V6 mated to a five-speed automatic transmission, or a 292-hp 4.6-liter V8 paired with a six-speed automatic.  If you need an SUV for hauling or towing, the Mountaineer is a great choice.  This SUV also works well as a commuter.  In the interior, multi-adjustable front seats make for comfortable daily driving. The 2009 Mercury Mountaineer offers three interior layouts: five-passenger, six-passenger or seven-passenger.  Base models come with five-passenger seating using two seating rows; Premier models add a third-row seat for seven-passenger capacity. Second-row bucket seats are available in place of the bench seat for six-passenger seating.  Passengers in the third-row seats enjoy more legroom than in other seven-passenger SUVs in this class. The second- and third-row seats fold down to allow for a useful rear cargo area. 

The exterior of the Mountaineer is anchored by Mercury's trademark waterfall grille, with free-standing, vertical bars and a robust Mercury emblem front and center.  The Premier model is offered with 2WD and the V6, AWD and the V6, 2WD and the V8, or AWD and the V8.  Standard features added for the Premier trim 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; and auto-dimming rear-view mirror. 

All Mountaineers gained Mercury's capless fueling system, and there are two new options offered: 20-inch wheels and tires and the Mercury Sync communication and entertainment system.  This technology can recognize Bluetooth-enabled cell phones, access their phonebooks, and play calls and read text messages through the speakers. It also has a USB interface to connect with iPods and other MP3 players.  Safety features included on all Mountaineers include dual-stage front airbags, torso-protecting front side airbags, and head-protecting side curtain airbags for the first and second rows. The curtain airbags have a sensor to activate in a rollover. Also standard are a tire-pressure monitor, antilock brakes with brake assist, traction control, and electronic stability control with rollover mitigation. An available safety option is rear obstacle detection.   Mountaineer handles fairly well for a truck-based SUV.  It tracks relatively well on level, straight roads.  Highway noise is noticeable, but not so loud as to over power the audio system or having a conversation.  Engine and road noise create only a muffled sound.

The 2009 Toyota 4Runner

The 4Runner is a full-framed truck based SUV, with a solid rear axle. The 4Runner can go anywhere a truck can go. Its traditional design gives it an advantage in long-term durability, especially over rugged terrain, and it has the ability to tow 7300 pounds.  The 2009 Toyota 4Runner comes in three trim levels: SR5, Sport Edition, and Limited. Each is available with the V6 or V8, with two-wheel drive (2WD) or four-wheel drive (4WD).  A Class III receiver hitch with a seven-pin connector is standard on V8 models and optional on V6s; it mounts directly to the rear frame crossmember. The V6 engine features variable valve timing, an electronically controlled throttle, and lightweight all-aluminum construction.

The 4.7-liter V8 is smooth and tractable and never struggles when thrust is needed. The V8 features variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i) and electronic throttle control with intelligence (ETCS-i), turning it into a real performer.   The ride is comfortable and high quality.  The Toyota 4Runner is right at home offroad.  It includes Toyota's Downhill Assist Control, which allows the vehicle to go down steep, muddy inclines in total control. This is an impressive display of technology and engineering. And with Hill-start Assist Control, the 4Runner is just as impressive climbing back up.  Both the V6 and the optional V8 offer responsive performance. The V8 would be perfect for drivers who tow, but for those who do not, the V6 provides excellent performance. 

On the interior the 4Runner is roomy and comfortable. There is an optional third-row seat that expands passenger capacity to seven. It can also be folded or removed to gain additional cargo space. The optional voice-activated GPS navigation system includes a rear-mounted video camera that lets the driver back to within an inch of the vehicle behind when parallel parking.  Bluetooth is available, as is a factory-installed rear-seat DVD entertainment system. Overall, the cabin looks like a traditional SUV. The exterior of the 4Runner has a massive front bumper and prominent fenders.  This gives the 4Runner the looks an off-road vehicle. The three trim levels are distinguished with visual clues. Bumpers are body-color on all three models. On the SR5, the grille, door handles, and license-plate trim are chrome, and running boards are painted black. The Sport is distinguished by its hood scoop and a smoked-chrome effect for the grille and headlamp trim, and by a graphite-and-black roof rack. Tubular side steps replace the SR5's running boards. The Limited has a body-color grille, black roof rack and black running boards, which are illuminated. Safety features that come standard on all models include Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), traction control, anti-lock brakes (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist.  Front seat-mounted side-impact airbags and curtain-style head protection airbags for front and rear passengers are now standard on all 4Runners, and are equipped with a rollover sensor and a cutoff switch. If you want serious recreational capability with quality, durability and reliability, the 4Runner is an excellent choice.

Summary

The Mercury Mountaineer is an SUV that offers a comfortable ride and lots of interior space for passengers and cargo.  The accommodations are nice overall.  If towing capacity is a priority, the Mountaineer is a worthy competitor. The Mountaineer also provides some off-road capability.  The MSRP is $27,225 - $33,555.  This mid sized SUV has a fuel economy range of 20 mpg Hwy, 14 mpg City, and a  basic warranty of 36 months/36,000 miles.  The Toyota 4Runner is a highly capable trail vehicle. It's smooth and quiet on the road and there is plenty of room to use it as a family vehicle. The 4Runner is noted for its quality construction, durability and reliability.  The MSRP of the Toyota 4Runner is $28,640 - $39,360.  It gets an estimated fuel economy range of 21 mpg Hwy, 16 mpg City, and comes with a basic warranty of 36 months/36,000 miles.