Overview

What Changed for 2009:

• Mountaineer is a carryover model, with no significant changes for 2009

Overview
For 2009, the Mercury Mountaineer returns as a carryover model. This is the third year of the midsize SUV's third generation. The Mountaineer shares its platform with the Ford Explorer. The 5- or 7-passenger Mountaineer SUV has a maximum towing capacity of 7215 pounds with the V-8 engine. It is available in either 2-wheel drive (2WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations.

Model Lineup
The 2009 Mercury Mountaineer is available in three trim levels: Standard, Premier V-6 and Premier V-8. All are offered with a choice between 2WD or AWD. Standard features include 17-inch aluminum wheels with all-season tires; 5-passenger seating (on base V-6 models); power door locks; power steering; color-keyed and leather-wrapped steering wheel with speed and redundant audio and climate controls; message center with 4-line display; auto-dimming rearview mirrors; dual power heated outside mirrors with security and approach lamps; remote keyless entry; Ford's "capless" fuel-filler system; liftgate; fog lamps; headlamps with auto on/off function; premium AM/FM stereo with single CD player and MP3 capability; auxiliary audio input jack; first-row cloth seats with 6-way power driver seat with manual lumbar support; and a second-row cloth fold-flat 60/40-split bench seat. The Premier V-6 and Premier V-8 models have standard front leather-trimmed seats; third-row 50/50 split-bench seat with optional Power Fold 50/50-split bench; fixed running boards; satin-aluminum exhaust tip; and 18-inch satin aluminum chrome-clad wheels. Unique 18-inch bright chrome-clad wheels are also available.

Options for the 2009 Mercury Mountaineer include dual-zone automatic climate control (standard on Premier V-6 and Premier V-8); rear auxiliary climate controls; power-adjustable pedals with or without memory; universal garage door opener; power-deployed running boards; reverse sensing system; roof rail crossbars; roof side rails (standard on base, optional on Premier V-6 and Premier V-8); retractable cargo cover; second-row quad bucket seats; second-row leather-trimmed 60/40-split bench seat; all-weather floor mats; heated windshield; power moonroof; 20-inch polished aluminum wheels (on Premier V-8); and 7-passenger seating (optional on base V-6, standard on Premier V-6 and Premier V-8). A total of 12 option packages are available, including Audiophile, auxiliary climate control, two third-row seat packages, amenities, chrome, comfort, heated, moon and tune, navigation plus moon and tune, rear-seat entertainment, and upgraded trailer towing.

Powertrain
The 2009 Mercury Mountaineer offers two engine choices. A 4.0-liter V-6 engine is standard on the base Mountaineer and generates 210 hp at 5100 rpm and 254 lb.-ft. of torque at 3700 rpm. The engine is mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission. The 2009 EPA fuel-economy ratings for the V-6 2WD are 14 mpg city and 20 mpg highway. An optional 4.6-liter V-8 engine (available on the Premier V-8) delivers 292 hp at 5700 rpm and 315 lb.-ft. of torque at 4000 rpm. The V-8 is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. When properly equipped, the V-8 Mountaineer can tow a maximum of 7215 pounds. The V-8 4WD model earns EPA fuel-economy estimates of 14 mpg city and 19 mpg highway.br>
All 2009 Mercury Mountaineer models feature independent front and rear suspension, 4-wheel power disc brakes, anti-lock braking system (ABS), limited-slip rear differential, optional remote start, and AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control.

Safety
Standard safety features on the 2009 Mercury Mountaineer include the AdvanceTrac stability control program with Roll Stability Control; Safety Canopy side curtain air bags for the first and second rows with rollover protection sensors; front-seat side air bags; adaptive energy-absorbing steering column; belt-minder system; and second-generation driver and front-passenger front air bags. Other standard safety features include a tire-pressure-monitoring system; ABS; 4-wheel power disc brakes; child safety locks; Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) system; and remote keyless entry with keypad. A reverse sensing system is optional.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) the 2009 Mercury Mountaineer received 5-star ratings (the agency's highest score) in frontal and side-impact crash tests. In the NHTSA rollover testing, the Mountaineer received a 3-star rating for both 2WD and AWD models. While 2009 ratings were not available at writing, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the 2008 Mountaineer a "Good" rating (the Institute's highest) for frontal offset crash protection.

Technology
Technology features of note on the 2009 Mercury Mountaineer include Ford's Sync voice-activated system (optional on base models, standard on Premier V-6 and Premier V-8 models); optional Sirius satellite radio; standard audio input jack; optional Audiophile sound system; and an optional rear-seat entertainment system. Various equipment packages provide combinations of technology features, including Moon and Tune, Navigation plus Moon and Tune, and rear-seat entertainment system packages. Ford's capless fuel-filler system, introduced in the 2008 model year, is a racing-based technology that saves consumers time by doing away with unscrewing and replacing a fuel-filler cap. The company says that in addition to providing a better seal, the capless fuel-filler system also cuts down on emissions of smog-forming vapors.