2006 Mercury Mountaineer Model Update

Climbing Closer to the Peak

The midsize Mountaineer SUV peaks in performance and sophistication with a 2006 redesign that includes a much-improved interior.

Redesigned for 2006, Mercury’s midsize SUV comes with a host of functional and cosmetic updates that take this slightly more-upscale version of the Ford Explorer to higher levels of performance and sophistication. While the same basic look remains intact, it’s more refined this time around with a new, bolder waterfall design for the front grille, revised front and rear fascias, updated side mirrors and a new tailgate. Newly available, power-deployable, integrated running boards hide within the rocker panels when not in use and automatically extend to provide a handy step up when a door is opened.

The previous 210-hp 4.0-liter V6 engine remains standard on the base model. But the top-of-the-line Premier version of the Mountaineer comes with a new three-valve, 4.6-liter V8, which is more powerful than last year’s V8. A Luxury version of the vehicle can be had with either the V6 or the new V8.

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This new engine nets 292 hp (a 22 percent improvement over last year’s V8) and 300 pound-feet of torque to ensure strong acceleration on demand and robust towing capabilities. Its fuel economy (15 mpg city/21 mpg highway) is on par with the V6.

The V6 comes mated to a five-speed automatic transmission, while the V8 offers a new six-speed automatic.

This truck-based SUV rides on a revised chassis with larger brakes and improved steering. An updated front suspension and a new independent rear suspension enhance the driving dynamics. Handling is sharper, and the Mountaineer offers a fairly smooth ride on its 17-inch wheels and tires. But it’s still not as nimble as some smaller and lower-to-the-ground, car-based models. For added ground clearance and slightly better ride quality, opt for the newly available 18-inch rims and rubber.

Both rear-wheel-drive and full-time all-wheel-drive models are available. The latter is able to react immediately to changing road and weather conditions to maintain maximum traction; however, it lacks low-range gearing for serious off-road capabilities. Ford’s AdvanceTrak stability-control system with Roll Stability Control is standard and provides added road-holding control, especially around sharp curves. It employs a gyroscope that senses when a rollover is likely to occur, engaging the brakes and controlling engine power in order to bring the vehicle back under control.

Side-curtain airbags are optional and are offered in a $795 Security Group package. That package also includes the reverse sensing system, which makes parking easier with a proximity warning.

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The handsomely restyled interior features richer-feeling materials and more intuitive switchgear. The new dashboard has round air vents and a revised analog gauge cluster. A chunky new gear selector now sprouts from the center console, which also features a large storage compartment.

The interior door latches are uniquely designed, requiring a pull upward to unlatch the door. The door pulls are awkwardly positioned, set low and far forward.

Five-passenger seating is standard on the base Convenience model, with a third-row seat available. That third row is standard on the Luxury and Premier versions, expanding the Mountaineer’s people-moving capacity to seven occupants. But buyers also have the option to delete the third row if it is not needed. Power-folding capability for the third row is optional on the Luxury and included with the Premier.

The second row features reclining seat backs in all but the base model, with rear air-conditioning available on the Luxury and standard on the Premier. Second-row bucket seats with a center console are also available on all but the base model.

Mountaineers come well-equipped, so the options list is fairly succinct. A power moonroof can be added for $850. Power-adjustable pedals are available on the base model without memory function ($195) and on the Luxury and Premier models with memory function ($225). The top two trim levels also offer a new navigation system ($1,995) and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system ($1,295), along with the power-deployable running boards ($695).

The Mountaineer has average reliability, according to Consumer Reports. It recieves five out of five stars on the National Highway Safety Administration's front and side crash tests and three out of five stars on the rollover test.

Did You Know...

The Mercury Mountaineer debuted for the 1997 model year as a slightly dressier and more-upscale alternative to the Ford Explorer with which it shares platforms, powertrains and components. It was originally offered only with a 5.0-liter V8 engine that netted a mere 211 hp, which is about as powerful as the current generation’s V6 and about a third less so than the current V8.