Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs. Mercury Mountaineer Review

Cost
The Mercury pales in comparison to the Highlander Hybrid in terms of fuel economy. Producing a precise fuel economy evaluation is so difficult that some think not even the federal government can do it, but it looks as though the Toyota Highlander Hybrid is the winner in terms of gas mileage. The Mountaineer isn't much less costly than the Toyota as far as MSRP. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid will save you a bundle at the pump every year compared to the Mercury Mountaineer.

Utility
There's no clear winner between the Mercury Mountaineer and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid with respect to transporting cargo. Drivers with frequent kid-duty might favor the Mercury over the Toyota. Towing is substantially more the Mercury's forte than it is the Toyota Highlander Hybrid's.

Convenience
You will definitely have to visit your friendly gas station more often with the Mercury than with the Toyota Highlander Hybrid.

Comfort
While the front cabin in the Highlander Hybrid offers a bit more head room than the Mountaineer, there really isn't much of a difference. The ampler interior dimensions of the Mercury Mountaineer make it markedly roomier for your passengers than the Toyota Highlander Hybrid.

Dimensions
Your wallet will hurt more every time you fill up the Mercury Mountaineer than the Highlander Hybrid because of its bigger tank. The Mercury Mountaineer rides lower than the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, which is a good thing for its center of gravity and ease of access. The Toyota and the Mercury compete for the same parking spaces.

Handling
With its front-wheel drive layout, the Toyota likely has better traction in rain, snow or ice than the Mercury Mountaineer; on the other hand, the Mercury Mountaineer's rear-wheel drive layout likely provides better weight distribution. The Mercury Mountaineer and the Highlander Hybrid have approximately similar tires. With their comparable turning radii, the Mountaineer and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid indubitably handle roughly the same into and out of tight spots.

Drivetrain
The Toyota's engine is significantly smaller than the Mercury Mountaineer's. Note that a smaller engine usually has to work a little harder; however, smaller engines are often cheaper to fix. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid could learn a lesson or two from the Mercury Mountaineer with respect to torque. Torque equals pickup, and the Mercury Mountaineer will have picked up and gone by the time the Toyota Highlander Hybrid finally gets moving.

Overview
The Mercury Mountaineer and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid have the same basic after-sale protection.