Engine: 4.6-liter sohc 16-valve V8

Engine Options: 210-hp 4.0-liter sohc 12-valve V6; 239-hp 4.6-liter sohc 16-valve V8

Transmission: 5-speed automatic

Transmission Options: 5-speed automatic

Standard Safety Equipment: ABS, EBD, dual-stage frontal airbags, AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability control (electronic stability control), tire-pressure monitoring system

Optional Safety Equipment: Safety Canopy side-curtain airbag system

Basic Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles

Assembled In: Louisville, Kentucky; St. Louis, Missouri

Model Tested: Mercury Mountaineer AWD ($32,030)

Standard Equipment: air conditioning, premium AM/FM/CD audio, automatic power door locks with illuminated controls, fog lamps, illuminated glove box, remote keyless entry with driver-side keypad, power windows, speed control, security approach lamps, compass and outside temperature display, automatic headlamps, dual power heated mirrors, dual illuminated vanity mirrors

Options as Tested: Luxury 4.6L package ($3,575) includes 4.6L V8 engine, auto-dimming mirror, 17-in machined aluminum wheels, 245/65R17 all-terrain tires w/17-in spare tire w/steel wheel, dual power, heated mirrors w/security approach lamps, color-keyed running boards, dual-zone automatic temperature control, two-tone leather trimmed sport bucket seats w/adjustable head restraints, 8-way power driver seat w/power lumbar, 6-way power passenger w/manual lumbar, heated driver w/memory and heated power passenger seats, color-keyed, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/speed control, steering column lock/ignition security, column tilts and mounted audio and climate controls; moonroof ($850); power adjustable pedals w/memory ($225); audiophile system w/in-dash six-CD changer; rear-seat entertainment system ($1,295)

Destination Charge: 645

Gas Guzzler Tax:

Layout: all-wheel drive

Horsepower: 239 @ 4750

Torque: 282 @ 4000

Miles Per Gallon in the City/Highway: 15/19

Wheelbase: 113.8 inches

Length/Width/Height in Inches: 189.5/72.1/71.4 inches

Track Front/Rear: 60.9/61.2 inches

Turning Cycle: 36.8 feet

Seating Capacity: 7 people

Head/Hip/Leg Room, f: 39.9/55.0/42.4 inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, m: 38.9/54.2/35.9 inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, r: 39.0/45.3/34.8 inches

Trunk Volume: 81.7 cubic feet

Payload:

Suspension, f: independent, upper and lower control arms, coil springs

Ground Clearance: 8.5 inches

Curb Weight: 4523 pounds

Towing Capacity: 6840 pounds

Tires: P245/65R17

Brakes: disc/disc with ABS, EBD

Fuel Capacity: 22.5 Gallons