Overview & Reviews

Hybrid SUVs like the Mercury Mariner Hybrid are aimed primarily at green-thinking car buyers who want it all. By sport-utility standards, fuel economy is high and tailpipe emissions are low. At the same time, the Mariner Hybrid allows one to live the hybrid car lifestyle without losing the everyday versatility provided by all-wheel drive and a decent-sized cargo area.

As part of Mercury's demise, the Mariner Hybrid will only be produced through 2011. Mechanically, it's identical to the Ford Escape Hybrid. Differentiation comes about mostly through altered exterior styling and the Mariner's higher-quality interior.

Most Recent Mercury Mariner Hybrid
The Mercury Mariner Hybrid compact SUV was produced in two generations. The more recent ran from 2008-'11.

This Mariner was available in one well-equipped trim level. Standard amenities included full power accessories, dual-zone automatic climate control, the Sync phone/MP3 player interface and an in-dash CD changer with MP3 audio input. Options included heated leather seats, an upgraded seven-speaker audio system, a navigation system, a sunroof, a rearview camera, MyKey (which allows parents/owners to limit speed and audio volume) and an automated parallel-parking assist feature.

A two-wheel-drive Mariner Hybrid should be able to deliver close to 30 mpg in real-world city and highway driving. Its powertrain consists of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, a pair of electric motors and an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Under full acceleration, both power sources work together to provide maximum oomph, but under lighter load conditions, such as stop-and-go traffic, the Mariner Hybrid alternates between the two, oftentimes running purely on battery power alone. A regenerative braking system converts energy normally lost as heat into electricity to recharge the vehicle's batteries.

Although the cumulative horsepower rating of 177 doesn't sound very impressive, the Mercury Mariner Hybrid was quicker than the regular four-cylinder Mainer. Two-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive models were offered.

The Mariner Hybrid's cabin was tastefully accented with faux aluminum, chrome and wood-grain trim. The backseat was roomy and comfortable enough to keep a pair of adults content on road trips, and there was almost 28 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats with up to 66 cubic feet when folded.

With its gas engine and electric motors working in concert, the Mercury Mariner Hybrid returned outstanding fuel mileage. Unfortunately, its engine made a lot of noise under hard acceleration. Ride quality was acceptable for a small SUV, but handling was unimpressive because of the additional weight of the hybrid components. Braking performance was poor due to the Mariner's lackluster front disc/rear drum setup.

There were only a few changes during this model's time. For 2010, the Mariner Hybrid benefited from a few more high-tech features including the "Auto Park" automatic parallel-parking option and MyKey (which allowed parents to limit speed and audio volume for their teen drivers). Most importantly, a new electrically driven air-conditioning compressor arrived as well. Previously, the A/C would shut down with the engine when the vehicle stopped at a light or was stuck in traffic. You could override this, but then you wouldn't get the fuel economy savings auto stop/start provides.

Past Mercury Mariner Hybrids
The first-generation Mercury Mariner hybrid was produced for 2006-'07. These earlier Mariners had a hybrid powertrain similar to that of the second-gen version, albeit with a slightly smaller, 2.3-liter 155-hp engine. All-wheel drive was standard. Also, they lacked the newer Mariner's updated styling and features.

User Reviews:

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  What was Ford thinking? - 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
  By Jay McCosh - July 26 - 7:43 am

  I have only had the car a few days and am blown away. This is by far the most cool car I have ever driven. I dont understand Fords thinking as it seems this vehicle is not only hard to get but almost an ugly step child to them considering the lack of features and colors compared to the V6. They should pat themsleves on the back for this one and this should be the flagship vehicle for Mercury considering its fun to drive watching and feeling it go into EV modeand with its efficiency and amazing fit and finish. The NAV system is awesome as well as the stereo and free Sirius for 3 years! We liked this vehicle so much both me and my wife got one.

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  How come its a secret - 2006 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
  By A convert - July 21 - 9:13 am

  I found this truck to be a smooth ride on rough roads, comfortable seats, unbelievable economy, good pickup for a SUV, nice with the premium package.

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  Love the Mariner Hybrid - 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
  By marinerfan - July 12 - 7:40 pm

  I love my new AWD Mercury Mariner Hybrid. I was driving an Expedition but wanted a smaller SUV that got great gas mileage. The Expedition was only getting about 13 mpg. The handling is great and braking secure in city driving. Plus, the tax credit for purchasing a hybrid is an added plus.

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  I dont miss my Nissan - 2006 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
  By Andrejak - June 22 - 2:30 pm

  I traded in a fully loaded 2002 Nissan Frontier 4WD for the Mariner. My pickup averaged 17 mpg. The Mariner is supposed to get 29 highway and 33 city. The 29 highway is attainable. I think the 33 city is a tad ambitious but probably could be done if you do a LOT of driving at 25 mph or less. Ive gone through two tanks of gas and so far have gotten it up to 28 mpg. You have to have a very light foot on the accerator. If youre really good, you can get the Mariner up to 30 mph before the gas engine kicks in. I love driving it and its great sitting at lights for minutes at a time knowing that Im not burning any gas. Trying to conserve fuel makes you allow more time to get where youre going.

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  LOVE my Hybrid - 2007 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
  By Mary Wynn - May 22 - 4:36 pm

  This SUV drives as well as any car we have ever owned - from a lincoln to a rabbit. It handles so well, I feel very secure behind the wheel when I drive.

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  2009 4WD Mercury Mariner Hybrid - 2009 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
  By jnt76 - April 1 - 6:50 pm

  I have owned this vehicle for one week, and have many good things to say about it. Navigation system with Microsoft Sync is awesome. Almost endless music possibilities with Sirius, CD, radio, aux input jack, USB input, and 10GB internal hard drive that you can record your CDs to. Drove up in the Rocky Mts this weekend and avgd over 30 mpg - and thats with lots of hill climbing. 60 mile highway round trip to work every day, averaging 32+ mpg. Up to 40 mph on battery only. Interior is very nicely done with lots of cargo space for a small SUV. Back seats fold down flat. Ride is very smooth - handles like a car. Cant even tell when gas engine starts and stops, great job of making that quiet.

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  Brilliant! - 2007 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
  By gandk262 - March 14 - 3:53 pm

  This is amazing. Great mileage, comfort, solid construction - in fact, I was rear-ended at a red light in March and the vehicle that hit me was totalled. Despite the speed at which I was hit I was well protected. The rear gate, bumper, spare tire, cargo bed and battery took the brunt of the hit but I was fine. Fortunately, so were the occupants of the other vehicle. And the mileage? Wow! Wed always avoided SUVs on principle, but if your lifestyle really demands one, this is the way to go.

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  Great gas mileage - 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
  By BRocker - March 11 - 4:46 pm

  I had the Mariner for 5 months now. Excellent vehicle to drive. Averaging 31+ MPG mixed mode driving. I drove a 200 mile trip recently and averaged 33+ MPG. Great vehicle. Roomy interior. I love the sunroof and enjoy trying to get the best gas mileage. Traded in a Dodge Caravan (14+ MPG) saving lots of money.

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  Very happy - 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
  By uvabeachbum - November 18 - 7:40 am

  Purchased this vehicle in June as a trade for my gas sucking minivan. So far I have been impressed with everything. With 2 kids, we have had no space issues.

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  Impressed - 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
  By TosaGuy - November 15 - 9:53 pm

  Last year I test drove the 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid (cousin of the Mariner). I was underwhelmed. Fit and finish wasnt impressive, it wasnt a very smooth ride, and the nav system was terrible. I found myself in the hybrid market this year instead. I test drove the Toyota Highlander Hybrid and Rav4. Before plucking down serious $$ for either of these, I decided to test drive the newly redesigned 2008 Mercury Mariner (influenced by reviews on this site). I have to say the test drive knocked my socks off! Very plush, top notch nav system, and very smooth ride. I opted for the FWD version. I avg 29mpg and love it! Fully loaded, I paid much less than a stripped Highlander!