Engine: 4.6-liter sohc 24-valve V8

Engine Options: 210-hp 4.0-liter V6; 292-hp 4.6-liter V8

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

Transmission Options: 5-speed automatic; 6-speed automatic

Standard Safety Equipment: dual-stage frontal airbags; front-seat side-impact airbags; front- and second-row side curtain airbags with roll-over sensor; ABS with brake assist; traction control; electronic stability control system with roll-over mitigation; tire-pressure monitor

Optional Safety Equipment: rear obstacle detection

Basic Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles

Assembled In: St. Louis, Missouri

Model Tested: Mercury Mountaineer Premier AWD V8 ($31,740)

Standard Equipment: leather upholstery; dual-zone automatic climate control; leather-wrapped, tilt steering wheel with audio and climate controls; AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo with auxiliary input jack; cruise control; power windows, heated outside power mirrors and keyless remote central locking; remote keyless entry; 10-way power driver seat; six-way power front passenger seat; 60/40 split second-row seats; fold-flat third-row seats; keyless entry keypad; auto-dimming rear-view mirror; fog lamps; auto on/off headlights; roof rails; 235/65R18 all-season tires on chromed aluminum wheels

Options as Tested: Amenities package with universal garage door opener, rear obstacle detection, and power running boards ($1295); power adjustable pedals with memory ($195); Navigation and Moon and Tune Elite Package ($2595) includes navigation system, power moonroof, Audiophile AM/FM stereo with six-disc CD changer and Sirius satellite radio; rear seat entertainment system ($1195); Class III/IV trailer tow package ($275); Heated Package ($695) includes heated front seats, heated windshield and driver seat memory

Destination Charge: 735

Gas Guzzler Tax:

Layout: all-wheel drive

Horsepower: 292 @ 5750

Torque: 300 @ 4750

Miles Per Gallon in the City/Highway: 14/20

Wheelbase: 113.7 inches

Length/Width/Height in Inches: 193.5/73.5/72.8 inches

Track Front/Rear: 60.9/61.8 inches

Turning Cycle: 36.8 feet

Seating Capacity: 7 people

Head/Hip/Leg Room, f: 39.8/55.4/42.4 inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, m: 38.7/55.5/36.9 inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, r: 37.4/45.3/34.9 inches

Trunk Volume: 83.7 cubic feet

Payload:

Suspension, f: independent, short-and-long arm, coil spring-over-shock, stabilizer bar

Ground Clearance: 8.7 inches

Curb Weight: 4785 pounds

Towing Capacity: 6970 pounds

Tires: P235/65R18 all-season

Brakes: disc/disc with ABS and brake assist

Fuel Capacity: 22.5 Gallons