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Auto Profile: MDX v. Mountaineer
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| Learn more about the different ways to build an SUV |
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| Updated |
Mar 17, 2005 19:41:50 |
| Rating |
 16 ( -2 -12.5% ) | | Author | Phil Ruth |
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Description:
MDX vs. Mountaineer
"Car-based, or truck-based?" That's one of the debates SUV buyers face. Is one better than the other? Let's take a look at an example from each side: the Acura MDX represents the car-based side, and the Mercury Mountaineer harkens from the truck-based camp. "Car-based" - meaning that the vehicle is built from a sedan platform, is used increasingly by manufacturers in hopes of achieving a smoother ride and more nimble handling. "Truck-based" usually refers to SUVs that have a full frame underneath the body, which lends the substantial feel and imposing presence buyers look for in SUVs. On paper, the MDX and Mountaineer appear to be quite similar. As of this writing, prices for the 2002 MDX were unavailable, but last year's figures place its base price at $34,370. By comparison, the 2002 Mountaineer's $30,760 entry price is $3,610 less expensive. Add options to match the MDX's level of luxury, though, and that advantage shrinks to just $255. There are other similarities. Both weigh about the same, with 110 pounds extra on the 4,433-pound Mountaineer. The MDX is a scant 2.2 inches shorter than the Mountaineer. Each one has an engine that employs a single overhead camshaft to produce similar torque ratings, which is a measure of the engine's pulling power. With torque numbers that hover around 250 lb.-ft., both vehicles have the oomph to get heavy loads rolling. However, the Mountaineer's $695, 4.6-liter V8 reveals its heavier-duty roots. Its horsepower rating of 240 matches the MDX, but its torque rating of 280 lb.-ft. beats it by a considerable margin. The MDX's car-based roots become even more apparent when you open the door and step inside. Acura's luxurious 3.2TL is an obvious source of inspiration for the MDX's interior design, with its muted finishes and dense textures. For an extra $2,000, the display screen in the center of the dashboard will house an excellent navigation system that will find routes planned exactly as you want them to be. The leather-wrapped steering wheel feels supple, the front bucket seats support like Darth Vader thrones, and dashboard buttons activate with a greased ease. Newcomers say "Ooh!" when the door shuts with solidity and their eyes take in the lively and angular interior lines. The MDX feels elegant. The Mountaineer, on the other hand, gives off an eminently functional air. The dash pushes back against the windshield to maximize legroom, and controls are easily understandable. Huge vents cool the interior quickly, and head and legroom abounds front and rear. Our tester's tan leather interior brought made the Mountaineer feel airy and bright, particularly for passengers in the third seat, who felt cramped near the MDX's raked rear window. As a nod to style, Mercury dots the Mountaineer's interior with metallic-like trim, which is about as convincing as the MDX's wood-like trim.
Over the road, each vehicle has its own driving feel. Acura's trademark refinement is present and accounted for in the MDX; it's one of the smoothest movers among SUVs. After a few miles with the silky steering and deliberate transmission, the MDX cements an impression of confidence and finely-tuned control. The Mountaineer, in comparison, gives its drivers a wide berth. Steering response feels more relaxed, even though the Mountaineer has a tighter turning radius than the MDX. The relaxed feel is reinforced by the Mountaineer's long hood, high dashboard and short windshield, which together give a classically American view of the road. Ride quality is another area in which the MDX and Mountaineer nearly intersect. The MDX does have an edge in ride, with a calmness that the Mountaineer can't replicate. Still, though, the Mountaineer's independent rear suspension is thankfully free of rough road hopping that afflicts SUVs with solid rear axles. There's a bit more firmness to the Mountaineer's ride motions, but overall, it feels straight and steady. That's more than can be said about some SUVs. And as with most Ford products, the Mercury Mountaineer all-wheel-drive model can be had with a variety of useful options, from the $1,685 Luxury Group (16-inch aluminum wheels, power passenger seat, leather facings on the first and second rows of seats, and more) to the $255 Rear Sensing System, which is a bleeping alarm that alerts you that you're going to parallel park right into the vehicle in back of you unless you hit the brake pretty soon, wait, STOP! Drive an SUV without the rear sensor, and you'll resent the lack of information. On the other hand, the MDX's aforementioned navigation system took us through unfamiliar California peninsula without having to resort to the usually clogged 101 North. MDX standard equipment is generous, including a sonorous stereo complete with a 10-inch subwoofer, a trip computer, leather seat facings in the first two rows and a power moonroof. So, which SUV would be for you? Use Autoweb's free buying service to get prices on both SUVs. Compare the dealers' offers. Then go test-driving, and see which one of these distinctive flavors appeals to you the most. When you're looking at such accomplished vehicles as the MDX and Mountaineer, it's hard to go wrong.
--By Phil Ruth
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