2006 Mercury Mountaineer III Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the 2006 Mercury Mountaineer III ranges from 2022 kg to 2069 kg (approximately 4,458 to 4,561 pounds) depending on the specific trim and equipment level. The maximum weight, which includes passengers, cargo, and optional equipment, is between 2700 kg and 2749 kg (5,952 to 6,060 pounds). This relatively high maximum weight rating indicates a robust chassis and suspension system capable of supporting heavy loads, making it suitable for both family use and towing tasks.

The Mercury Mountaineer III features a ground clearance of 208 mm, which is about 8.2 inches. This moderate clearance level allows the SUV to navigate uneven terrain, potholes, and mild off-road conditions with greater ease than standard passenger cars. While it is not designed as a hardcore off-roader, this clearance offers a good balance between on-road comfort and occasional light off-road use, making it versatile for suburban and rural driving environments.

With all the rear seats in place, the Mercury Mountaineer III offers a luggage capacity of 1277 liters (approximately 45.1 cubic feet). When the rear seats are folded down, the cargo volume expands significantly to 2430 liters (about 85.8 cubic feet). This large volume capacity makes the Mountaineer well-suited for transporting bulky items, luggage for extended trips, or large amounts of gear, reflecting its utility as a family SUV designed to adapt to diverse cargo needs.

Most standard residential garages have an internal width of around 2.4 to 2.7 meters (7.9 to 8.9 feet) and a height clearance of roughly 2.1 to 2.4 meters (6.9 to 7.9 feet). The Mercury Mountaineer III, with a width of 1867 mm (73.5 inches or 6.1 feet) and height of 1849 mm (72.8 inches or 6 feet), fits comfortably within these dimensions. However, the length of 4915 mm (193.5 inches or 16 feet) is on the longer side and may limit extra storage space inside the garage. Therefore, while parking the Mountaineer inside a standard garage is generally feasible, it may require careful maneuvering, and additional space might be limited for other items.

Compared to the Mountaineer II (the second generation produced before 2005), the Mountaineer III saw an increase in overall dimensions, primarily in length and interior volume. The third-generation Mountaineer measures 4915 mm in length, which is slightly longer than the second generation that typically measured about 4850 mm. The width and height saw slight increments as well, contributing to more interior space, improved passenger comfort, and greater cargo capacity. These dimensional enhancements reflected changes in market demand for larger, more versatile SUVs and helped the Mountaineer compete more effectively against similar models.

The Mercury Mountaineer III (2006-2010), with its 4915 mm length, 1867 mm width, and 1849 mm height, competes closely with mid-to-full-size SUVs like the Ford Explorer (its platform sibling), Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Chevrolet Trailblazer. It typically sits slightly larger than compact SUVs but is similar in size to other body-on-frame SUVs, offering broad passenger and cargo space. While it provides generous interior volume and a commanding road presence, some competing models might offer slightly more cargo space or off-road capabilities depending on their design focus.

The Mercury Mountaineer III was equipped with a range of rim sizes including 7.5J x 17, 7.5J x 18, and 8J x 20 inches, paired with tire size options like 245/65 R17, 235/65 R18, and 255/50 R20. These tire and rim combinations allowed buyers to balance between ride comfort, handling, and aesthetic preferences, with larger rims tending to provide sportier looks and slightly stiffer handling characteristics, whereas smaller rims generally support a smoother ride. The tire widths and sidewall profiles were chosen to complement the SUV's size and weight, ensuring stability and traction under various driving conditions.

The 2006 Mercury Mountaineer III typically offers seating for seven passengers across three rows, though seating configurations can vary slightly with trim levels and optional packages. The SUV's cabin is designed to maximize passenger comfort with ample headroom and legroom, especially in the first and second rows. Third-row seating, while suitable for children or smaller adults, may be a bit tight for taller passengers over long distances. Overall, the interior space reflects the Mountaineer’s family-friendly goals, providing a versatile environment for passenger transport and cargo management.

The race height or ground clearance of the 2006 Mercury Mountaineer III is 208 mm (8.2 inches). This height offers a good balance between everyday drivability on paved roads and some off-road capability, allowing the vehicle to clear common obstacles such as curbs, minor debris, or uneven terrain with reduced risk of underbody damage. This moderate ground clearance positively impacts driving confidence and vehicle versatility without sacrificing too much handling or stability on highways and city streets.