Mercury Mountaineer vs Lexus LS: Battle

While Mercury is no longer in production, we thought it would be fun to take a look at how one of their SUVs would fair against one of today's luxury leaders. The Mercury Mountaineer was discontinued in 2010, but in its prime, it gave the Lexus LS a run for its money. So, which one is better? Let's take a look at the facts.

Mercury Mountaineer Performance

The Mercury Mountaineer was equipped with a V8 engine that could generate up to 250 horsepower. It also had a towing capacity of 7,300 pounds, which is pretty impressive.

In terms of fuel economy, the Mountaineer got an EPA-estimated 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.

Interior

The Mercury Mountaineer could seat up to seven people, thanks to its third-row seating. It also had plenty of cargo space, with over 80 cubic feet of room behind the first and second rows.

As for features, the Mountaineer came standard with power windows and locks, as well as cruise control. You could also opt for features like leather seats and a sunroof.

Safety

The Mercury Mountaineer earned good marks for safety, with a four-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It came standard with front and side airbags, as well as antilock brakes.

Headlights

The Mountaineer's headlights were one of its best features. They provided good illumination, and you could even get them in a xenon HID version.

Lexus LS Performance

The Lexus LS comes with a V8 engine that puts out 386 horsepower. It also has a towing capacity of 7,000 pounds.

As for fuel economy, the Lexus LS gets an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

So, when it comes to performance, the Lexus LS is the clear winner. It has more horsepower and gets better gas mileage.

Interior

The Lexus LS can seat up to five people, and it has plenty of legroom and headroom. It also has a large trunk, with 16 cubic feet of space.

As for features, the LS comes standard with power windows and locks, as well as cruise control. You can also opt for features like heated and cooled seats, a sunroof, and a premium sound system.

Safety

The Lexus LS has a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It comes with front and side airbags, as well as antilock brakes.

Headlights

The LS's headlights are one of its best features. They provide good illumination, and you can even get them in a xenon HID version.

So, when it comes to safety, the Lexus LS is the clear winner. It has more airbags and a higher safety rating.

So, which one is better?

The Mercury Mountaineer was a good SUV, but the Lexus LS is the better choice. It has more horsepower, better fuel economy, and more safety features. If you're looking for a luxury SUV, the LS is the way to go.

Conclusion

The Mercury Mountaineer was a good SUV, but it couldn't keep up with the Lexus LS. The LS is the better choice if you're looking for a luxury SUV. It has more horsepower, better fuel economy, and more safety features. So, if you're in the market for a new SUV, the Lexus LS should be at the top of your list.