2009 Mercury Mariner

The Mariner is a compact SUV that rides on a car-based unibody platform and is the mechanical sibling of the Ford Escape and Mazda Tribute, though it is more upscale relative to those models. Differentiating the Mariner are exterior styling cues such as Mercury's signature waterfall grill, monotone cladding, and a two-tone interior. The Mariner is available in either front- or all-wheel drive and with a choice of two conventional gas engines or a hybrid powertrain.

First introduced in 2005, the Mariner received an update for 2007 that refreshed interior and exterior styling but left the basic chassis underpinnings and engines, all of which have served since 2001 in the Escape, lamentably unchanged. The Mariner is available with a choice of two conventional engines, a 2.3 Liter inline four that produces 153 horsepower and 152 lb.-feet of torque, and a 3.0 Liter V6 with 200 horsepower and 193 lb.-feet of torque; both are hooked up to a decidedly old-school 4-speed automatic in an era where most competitors have switched 5- or 6-speed autoboxes.

The first two trim levels of the Mariner, I4 and V6, are unsurprising differentiated by engine; both come standard with cloth seats, a single CD player, an MP3 input jack, and fog lamps. Premium, the next step up the trim latter, includes the V6 engine and also leather seats with alcantara trim, 16-inch machined aluminum wheels, and a 6-disc in-dash CD changer. Optional features include a premium sound system, a DVD-based navigation system, a power moonroof, and a towing package. Safety features that are standard across the Mariner line consist of dual front airbags, dual front side airbags, and curtain airbags that extend across both rows of passengers.

At the top of the Mariner range in terms of luxury, gas mileage, and price is the Hybrid model, which comes standard with all the hedonistic accouterments of the Premium level trim. The hybrid utilizes a Atkinson (read: high efficiency) version of the 2.3 liter four coupled to a small electric motor; the vehicle is considered a 'full' hybrid based on the ability of the electric motor to run on its own during low speed travel to boost MPG, the ability of the gas engine to operate on its own to allow the battery to charge, or for both to operate simultaneously for maximum efficiency. Together, the engine and battery produce 155 horsepower, allowing the Hybrid's acceleration to nearly match that of the V6-equipped model while providing 75 percent better fuel economy and lower emissions.

Buyers planning to purchase a 2008 Mariner should be aware of an update planned for 2009 which will raise the power of the V6 engine to 230 horsepower and replace the 4-speed auto with a new 6-speed unit for both V6 and inline four; customers who have already purchased an '08 Mariner should lobby for a refund.