Ford Explorer vs Mercury Mountaineer

2026 Ford Explorer
2026 Ford Explorer
$38,465MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2010 Mercury Mountaineer
2010 Mercury Mountaineer
$29,895MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2026 Ford Explorer
$38,465MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2010 Mercury Mountaineer
$29,895MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

Years produced

1991-Present

Years produced

1997-2010

MSRP

$38,465

MSRP

$29,895

Listings

9693

Listings

42

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.5 out of 10

Expert reviews

Pros

  • Comfortable

  • Optional twin-turbo V6

  • Impressive safety ratings

Cons

  • Bland styling

  • Nondescript interior

  • Gets expensive with options

Reviews Summary

The Explorer was one of the first truly family-friendly SUVs, and continues in that role today as a midsize three-row crossover competing against the likes of the Chevrolet Traverse, the Honda Pilot, the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Nissan Pathfinder, and the Toyota Highlander. The current-generation Explorer has been around since the 2020 model year, and the big news for 2026 is a Tremor model that replaces the Timberline as the most off-road-capable Explorer. The available BlueCruise driver-assist system also gets an update.

Verdict: Ford’s SUV stalwart still gets the job done, but lacks personality unless you go for the ST or Tremor models.

Reviews Summary

No video found
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.3L 300 hp I4

Engine

4.0L 210 hp V6

Drive Train

RWD

Drive Train

RWD

Seating Capacity

7

Seating Capacity

7

Horsepower

300 hp @ 5500 rpm

Horsepower

210 hp @ 5100 rpm

MPG City

20

MPG City

14

MPG Highway

29

MPG Highway

20
2026 Ford Explorer
2026 Ford Explorer
$38,465MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2010 Mercury Mountaineer
2010 Mercury Mountaineer
$29,895MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2026 Ford Explorer
$38,465MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2010 Mercury Mountaineer
$29,895MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

Years produced
1991-Present
1997-2010
MSRP
$38,465
$29,895
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews

4.2

4.2

Expert reviews

7.5 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons

Pros

  • Comfortable

  • Optional twin-turbo V6

  • Impressive safety ratings

Cons

  • Bland styling

  • Nondescript interior

  • Gets expensive with options

Summary

The Explorer was one of the first truly family-friendly SUVs, and continues in that role today as a midsize three-row crossover competing against the likes of the Chevrolet Traverse, the Honda Pilot, the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Nissan Pathfinder, and the Toyota Highlander. The current-generation Explorer has been around since the 2020 model year, and the big news for 2026 is a Tremor model that replaces the Timberline as the most off-road-capable Explorer. The available BlueCruise driver-assist system also gets an update.

Verdict: Ford’s SUV stalwart still gets the job done, but lacks personality unless you go for the ST or Tremor models.

Video
No video found
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
2.3L 300 hp I4
4.0L 210 hp V6
Drive Train
RWD
RWD
Seating Capacity
7
7
Horsepower
300 hp @ 5500 rpm
210 hp @ 5100 rpm
MPG City
20
14
MPG Highway
29
20
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