An overriding goal throughout Mountaineer's development was to boldly and clearly set the vehicle apart from its cousin vehicle, the Ford Explorer. Mountaineer also has its own differentiated driving personality, including different shock valving and tires from Explorer. Inside, Mountaineer passengers will have more room to spread out. The passenger compartment is two inches wider than the previous model and, for the first time, has a standard third row of seating - enough for seven adults. The extra space is made possible by a 2.5-inch wider track and efficient packaging of the new independent rear suspension.
Additional storage is located beneath the rear cargo floor.
Mountaineer offers one of the most comprehensive safety and security packages available. Expressive Design Contemporary architecture was one of the inspirations behind Mountaineer's unique exterior and interior styling. Unlike any other SUV on the road, Mountaineer features highly geometric, machined surfaces and bold-edged curves. The use of satin-aluminum finishes creates a modern, technical theme. Designers considered great contemporary buildings and other structures as a theme for creating Mountaineer's new look.