Mercury Mountaineer 4WD
15.5 MPG The 2009 Mercury Mountaineer 4WD is EPA-rated at 15.5 MPG combined (13.5 city / 19 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 968 gallons, $3097 a year in fuel, or $0.206 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1997–2009 run it averages 14.8 MPG, improving by 1.5 MPG over 13 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.161 | $1613 | $2419 | $3226 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.194 | $1935 | $2903 | $3871 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.206 | $2065 | $3097 | $4129 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.226 | $2258 | $3387 | $4516 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.258 | $2581 | $3871 | $5161 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.290 | $2903 | $4355 | $5806 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.323 | $3226 | $4839 | $6452 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 15.5 MPG | 13.5 | 19 | $4025 | 574 | 2 |
| 2008 | 15 MPG | 13 | 19 | $4150 | 592 | 2 |
| 2007 | 15 MPG | 13 | 18 | $4150 | 592 | 2 |
| 2006 | 15 MPG | 13 | 18.5 | $4150 | 592 | 2 |
| 2005 | 14 MPG | 13 | 17 | $4450 | 635 | 2 |
| 2004 | 15 MPG | 13.5 | 18 | $4150 | 592 | 2 |
| 2003 | 15 MPG | 13 | 18 | $4150 | 592 | 1 |
| 2002 | 14.5 MPG | 12.5 | 17.5 | $4300 | 614 | 2 |
| 2001 | 15 MPG | 13 | 18 | $4150 | 592 | 2 |
| 2000 | 15.5 MPG | 13.5 | 18.5 | $4025 | 574 | 2 |
| 1999 | 14.5 MPG | 13.5 | 17.5 | $4300 | 614 | 2 |
| 1998 | 14.5 MPG | 13 | 17.5 | $4300 | 614 | 2 |
| 1997 | 14 MPG | 12 | 17 | $4450 | 635 | 1 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 97 sport utility vehicle - 4wd models tracked here, the Mercury Mountaineer 4WD ranks 74 on current figures, against a class average of 18.5 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Nissan Xterra V6 4WD (15.7), BMW X5 (16), Chevrolet TrailBlazer 4WD (16), Chevrolet TrailBlazer Ext 4WD (16), GMC Envoy 4WD (16).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 574 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 8.6 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Mercury Mountaineer 4WD get?
The 2009 Mercury Mountaineer 4WD is rated at 15.5 MPG combined by the EPA — 13.5 city and 19 highway. Across all 13 model years in the database it averages 14.8 MPG, ranging from 14 to 16 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Mercury Mountaineer 4WD cost in fuel per year?
At 15.5 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 968 gallons — roughly $3097 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.206 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2009 model is $4025.
Has the Mercury Mountaineer 4WD become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 14 MPG in 1997 to 15.5 in 2009 — an improvement of 1.5 MPG, or 11% across 13 model years.
Is the Mercury Mountaineer 4WD efficient for its class?
It ranks 74 of 97 in the Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD class on current figures, against a class average of 18.5 MPG. That is 3.0 worse than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.