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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  A Mercury Winner - 2006 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
  By Jim - October 9 - 11:13 pm

  The Hybrid is fun to drive and is very responsive. If you drive the speed limit and irritate the drivers behind you, the mpg for combined city/highway is around 33 mpg. In town only I have averaged 36 mpg. For the size of the SUV and the gas mileage I get, this is a very nice combination.

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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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  2009 AWD MMH - 2009 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
  By bikerrich - June 7 - 2:50 pm

  Had it about a month now; enjoying the mileage and the kick of trying to keep it on battery. Nice car for the price. A bit wallowy. Cant take curves at 60. Suspension needs some improvement. Brake pedal feels fine, dont notice any difference from my other cars.

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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.

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  Much Fun, Little Gas - 2009 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
  By JM in Killeen - March 12 - 12:36 am

  I have owned the car just over 1 month and love the mileage I am getting. So far I am averaging 32.3 mpg overall, over 34 MPG with me driving, 29+ with my wife driving (lead foot). I was very surprised with the accereration of the hybrid system, I test drove the v6 model prior to ordering the hybrid system to see how I liked the overall car and I believe the hybrid is quicker. The passenger space is comparable to larger SUVs, but lacks cargo room for long trips. I would like to see more options, color and materials, for the interior, especially for the primere package. Satillite radio, NAV, sync are all top notch and work well. Overall, a very fun, solid SUV. Great MPG as well as performance.

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  Fantastic SUV - 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
  By Norton - December 21 - 9:56 am

  Love the handling, mileage and yes, the power. Plenty of passing power. And with 36+mpg, few trips to the gas station!

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  The Most Fun to Drive of All - 2006 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
  By Lawsonp - November 27 - 8:13 pm

  I love driving the sports car like handling Mariner hybrid that didnt force me to give up an ounce of day-to- day practicality. Im public speaker that travels two large NM counties and carry a lot of audio visual and training equipment I fold the back seats down to open up 65 cubic feet of room. (The small car truck and back seats) of other Hybrids would not work. The Mariners stylish interior is great for my needs. I look forward to driving on long trips (even with gas at $2.89 plus a gallon). If you take a Mariner on a test drive, you will not want to give it back. The heck with MPG this thing is FPG - Fun Per Gallon. Perry D. Lawson

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  Love this Mariner Hybrid! - 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
  By b hughes - October 5 - 12:53 am

  I did quite a bit of research before buying a new vehicle. I drove them all from Honda, Toyota, Kia, Saturn, Hundai, Dodge, Chevy and the Ford Escape Hybrid. It drives nicely and is very comfortable. I like the exterior and interior design. So far, so good! I give it a ten!

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  Nightmare to own - 2007 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
  By 07Merc - October 1 - 8:30 pm

  I bought this vehicle in 2007 few months after I buying it I needed new floor mats. I have had to replace the navigation system once for overheating but the replacement parts still over heats. The CD changers works when it wants I only use this option rarely because I have had issues since day one. The seat heaters kick on at random. Keyless entry works when it wants too. I have had it in the shop on numerous occasions for ABS issues. Come to find out the ABS sensor and tone ring cant handle winter weather. When I take the vehicle in for most of the issues the magic phrase is there is nothing wrong with it. My wife and I have experienced the same issues.

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  My 3rd and Favorite Hybrid - 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
  By Greg L - September 20 - 8:10 am

  Easy to love this car. Great style. Fuel economy and build quality surpassed my expectations. I get the economy of a Civicand the roominess of a mid-sized SUV. Fully loaded with NAV, and leather under $30K. I average 30 MPG combined.