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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  I was surprised - 2010 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
  By Tim - March 31 - 11:43 pm

  Ive had my 2010 awd mariner hybrid for a few weeks now and am very impressed with its drivability. I did not expect the electronic boost of the engine under hard acceleration. It gives the feel of a V6 out of a 4. Interior room and quality is great, very classy design.

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  Wow... What a great value and fun car - 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
  By carricrf - February 10 - 1:18 pm

  Was searching for a good value in a used Hybrid car. Was concerned about performance, price and reliability. Did my research on this car and was very impressed with performance, handling, features and style. I would highly recommend and would suggest that if interested, you take one for a drive and see what I mean. I have a Fusion that I like as well, but this really has been a great choice! Performs like a powerful 6 cyl, but gets 30+ MPG combined milage (my real experience). Comfortable and gets positive comments from my family and friends like it was a New Car!

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  my mariner - 2006 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
  By steve - November 6 - 1:40 am

  I love this SUV. It handles well and feels like a v6. The instrumentaion is cool and the nav system is great.

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  2008 Mercury Hybrid - 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
  By JCB - October 29 - 7:00 pm

  Very nice luxury SUV with good value. Good looking vehicle. Interior is quite well-done. Drive is much more spirited than anticipated. Good in ice and snow. Excellent mileage. Great audio package. Navigation feature is quite handy and easy to use. Transmission takes getting used to but is not a problem. Would purchase again without question

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  Fun to drive - 2009 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
  By Tom, Pgh - October 25 - 9:23 am

  I got this vehicle a week ago, and Im really enjoying it. I averaged 37mpg on the first tank of gas, mostly city but some highway travel. Still learning the hybrid and how to maximize mileage, but Im having fun doing it. The Nav system with the Sync and Sirius is awesome, it does so much. Very tight, handles well and runs well. The small engine has some pep, alittle noisy when you punch it down, but it handles the hills of Pittsburgh with ease.

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  My Last Car - 2006 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
  By wozo - August 3 - 9:23 pm

  At age 84 I have parked my Explorer and purchased the Mariner Hybrid. I will still use the Explorer for towing my trailers. I have now driven the Hybrid slightly over 1500 miles. It has the premium accessory package including the moon roof. Fuel economy checks closely with the published figures. Overall I am getting just over 30 mpg. So far, I very much like the vehicle, it handles well on all types of roadway, it has excellent visibility, and gives a fairly comfortable ride. Acceleration is adequate. Being rather tall, I appreciate the headroom and easy access.

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  mercury mariner hybrid...AWESOME - 2007 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
  By M. Hertz - July 22 - 10:36 am

  The Mariner Hybrid gets great gas mileage, is great looking, comfortable, and handles the road beautifully. I searched far and wide for a family size vehicle with the best gas mileage. There was no other car that compared. The Mariner Hybrid is my second hybrid. I have driven the Honda Civic Hybrid for almost four years which is a great car also but is too small for all of us and our dog.

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  Fun to drive - 2009 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
  By PghHybrid - May 12 - 3:26 pm

  Ive owned my Mariner Hybrid for a little over two weeks, got 37mpg out of first tank, 34mpg with highway and city on second tank. Very impressed with this vehicle, love the Nav with Sync and Sirius. Mercury hit a home run with this one. Rides very nice, comfortable with loads of front leg room.

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  Henry Ford Would Be Proud - 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
  By John Dixson - May 3 - 9:56 pm

  With 1500 miles on this car, I can report that it performs exactly as the sales literature proclaims, and isnt that a rarity. I routinely average 34.8 mpg around town and 31.4 on I-95 here in South Florida. Handling is stable and predictable, cruise control is tight in terms of holding speed, and the nav/audio/energy flow displays work well. Nav system is certainly superior to the nav in our 2006 E-Class Diesel. Only 1500 miles, but zero discrepancies on this vehicle. Delivery quality control was excellent: for example, upon driving the vehicle home, I checked all tire pressures, and each one of the four was exactly 35.5 psi.

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  Yucky steering - 2007 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
  By WALT - May 1 - 10:00 am

  Totally disappointed in the steering characteristics of this automobile in its present state it certainly isnt intended to be a highway car. Its like a car with a poor caster setting. Requires full-time grip on the steering wheel to ensure a straight ahead track. Perhaps there is an adjustment that can be made but mechanics in my area are unaware.