Mercury Mountaineer I 4.0 i V6 AWD (210 Hp)
Overall Rating
Mercury Mountaineer:
The Mercury Mountaineer is a mid-size luxury sport utility vehicle that was sold by Mercury from 1996 until 2010. The first Mercury SUV, the Mountaineer was a divisional counterpart of the Ford Explorer, marketed above it and between the Lincoln Aviator. Across its three generations, the Mountaineer was marketed exclusively as a 5-door wagon, with no counterpart to the 3-door Explorer Sport or the Explorer Sport Trac pickup truck.
For its entire production, the Mountaineer was assembled by Ford at its Louisville Assembly facility ; prior to 2007, additional production was sourced from St. Louis Assembly. After the 2010 model year, the Mountaineer was discontinued, becoming the second Mercury line to be discontinued before Mercury was withdrawn at the end of 2010....(Read more on Wikipedia)
I Overview:
Mercury Mountaineer (I). With 346 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 2000 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. A sport utility vehicle offering higher ground clearance and versatile cargo space. With seating for 7, it’s perfect for larger families.
The Mercury Mountaineer I was primarily sold in the North American market and was not tested by Euro NCAP. Safety features for its era included dual front airbags and ABS, but it lacks modern structural rigidity and advanced driver-assistance systems.
4.0 i V6 AWD (210 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers adequate power for daily driving and light utility, but the 4.0L V6 can feel somewhat strained under heavy loads or during aggressive acceleration due to the vehicle's weight and AWD drivetrain losses.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is modest, typical for a V6 SUV of this size and era, especially with the added weight and friction of the all-wheel-drive system.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Spacious interior with available third-row seating
- • Comfortable ride quality for its class
- • Strong V8 engine option for towing and power
- • Available AWD for all-weather capability
Cons:
- • Below-average fuel economy across all engine options
- • Dated interior design and materials by modern standards
- • Some reliability concerns, particularly with transmissions and certain engine components
- • Handling can feel ponderous due to its body-on-frame construction
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(I: 1997 - 2001).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercury |
| Model: | Mountaineer |
| Generation: | I |
| Modification (Engine): | 4.0 i V6 AWD (210 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1998 |
| End of production: | 2001 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | SUV |
| Seats: | 7 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 210 Hp @ 5100 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 52.6 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 346 Nm @ 3700 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 3996 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.7 l |
| Coolant: | 13.2 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 100.3 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 84.3 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.7:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 9.5 kg/Hp, 105 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.8 kg/Nm, 173 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 2000 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 2302 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 85 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4844 mm mm [146mm less] |
| Width: | 1831 mm mm [44mm less] |
| Height: | 1806 mm mm [24mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2880 mm mm [50mm more] |
| Front track: | 1547 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1554 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 245/75 R16 S |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |















Behind the wheel of the Mercury Mountaineer. How does it handle on the road?