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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  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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  Finally...I have my SUV Hybrid and Happy - 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
  By Rafael ( Miami) - March 23 - 2:16 am

  Your comments and reviews have help me so much in this buy process...now its my turn. I saw this SUV in the Miami Intl Car Show and loved it. Once the show was over, I called 2 dealerships in Miami and found it. Test drove it, negotiated a great price and bought this beautiful Black Mariner Hybrid, leather seats,big moonroof and lots of other extras. Love the way it drives, excellent gas mileage, 30 to 31 MPG, very confortable.mM neighbor is a Prius owner and he was so impressed with the space and confort of this SUV. You get it all with this SUV, enviromentally friendly, great MPG, easy on the eyes :) Im an ex Saab owner and this SUV makes me smile every morning.

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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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  Excellent SUV - 2006 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
  By cedar70726 - November 30 - 4:23 pm

  This car features extremely nimble handling. This is strengthened by strong low-end torque provided by the electric motor. For a small SUV interior space is surprisingly large. Seems well made with a rigid body structure that makes it feel very safe. Excellent visiblity in every direction. Hybrid components work flawlessly together.When willing to drive the speed limit (city or highway) I consistenly get around 30 mpg. Very careful driving will do even better in town. Unfortunately the car invites a heavy foot which drops the mileage to 25 or less. Still this is way better than our 05 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

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  Ford/Mercury Out did themselves! Wow! - 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
  By MM - October 17 - 8:40 pm

  I researched this vehicle for 6 over months. After so much anticipation would it live up? I took the keys in Aug 07 and have never been happier. It surpassed my dreams! It is fun to drive, but you do need to be watchful. I have scared folks, when running on the electric motor, all you can hear are the tires on the ground. Which can be eerie. The kids tease it is quieter than the Barbie Car! We have taken it on a major vacation 700 miles one way for 12 hours and it did great. 31 mpg. Saved us 1/3 cost in gas over our Windstar while not losing comfort. Handled the mountain curves. The navigation system was helpful but gave warnings in some areas. Ford has out done themselves with this one!

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  MILEAGE 29.4 MI/GAL HWY - SAME AS EPA - 2006 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
  By rmm966 - October 15 - 8:36 pm

  After hearing so many reports of EPA mileage not being accurate, I was surprised that the mileage on my new Mercury Hybrid SUV was as advertised. (About 29.4 mi/gal HWY. 366 mi on 12.5 gal of gasoline.) The ride is nice, the interior is above average, and the automatically adjusting volume on the radio is a cool feature. I like the SUV style and the great $2600 tax credit this year for buying a Green SUV - but that being said, the lack of a third row seat makes it only a so-so choice if you have more than three kids. If the SUV style and tax credit are not important to you, you might be happier opting for the 2007 Camry Hybrid when it comes out later this year.

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  2006 Mariner Hybrid - after 3800 miles - 2006 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
  By M. Tuxford-Hawkins - September 22 - 3:10 am

  Its comfy, fun to drive, handles beautifully. My previous cars being 2 Mountaineers, a Ford Explorer, & a sports car, in that order, it does seem small & car-like to me. It did very well last week in a close encounter with a large deer. Parks easily in the city, keeps up will with semis on the freeway (I drive 35 miles to work in the city & live in the country down a 1100 ft long drive.) It is an excellent utility vehicle; doesnt haul as much as a larger ute, but then it gets much better gas mileage & stills hold a lot of gardening gear & plants in the back. Very quiet drive; fit & finish is very, very good. (Yes, Id buy another one & recommend it to friends.)

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  Loving Our Hybrid - 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
  By Steen - September 18 - 9:23 pm

  Have had the SUV for three weeks and am enjoying the experience. This version of the Mariner is much improved, we had a 2005 FWD Premier that was totaled in an accident. Since my partner came out of the accident with no injuries we decided to stick with the Mariner but get the hybrid instead and we love it. The new look is a big step up and comes across as more classy than the precvious version.

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  Everyone Should look at hybrid - 2007 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
  By The Warners - September 11 - 5:43 am

  We really have enjoyed this purchase nicest vehicle we have ever owned, got the premium package with all the toys so it is extra fun, along with the safety package for added security. Very satisfied with fuel economy have driven over 1000 miles in 1 week and fuel economy keeps getting better. If you have any doubts drive one yourself and you will be sold.

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  Mariner Hybrid - 2006 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
  By nshomo - August 21 - 11:20 pm

  i have been more than satisfied with my mercury mariner hybrid - i am averaging 31 - 32mpg - and its only about 1/4 city driving - would be great if battery power were extended on future cars -