In addition to the revised load space, the 2006 Mercury Mountaineer's interior gets a new instrument panel, complete with a dished four-spoke steering wheel, fresh gauge cluster, console-mounted shifter, and restyled door panels with contoured release handles that are integrated into the forward edge of the armrests. The seats are also new, with the 2006 Mercury Mountaineer offering three different second-row seating configurations - 60/40 split bench, 60/40 split bench with third-row access, or bucket seats divided by a center console. Plus, buyers can opt for power folding third-row seats for the first time in a midsize SUV. Throughout the 2006 Mountaineer, materials are upgraded for a premium look and feel.

In terms of safety, the 2006 Mercury Mountaineer is equipped with a standard stability control system with rollover sensing called AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control (RSC). A Safety Canopy system of side-impact and side-curtain airbags includes rollover protection that keeps the curtain airbags inflated for an extended period of time to better protect occupants, and the front passenger frontal airbag is a dual-depth design that deploys based on crash severity, seatbelt use, and occupant position. Improving visibility during poor weather conditions, and thus safety, is an available electrically heated windshield.

The Mercury Mountaineer, and the Ford Explorer upon which it is based, have been among our favorite SUVs for years. With significant upgrades for 2006, the Mountaineer remains among the best of the breed.

Photos courtesy of Ford Motor Company