Engine: 4.6-liter sohc 24-valve V8

Engine Options: 210-hp 4.0-liter SOHC 12-valve V6; 292-hp 4.6-liter SOHC 24-valve 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 air curtains; ABS with brake assist; electronic stability control system with roll-over sensor; tire pressure monitoring system

Optional Safety Equipment: reverse sensing system

Basic Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles

Assembled In: Louisville, Kentucky

Model Tested: Mercury Mountaineer Premier AWD ($32,640)

Standard Equipment: dual-zone, automatic climate control; AM/FM/CD/MP3 Audiophile stereo with six-disc, in-dash changer and eight-inch woofer; power windows, outside mirrors and keyless remote central locking; 10-way driver and 6-way power front passenger seats; leather-wrapped, tilt steering wheel with cruise control and redundant audio and climate system controls; leather seating with suede inserts; heated front seats and outside mirrors; remote garage opener; electro-chromatic inside rearview mirror; auto-on/off headlights; color-keyed fixed running boards; electronic message center; fog lamps; reverse-sensing system; satin-finish aluminum roof rails; third-row fold-flat bench seat

Options as Tested: V8 engine with six-speed automatic transmission ($1,295); power running boards ($695); power adjustable pedals with memory ($225); navigation system ($1,995); rear seat entertainment system ($1,295); Class III trailer tow package ($225)

Destination Charge: 695

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 springs-over-shocks, stabilizer bar

Ground Clearance: 8.5 inches

Curb Weight: 4742 pounds

Towing Capacity: 6960 pounds

Tires: P235/65R18 all-season

Brakes: vented disc/solid disc with ABS and brake assist

Fuel Capacity: 22.5 Gallons