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2010 Mercury Mountaineer Review - What the Auto Press Says

The Mercury Mountaineer provides a bit of luxury for those who need a competent hauler and tower. But as one of the only truck-based SUVs left in its class, it has difficulty competing with its smoother-riding and more fuel-efficient crossover competitors.

With a base price of more than $29,000, the Mountaineer is relatively expensive for its class. On top of that, its base fuel economy rating (14/20 mpg city/highway) is bad for the class (the only worse rating is the soon-to-be-discontinued Hummer H3’s 14/18). However, most people won’t buy a Mountaineer for its fuel economy. Its truck platform, which it shares with the slightly cheaper Ford Explorer, makes it ideal for hauling and towing. With the optional V8 engine, all-wheel drive system and Class III/IV Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package, the Mountaineer is rated to tow up to 7,040 pounds.

Though the Mountaineer is a good buy for strictly utilitarian exploits, it may not be so great for anyone else. It offers an optional third-row seat, but that doesn’t mean you should use it as a family hauler or daily driver. "This is an SUV for the suburban set,” says Edmunds. “Trouble is, there are a slew of car-based crossover SUVs on the market now, and just about all of them are better choices for the suburbs than the dated Mountaineer."

Other SUVs to Consider

Those who can do without substantial towing capabilities should consider a more comfortable crossover SUV. The Honda Pilot, for example, will save you nearly $1,600 as compared to the base Mountaineer and has a better 17/23 base fuel economy rating. Its boxy styling is similar to the Mountaineer’s, but its smoother highway ride makes it a better daily driver. It can even tow up to 4,500 pounds and comes standard with three rows of seats.

If you really want to save money and are set on a truck-based SUV, check out the Kia Borrego. It starts at about $3,000 less than the Mountaineer and still boasts a better 17/21 fuel economy rating – which is surprising considering that it’s built on a truck-based platform just like the Mountaineer. It also comes with three rows of seats and a surprisingly nice interior. Best of all, it’s rated to tow 7,500 pounds – that’s even more than the Mountaineer – when properly equipped.

Details: Mercury Mountaineer

For 2010, the Mountaineer is unchanged. It is available in three trims: the base V6, Premier V6 and Premier V8. Rear-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional.

• "It suffers some ergonomic lapses, and interior materials are unimpressive. Mountaineer, however, is a competent SUV with a solid array of useful features. Its traditional truck-type chassis serves trailering needs without giving up much refinement to lighter-duty crossovers." -- Consumer Guide
• "A classic body-on-frame SUV that offers a quiet and supple driving experience, the ability to tow large objects, and three rows of seats. Trucklike construction adds up to a hefty curb weight, a thirst for fuel, and a boring driving experience. A true SUV for those who still want one." -- Car and Driver
• "One SUV that can get the job done, and do it with a huge amount of style is Mercury's 2010 Mountaineer. … Certainly, no vehicle is perfect, but if diverse capabilities at a reasonable price are in your game plan, Mercury's Mountaineer meets the mark. If you had to pigeon-hole the Mountaineer, it would have to be a backroad brawler with a bunch of class." -- AutoMedia.com

Mountaineer Performance - 7.3 (Good)

The 2010 Mercury Mountaineer is a great performer when it’s hauling and towing, but its truck-based chassis means it doesn’t ride as smoothly as its car-based competitors. Its fuel economy is also extremely low for its class, which means the Mountaineer may not be a very good choice for commuters. Read More

Mountaineer Exterior - 8.3 (Very Good)

The 2010 Mountaineer's design, which is very similar to its Ford Explorer sibling, doesn't stand out. In fact, reviewers don’t even have many opinions on the styling. View Photos

Mountaineer Interior - 8.3 (Very Good)

The 2010 Mercury Mountaineer's cabin is comfortable and well-appointed -- especially for a rugged, truck-based SUV -- but it still doesn't hold up to competitors or its high base price when it comes to quality. Read More

Mountaineer Safety - 9.0 (Excellent)

The federal government gives the 2010 Mountaineer excellent scores in frontal and side crash tests. However, it doesn't fare quite as well in insurance industry tests. Read More

Mountaineer Reliability - 3.5 of 5

The 2010 Mercury Mountaineer reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. Mercury offers a limited warranty that is good for the first three years or 36,000 miles. Read More