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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  Easy Driver - 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
  By Rick D - July 15 - 9:13 pm

  This car is easy to own and drive. Minimal pit stops required for both gas and service. Happy with our decision to buy this one. Comfortable, fun and ease of getting in and out. ust the right size.

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  2006 Mercury Mariner - 2006 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
  By Ken Gabriel - May 28 - 7:23 pm

  Wonderful little SUV. Very nice interior. Really fun to drive. Very good on rough roads. Easy to park.

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  two weeks and very happy - 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
  By bobmetro - May 22 - 2:16 pm

  Two weeks into the new hybrid and Im glad I bought it. Its fun to drive...great response from the steering...rides firm and quiet. So far averaging 29 MPG in a mix of NYC traffic and highway. GPS is much better than the 07 reviews I read.

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  Love my hybrid! - 2007 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
  By Dian - May 5 - 1:23 pm

  OK so its not a high priced sports car (I have one of those as well) and it isnt high powered monster SUV (My husband drives one of those). However, for what it is: economical, comfortable, nimble and reliable (so far) I love it! Yes, it was high priced, but packed with every option, so thats not so horrible. The one down side is that the nav could be better. Im not asking it to compare to the ones Ive had in my luxury cars, or the aftermarket in my husbands Suburban, but I would really like to see some improvements there. Still, it;s fun to drive, easy to park, and very practical. I get 30 MPG without the AC and 27 with AC. Cant complain about that!

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  Very Happy - 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
  By scoutyjones - April 29 - 8:56 pm

  I have had this car/suv for 4 weeks and it averages 32+ in mixed driving. If I drive highway miles and it has good accelleration and still average 32+. Not loaded with nav or leather or AWD as we didnt need it. Nice to have but not needed. Car handles very well. Free satellite is welcome but with MP3 link, its not gonna be missed when gone. All new vehicles should have an MP3 connection. Looks great inside and out, fits 3 adults in back seat comfortably and is quiet. Absolutely love the ride and the technology. Kudos to Mercury for producing a solid ride with MPG/environment in mind. Looking to add top notch car mats and cargo tray for 2 large dogs.

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  Three Months With My New Hybrid - 2006 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
  By threekiddad - April 16 - 3:43 pm

  This was my 1st SUV and Im glad I got a hybrid. Like many others raters, I really squeeze every mile out of a gallon of gas. I really stretch out the time on "electric". I average 31- 32 mpg. You have to be willing to change the way you drive is KEY to buying a hybrid. The navigation feature is super and easy to use. The moonroof opens further than "standard". The only problem has been a software issue with the on- board computer which the Dealer is making every effort to correct. If everyones car turned off like mine in stopngo traffic or carpool line, then we wont emit so many greenhouse gases and not be so dependent on oil. Even though it costs more, U get tax credit & gas cost savings

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  07 MMH Loaded - 2007 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
  By PCollins - April 14 - 7:23 am

  Would buy again if I had to do all over again. Love the look of this SUV! Got up to 30 MPG already during a trip to mall, only have 400 miles on it. I have a feeling if this keeps up, the MPG will be over what is advertised. Block heater and high volt battery preheater should be standard.

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  FUV - Fun and Useful Vehicle - 2007 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
  By 4peoplefamily - March 25 - 10:20 pm

  We just bought pre-released 2007 MMH. Drove for 120 miles the first two days. Pickup is quick for a 4-cylinder, ~2 ton vehicle. Softer and quieter ride than expected (except going up steep incline at greater than 65 mph - the engine revs rather high to get the needed power). Its a blast to drive trying to stay in EV to get the best economy.

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  glad I waited - 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
  By bobmetro1 - December 16 - 5:20 am

  Just have it for a few days but I already know Im going to love it. The new improved Mariner is far superior to the 2007. Solid ride, almost no wind noise, nice large screen for the nav system. So far Im averaging 28-1/2 mpg in mixed driving conditions.

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  Its a great car! - 2010 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
  By Jerry Keidel - December 12 - 8:33 pm

  Weve had our Mariner Hybrid for a month and absolutely love it. It rides smoothly and has plenty of pep. We get 35 MPG in all-around driving, including a fair amount of expressway. Another plus is that the car encourages good driving habits by performing best with gradual acceleration and braking. It is a great car that has exceeded our high expectations.