The 2005 Mercury Mountaineer SUV comes standard with a 4.0-liter, 210-hp V6 engine and 5-speed automatic transmission, but a 239-hp, 4.6-liter V8 is available for more towing power.  Seating seven in three rows, the rear-wheel drive Mountaineer is well-equipped for safety and performance, packing in 4-wheel disc and ABS brakes, traction and AdvanceTrac stability control, electronic brakeforce distribution, automatic headlights, and a tire monitor.  Dual front-side airbags are standard, and side curtain bags, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and rear parking sensors can be added.  16-inch alloy wheels are standard, with an option for 17-inch chrome.

The third row folds flat, and the second row folds 40/20/40, with the outboard seats able to recline.  Tie-downs are standard in the cargo area, which expands from 13 to 81 cubic feet, but a net and cover are optional.  A new roof rack with side rails and standard trailer hitch add more storage capacity.  Standard features include a power driver's seat, full power setup, cruise control, leather and aluminum trim, foglights, a trip computer, CD player, intermittent front and rear wipers, and cruise control.  A long list of options add leather seats, heated seats and mirrors, a power passenger seat, power pedals, memory settings, a CD changer, sunroof, running boards, and wheel-mounted audio controls.  The 2005 Mountaineer RWD rates high for comfort and luxury features, but drivers would prefer better than 15/19 mpg.