2006 Mercury Mountaineer Premier AWD

Though lacking low-range gearing for off-roading capability, the 2006 Mercury Mountaineer Premier AWD does handle rough weather conditions, all while bathing passengers in convenience and luxury.  Seating seven in three rows, where both second and third row fold flat and recline (a power-fold option is new for the third row), the all-wheel drive SUV comes standard with a 4.6-liter, 292-hp V8 that hits 300 lb-ft of torque with a new 6-speed auto tran.  The AWD comes with a limited slip center differential, new front and rear independent suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tires (18-inch available), parking sensors, traction and AdvanceTrac stability control, tire monitor, automatic headlights, foglights, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, 4-wheel disc and ABS brakes, and dual front, side, and side curtain airbags.  That means five stars in crash tests.

These are safety features passengers are unaware of while they focus on the luxury equipment, such as power front seats, leather/suede upholstery, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats and mirrors, rear climate control, wheel-mounted cruise and audio control for the CD changer, memory settings for controls and seats, a compass and temperature display, intermittent front and rear wipers, and a security system.  There are lots of storage compartments, a front power outlet, and standard roof rack and trailer hitch.  The 2006 Mountaineer Premier AWD tows around 7000 pounds, and the cargo bay holds up to 85 cubic feet.  Tie-downs are included, and a cargo cover is available.  Other options are a sunroof, power pedals, a new navigation system, DVD player, and satellite radio.  Drivers love the V8 and the interior space and cargo capacity, but hate the new door handle that is too low to reach comfortably.