Ford began challenging the SUV-earth destroyer reputation back in ’94, and it continues today with the refreshed design of the 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid. With a 2.3-liter, 16-valve four-cylinder engine and electric motor powertrain, this full hybrid puts out 155 horsepower, yet EPA fuel economy estimates are a satisfying 34 city/30 highway. A base front-wheel drive model rings in at $26,430; outfitted with the Hybrid Premium Package that includes Navigation and Audiophile System, our test model was priced at $31,000. Warranty coverage on hybrid components is 8 years/100,000 miles.
Continued below ...
Initial Impressions: Trim and tidy
Christine: “Having tooled around with the idea of owning a smaller SUV for years, I was really looking forward to this test drive. How would the ride, performance, and hauling capability compare to my sedan situation of the past five years? And how would it fare as a daily driver?”
Scott: “I must confess, I was more than just a bit skeptical that the Mariner’s hybrid performance would match my expectations. While I knew it was Ford’s own engineering, and that they had done their homework, I’ve seen my fair share of U.S. auto manufacturers completely botch the execution of an otherwise exceptional idea. I had to wonder … would the Mariner Hybrid leave me disappointed?”
The Insider’s View: One easy-goin’ guy
Upon sliding into the 6-way adjustable driver’s seat, Christine could tell that suave Mr. Mariner and she were going to get along just fine. The stone leather interior provided an eye-catching contrast to the black clear coat exterior. Yet it wasn’t just in the smooth and modern touches—the power moon roof, navigation, 6-CD changer with Sirius Satellite Radio and the leather-wrapped wheel. It was the all-around clean-cut, attractiveness of the Mariner’s integrated interior. Everything was within arm’s reach, plus it was intuitive. From the dual-zone climate control dials to the analog gauges that had two green hybrid designations to the crowning touch of the Navigation system. With just a push of the side menu buttons, you get to choose from Map-see a bird’s eye view of your travels, Destination-choose or program GPS destinations, Media-choose AM/FM/CD/Satellite, to our favorite, Menu-the energy and fuel economy monitor (more on that intriguing option later). Plus, an accommodating 27.8 cubic feet of storage space is easy to access behind the second row-seating.
And last but certainly not least, we both favored the Mariner’s Ice Blue Lighting after-hours look too. The crisp, no-glare gauges make night driving easy-on-the eyes and hey, they’re just cockpit cool. And you won’t forget for long that your source of power is tied to clean electricity. Not with a 110-volt electrical outlet sittin’ right next to the gear shifter. Now there’s no excuse when battery juice runs low—plug that laptop or any compatible appliance right in and power up.
Fuel-ability: One gallon goes a long way
This Merc's efficient four-cylinder engine utilizes the Atkinson cycle for improved fuel economy. When combined with the electric motor, it gives a satisfying 124 lb.-ft. of torque that’ll do zero to sixty with a feel comparable to a 200 horsepower V6, according to Ford—and we agree. The regenerative braking keeps the battery pack recharged by recapturing the lost energy while braking and coasting. Whenever the brakes are applied or the accelerator is released for a few seconds, the Mariner’s electric motor works as a generator, capturing lost kinetic energy and then storing it in the battery pack.
We found that we could occasionally cruise around town in the 20-25 mph range in electric vehicle (EV) mode. Any faster than 25 to 30 mph though—or when approaching a hill—and the efficient engine will kick on, quickly and practically unnoticeably.
The key to knowing what’s happening under Mr. Mariner's hood is to view the all-telling Energy Monitor, part of the Navigation System, which provides a detailed power diagram of each mode: charging HV battery, electric drive, hybrid drive, and engine only.
Next page: Motion potion, the Enviro-meter, Rebate & Credit Run-down, Pros and Cons