For 2006, the trademark waterfall grille returns, only sans the thin border, with free-standing, vertical bars and a robust Mercury emblem front and center. Headlights are unchanged, an offbeat mix of curving lines and sharp angles. The front bumper holds rectangular fog lamps, a sectioned lower air intake and, new for 2006, a satin-finish, aluminum cross bar running the width of the grille. Fenders wear the same, edgy, machined-metal look.

Side view changes only in dimensions, with the wheelbase (the distance between the front and rear wheels) shrinking by 0.1 inch from the '05, and overall length (measured bumper to bumper) growing more than two inches. Cladding covers the lower door panels. A wide C-pillar separates the rear side doors from the rear quarter windows. Mercury redesigned the side mirrors for better aerodynamics. The optional powered running board tucks away beneath the rocker panel, extending only when the doors are open. The tires don't change in diameter but the sidewalls are shorter and the diameter of the wheels is larger: The standard 17-inch and optional 18-inch wheels replace the '05's 16-inch and 17-inch wheels respectively.

The liftgate is two-piece, with the glass hinged separately. This lets you load groceries through the window, which is useful.

The taillights wear clear lenses, with the requisite red glow appearing when brakes are applied or running lights turned on.