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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  13 YEARS LATER STILL 33MPG!!! - 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
  By Kenny Brooks - March 9 - 9:50 pm

  Im from Oklahoma and couldnt find a 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid anywhere with low miles. People keep these cars once they get them because theyre so great. Finally found one in San Diego California with 90,000 miles. It was a one-owner garage kept with all the paperwork from the beginning. Didnt have any scratches or dings on it...absolutely perfect I would give it a 9 out of 10, and Im very critical. Gas mileage still gets 33 consistently combined. Glad I bought it in California because it has never seen snow or ice until here this past winter in Oklahoma. Ive seen these things with over 350,000 miles on them and still going strong with original hybrid battery ,transmission ,and powertrain. if youre thinking about getting an older car with great reliability you cant go wrong because this things gas mileage is through the roof... plus its spacious and roomy inside. Next year Im going to slap some 20-in rims on it and ride it out until the end. The heat is dual climate control and is very strong in the winter at 90° and ice cold during the summer months. The only thing I wish it had is that it should have had some sort of converter to keep the air compressor on once Im in hybrid mode. I think they fixed that in 2010. Absolutely love this vehicle!!!

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  2007 Mecury Mariner Hybrid - 2007 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
  By Jim - October 19 - 2:13 pm

  We love our car, comfort, turning radius, excellent visibility. Fuel mileage runs 26 in town and 33 mpg on the highway. The front wheel drive is great and when it is needed 4x4 is seamless. We needed a car that will climb an 8% grade coming from our driveway. This has served us way better than all wheel drive. The body is nice and tight the doors close with no effort. Our car is front wheel drive with auto 4X4 when needed not AWD.

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  Cargo area above the battery catches fire - 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
  By tonyrita - December 22 - 5:01 pm

  Ive had my Mercury Mariner for 5 years and had no issues other than a new set of tires and brakes. Last week after making a local trip, I parked my Mariner in the garage and 2 hours later the car caught fire and burned most of my garage and my wifes car. Im warning current and future owners of this car so nobody else has to go through this pain.

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  Very nice hybrid SUV - 2006 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
  By JBC - June 30 - 11:20 am

  Traded in a Jeep Grand Cherokee (6-cyl) for it. Going from 17 to 29 MPG is a great jump. The ride is comfortable in the city, but with bumpy roads some suspension noise is noticeable. The acceleration is good in the city but the powertrain is not as peppy on the highway; it takes some time to get to the speed you want, but is fine at cruising.

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  Good to Go! - 2006 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
  By Cone Maddox - April 23 - 2:26 am

  I sold my Hummer H-3 and purchased the Mercury Hybrid with 4-wheel drive. Twice + the mileage and I can see the other cars. Not too good off-road but a lot quicker than you would think on the street. The old black lab finds it easier to hop into the back. No problems whatever, so far. Got 30+ MPG last fill-up. Nice truck. It seems good to go!

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  Great option for an all year vehicle - 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
  By Jon M - May 25 - 12:06 am

  I currently live in Wisconsin, so the weather can vary greatly between the snow and heat. I needed something that can get me through each season, which is why I chose a used Mercury Mariner Hybrid 2008 AWD. I also decided to put 22 inch rims on this vehicle, and they havent caused any issues. I successfully added my own receiver and mounted in under the gps receiver that comes with the car (which I spliced into the cigarette lighter power and ground), and added a 10 inch sub in the back. I can confirm this vehicle can power an extra receiver/sub/amp/ and the hybrid battery can handle rumbling from the sub even when the sub is directly on top of the compartment that the hybrid battery is in. In the winter time, this vehicle can get through snow pretty easily, and can handle ice with below 0 temperatures. In the summer, the car has not overheated in over 100 degree f temperatures. The interior is made with poor material but looks nice. The outside looks decent and has no rust, and the paint has survived 8 years and still looks decent. The speed limit where I live is 70mph on the highway, and when going 70mph I maybe get 23-24 mpg average. If I go around 65mph I get 24-26mpg average. So no, you probably wont get 29mpg as advertised on the highway unless you are going way under the speed limit. When in town, if you stop quickly or are going slow, (usually slower than 25mph) the hybrid battery mode will kick in, which just uses hybrid battery power and not gas. This also makes the car almost silent, however you have to be going pretty slow for the battery to stay on, otherwise the engine turns back on. in town if you are going fairly slow, you can achieve up 60mpg with the battery fully on. If you are varying slow and fast speeds, you should be able to get at least 25-40 mpg in town. The only issues I have had was my steering column started to fail, and it costed me around $1000 to fix. Also one tie rod needed to be replaced, and both of the front wheel brake sensor and tone rings needed to be replaced. Overall, for a used hybrid mini suv that also has AWD, this is a pretty great buy.

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  2007 mariner hybrid - 2007 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
  By hidalgo - March 25 - 1:30 pm

  harsh truck-like ride stupid navigation system and screen tilt steering wheel needs to go higher ac should be automated with thermostat, only runs when gas engine working no outside temperature gauge good gas mileage, fuel tank could be larger. good road feel

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  Above average - 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
  By rhaman - December 3 - 2:54 pm

  This is my first Ford product and the first car that had rust. Rust developed on both rear fenders on the top section. I found out this is common to Ford vehicles of this style. It has to do with the welding or how the two sections were fitted at the factory that allows moisture to collect. The vehicle is excellent. Not perfect but we wanted a fuel efficient SUV for traveling. It does that. The seats could be more comfortable. This a Premium model that comes with a $3.00 radio antenna. Handling in snow, mud is superb. With proper use of the throttle it can go about 1 mile on electric at slow speeds. I have logged 45 MPG on a 12 mile run on back roads. I average 33 MPG. My wife averages 28.

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  My three years with the Mariner Hybrid - 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
  By satisfied7 - July 28 - 10:33 am

  I put a lot of miles on my car with my sales job. When I first drove one, the seats fit me comfortably and it sat nicely. up high and with good back support. After three years, I couldnt be happier. I average 30.5 miles per gallon on my half highway, half city driving and its peppy enough for me at the age of 56. I love my Sirius radio along with my navigation system. It wont have the pickup of cars Ive owned in the past but how often do you really need it. When Ive needed it, it responded adequately. Ive put 105,000 miles on it in just over three years and all Ive done is get the oil changed and kept up with the required maintenance at my dealer. I love it.

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  Road Noise - 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
  By ams - March 28 - 10:43 pm

  Biggest complaint about this vehicle is the road noise from below when driving. My husband, who drives a Diesel, comments every time he gets in this car about how noisy it is and I have to agree. I am surprised to see all these reviews claiming 30+ MPG. I have had this vehicle almost 2 years now and on average, 26-28 MPG is what it gets.