Mercury
2010 Mercury Mountaineer V-6 Rear-Wheel Drive
What it Is: A mid-sized sport utility with an available third row seat.
Who it's For: Families who need no more than two LATCH points and plenty of cargo room behind the second row.
What's Hot: Available power folding third row seat in Premiere model.
What's Not: Poor fuel economy.
Family Friendly Options: Bluetooth, SYNC, navigation, back-up camera.
How It Got Its Score: The Mercury Mountaineer's sub-8.0 score is mostly due to fuel economy, which trails many of its competitors. The strong crash test ratings and generous cargo space help balance it out though.
The 2010 Mercury Mountaineer is a virtual clone of the 2010 Ford Explorer, mechanically and with its Family Friendliness score. A truck-based SUV in a world of car-based crossover competitors, the Mountaineer's popularity has waned in recent years. Generally speaking, crossovers offer better fuel economy than SUVs, and that's certainly true in the Mountaineer's case. Fuel economy is this otherwise capable SUV's Achilles heel, notably below competitors like the 2010 Toyota 4Runner and the Kia Borrego. A third row of seats is optional on the base model as part of a $3,995 option package that includes many other luxury items, or standard on Premiere models. It's handy to have the seats, but keep in mind that they cut cargo room when in use to a tiny 13.6 cu.-ft. The Mountaineer is also available with SYNC, Ford's music and cell phone integration system, as well as navigation and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system. Note that the Mountaineer's twin the Explorer will soon be replaced by an all-new crossover; no word if there will be a Mercury version, if the current Mountaineer will continue on, or if the model will be dropped altogether.
Specifications
Price |
|
| MSRP |
$29,480 |
| Destination |
$815 |
| |
| |
| |
|
Other Models (Base Price) |
Premiere ($35,675) |
Mechanical
Engine Size |
4.0 liters |
|
Engine Type |
V-6 |
|
Horsepower |
210 hp |
|
Torque |
254 lb.-ft. |
|
Fuel |
Regular Unleaded |
|
Drivetrain |
Rear Wheel Drive |
|
Transmission |
5-Speed Automatic |
Fuel Economy
EPA City |
14 mpg |
|
EPA Highway |
20 mpg |
|
EPA Combined |
16 mpg |
Utility
Vehicle Type |
Midsize SUV |
|
Family Friendliness |
7.8 |
|
Doors |
Five |
|
Seat Rows |
Two |
|
Passengers |
Five |
|
LATCH Positions |
Two |
|
Cargo Space |
45.1 cu. ft. |
|
Max Cargo Space |
85.8 cu. ft. |
Safety
NHTSA Driver Front |
5 Stars |
|
NHTSA Passenger Front |
5 Stars |
|
NHTSA Driver Side |
5 Stars |
|
NHTSA Rear Passenger Side |
5 Stars |
|
NHTSA Rollover |
3 Stars |
|
IIHS Front |
Good |
|
IIHS Side |
Acceptable |
|
IIHS Rear |
Acceptable |
|
Stability Control |
Standard |
|
Traction Control |
Standard |
|
Brake Assist |
Not Available |
|
Side Airbags |
Thorax and Curtain |
|
Collision Avoidance |
Not Available |
|
Active Cruise Control |
Not Available |
|
Photos
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