The standard V6 engine is rated 210 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque. It comes with a five-speed automatic transmission.

Mercury told us that the stronger frame that started with the 2006 model, combined with a revised front suspension and a new, trailing-link rear suspension, would produce a firmer, more controlled ride. Firmer, maybe, but we didn't feel any improvement in control. The latest Mountaineer tracks relatively well on level, straight roads, but leans in corners almost as much as 2005 and earlier models. Likewise, when pushed in corners, it plows as readily as any top-heavy SUV. Steering response felt a bit crisper than in older models, but we can't say how much this was attributable to changes in the suspension, or to the marginally larger footprint from the lower-profile tires. In short, it handles like the truck that it is and not as well as the latest car-based crossover SUVs such as the Ford Edge.

The all-wheel drive is quite competent in snow and rain. It's probably nearly as good as the GMC Envoy off road, but can't go everywhere the Nissan Pathfinder or Toyota 4Runner or Lexus GX can go.

At speed on pavement, there's some wind noise, but not enough to detract from the stereo and road noise is muted.