Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Mercury Mountaineer III 4.6 V8 (292 Hp) AWD Automatic
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model year, the Mountaineer was discontinued, becoming the second Mercury line to be discontinued before Mercury was withdrawn at the end of 2010....(Read more on Wikipedia)
III Overview:
Mercury Mountaineer (III). With 407 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. At around 2121 kg, it’s on the heavier side. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. A sport utility vehicle offering higher ground clearance and versatile cargo space. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Mercury Mountaineer III was primarily sold in the North American market and was not tested by Euro NCAP. For US market safety ratings, one would typically refer to NHTSA or IIHS.
4.6 V8 (292 Hp) AWD Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers robust power for its class, providing strong acceleration and excellent towing capabilities, making highway cruising effortless even with a load.
Fuel Economy
As expected for a large V8 SUV of its era, fuel economy is a significant drawback, with high urban and extra-urban consumption figures.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Spacious and comfortable interior suitable for families.
- • Strong V8 engine option provides excellent towing capacity.
- • Available AWD enhances all-weather capability.
- • Good value on the used car market for a large SUV.
Cons:
- • Poor fuel economy across all engine options, especially the V8.
- • Interior design and materials can feel dated compared to rivals.
- • Some known reliability issues with specific engine components (e.g., 4.0L timing chain, 4.6L spark plugs).
- • Handling is more focused on comfort than agility, leading to a less engaging driving experience.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(I: 1998 - 2001).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercury |
| Model: | Mountaineer |
| Generation: | III |
| Modification (Engine): | 4.6 V8 (292 Hp) AWD Automatic |
| Start of production: | 2005 |
| End of production: | 2010 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | SUV |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 292 Hp @ 5750 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 63.4 Hp/l [71mm more] |
| Torque: | 407 Nm @ 4750 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | Modular More details about the engine Modular |
| Engine displacement: | 4606 |
| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 3 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 5.7 l |
| Coolant: | 13.2 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 90.2 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 90 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.8:1 |
| Maximum engine speed: | 6250 rpm. |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 16.8-18.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 11.8-12.4 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban (EPA): | 16.8-18.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban (EPA): | 11.8-12.4 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | LEV II |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 7.1 kg/Hp, 141.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.1 kg/Nm, 196.7 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 2069-2173 |
| Max. weight: | 2741-2822 |
| Max load: | 649-672 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 2430 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 1277 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 3202 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 85 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle: | 18.4-19.2° |
| Length: | 4915 mm mm [71mm more] |
| Width: | 1867 mm mm [36mm more] |
| Height: | 1849 mm mm [43mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2888 mm mm [8mm more] |
| Front track: | 1547 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1570-1575 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 208-221 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11.2 m [above average] |
| Approach angle: | 28-28.2° |
| Departure angle: | 23.8-24.1° |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives permanently the four wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 305x30 mm [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc, 301x12 mm [above average] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 245/65 R17; 235/65 R18; 255/50 R20 |
| Wheel rims size | 7.5J x 17; 7.5J x 18; 8J x 20 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring, Double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer, Coil spring |
Your first impression of the Mercury Mountaineer in one word? Go!