Perhaps because the future of the Mercury brand is uncertain, the 2010 Mercury Mountaineer midsize SUV remains unchanged from ’09, when it underwent a marginal upgrade in styling, options, and standard safety offerings. Essentially a refined, somewhat luxurious version of the Ford Explorer, the 2010 Mountaineer offers a somewhat cushier ride and a substantial addition of standard creature comforts. Additionally, a bit more flow in its exterior lines adds a dash of panache to the Mountaineer’s profile.

The 2010 Mercury Mountaineer is offered in two trims, the Base and Premier, each available with either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), which is admirable for wintry weather and mud, but emphatically not intended for off-road driving. The base 2010 Mountaineer is a five-passenger, five-door midsize SUV offering a boatload of standard features, while the Premier trim adds standard, fold-flat third-row seating and the option of a V8 engine, with a six-speed automatic transmission. Both trims offer some 86 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down.

Equipped with the standard 4.0-liter SOHC V6 engine and five-speed automatic transmission, the 2010 Mercury Mountaineer is capable of 210 hp and 254 lb-ft of torque, good for towing up to 5,305 pounds when properly equipped. The EPA estimates 14/20 mpg for the 4.0-liter V6. The 2010 Mountaineer Premier trim also offers an optional 4.6-liter 3V (per cylinder) V8, with an accompanying six-speed automatic that puts out 292 hp and 315 lb-ft of torque, good for towing up to 7,220 pounds of trailer when equipped properly. Curiously, the 4.6-liter V8 gets better mileage than the V6 at 15/21.

Standard appearance, comfort and convenience features for the 2010 Mercury Mountaineer Base trim include 17-inch alloy wheels, a Class II trailer hitch and wiring, a roof rack, bucket front seats, split-folding rear seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, a leather-trimmed center console, power everything, including a six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, air conditioning, cruise with steering-wheel-mounted controls, and a single-CD player with 80 watts of power and four speakers. Options for the 2010 Mountaineer base trim include third-row seats, heated front seats, a six-way power adjustable passenger seat, satellite radio, Ford’s SYNC hands-free audio and communications system, and a power moonroof.

The 2010 Mercury Mountaineer Premier trim adds 18-inch wheels, standard third-row seats, SYNC, dual-zone climate control, satellite radio, and leather upholstery, with options that include, besides the 4.6-liter V8, a DVD-based, voice-activated navigation system, 20-inch polished aluminum wheels, and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system featuring a pull-down 8-inch screen.

Safety features offered with the 2010 Mercury Mountaineer include four-wheel disc ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution, front side-mounted airbags, newly-standard front and rear side curtain airbags, rear parking sensors, and a post-collision safety system.

Owners of the ’09 Mercury Mountaineer cite a somewhat noisy cabin and lackluster mileage figures as downsides, while praising ride comfort, handling, and the elegant styling features of the Mercury Mountaineer.