The 2006 Mercury Mountaineer comes in one body configuration, a four-door, mid-size sport utility, but with three interior layouts, a five-passenger, a six-passenger or a seven-passenger. Two powertrains are available: a 210-horsepower V6 and five-speed automatic transmission carried forward from 2005 and a 292-hp V8 new for 2006 with six-speed automatic also new for 2006. Buyers have a choice between rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive ($2200). Three trim levels are available, Convenience, Luxury, and Premier.
The Convenience trim level ($29,150) comes with the V6 and is available only as a five-passenger. Standard features include air conditioning; leather-trimmed, Sport bucket seats with a 10-way, power driver seat (premium cloth with a six-way, power driver's seat is a no-cost option); leather-wrapped, tilt steering wheel; AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo; cruise control; power windows, outside mirrors and keyless remote central locking; Class II towing package; P245/65R17, all-terrain, BSW tires on machined aluminum wheels; auto on/off headlights; and rear cargo management system. Options include the third-row, 50/50 split bench seat ($845); auxiliary climate control for the second-row seats ($650); adjustable pedals ($120); power moonroof ($850); roof rail crossbars ($60); fixed, color-keyed running boards ($465); Class III towing package ($150); Sirius Satellite Radio ($195); a higher-numerical 3.73:1 rear-axle ratio ($50); and special, cashmere, tri-coat body paint ($275).
The Luxury level ($31,150) also comes with the V6. Standard features over and above what's on the Convenience include 60/40 split, second-row seats with fold-flat third-row seats; automatic, dual-zone climate control; Audiophile stereo with in-dash, six-CD changer; leather-wrapped, tilt steering wheel with redundant audio, cruise and climate controls; heated, power outside mirrors; auto-dim inside rearview mirror; electronic information center; and fixed, color-keyed running boards. The third row may be deleted ($375 credit). Optional are second-row bucket seats that make it a six-passenger ($490); power third-row seats that fold flat ($495); heated, leather-trimmed front bucket seats ($395); adjustable pedals ($120); a memory feature ($225); a rear-seat DVD entertainment system with an overhead LCD screen ($1295); power running boards ($695); a navigation package incorporating the Audiophile stereo ($1995); and P235/65R18 all-season, BSW tires on machined-aluminum wheels ($295).
The Premier model comes with the V8. In addition to the features on the Convenience and Luxury models, the Premier comes with the power 50/50 split fold-flat third-row seats; auxiliary climate controls for the rear passengers; the Audiophile stereo; a six-way power driver's seat and four-way power front passenger seat; heated front seats; programmable remote garage opener; and satin-finish aluminum roof rails. Options unique to the Premier are a combination navigation and moonroof package ($1995); satin-finish aluminum 18-inch wheels with full-size spare ($595); and satin-finish aluminum roof rail crossbars ($60).
Safety features fitted on all Mountaineers at no extra charge include dual-stage front airbags, electronic stability control with rollover sensors, antilock brakes with brake assist, LATCH child safety seat anchors, and a tire-pressure monitor. Optional on Convenience and Luxury ($795) and standard on Premier is a Security group, with reverse sensing system and side curtain airbags for front and second-row seats. We recommend getting them. Wear those seatbelts because they're your first line of defense in an accident.