PROS
Nearly seamless hybrid system, Generous passenger and cargo room, Good fuel economy
CONSTiny audio controls, Too much tire noise
Best of both worlds
Ford's Mercury brand introduced its first compact sport-utility vehicle back in 2005. Called Mariner, it was a clone of the Ford Escape and Mazda Tribute. For 2006, Mercury added a hybrid version of the Mariner, aptly dubbed Mariner Hybrid.
Mariner competes with vehicles like the Honda CR-V, Saturn VUE, and Toyota RAV4. It comes only as a 4-door wagon with front or all-wheel drive. The base engine is a 153-horsepower 2.3-liter 4-cylinder. Also available is a 200-horsepower 3.0-liter V6. Both of these engines come with a 4-speed automatic transmission.
The Mariner's hybrid powertrain comes courtesy of Toyota and is similar to the system is used in the Toyota Prius. It mates a 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce a combined output of 155 horsepower. Like the Prius, the engine and two electric motors meet in a unique continuously variable automatic transmission that transfers power to all four wheels.
Vehicle Tested |
2006 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
Base Price: $29,225
As-Tested Price: $33,635
Built in USA.OptionsPremium Package
Engine: DOHC 2.3-liter 4-cylinder w/electric motor
Transmission: CVT automatic
Drive Wheels: all-wheel drive |
Mariner is considered a "full" hybrid because it can operate in electric, gas-electric, or gas-only mode. In addition, the gas engine can shut off at stoplights to reduce fuel consumption in urban driving. The Mariner Hybrid does not need to be plugged in because the electric motors charge the batteries when the vehicle is coasting.All Mariners models include antilock brakes. Curtain side airbags are optional. Stability control is not available. Standard on Hybrid models is a navigation system with a small video screen that also displays power flow and fuel-economy information.
Get up and Go
Mariner Hybrid will accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a tick under 9 seconds. The hybrid powertrain jumps off the line, then pauses for a second while the gas engine catches its breath and rises to its peak output at around 6000 rpm. At that point acceleration is comparable to most V6-powered compact SUVs.
Like many other hybrids, the engine on the Mariner hybrid shuts off at stoplights to save fuel. Then, as the light turns green and the driver switches from brake to accelerator, the electric motors drive the vehicle forward. As speed increases or when power demand exceeds the electric motors' capability, the gas engine kicks in to provide additional power.
Other than a slight shudder from the 4-cylinder as it starts up, the hybrid powertrain is seamless in operation. Like the 4-cylinder engines in most compact SUVs, the Mariner Hybrid's grows coarse in hard acceleration, but smoothes out nominal buzz when cruising. According to the EPA, the Mariner Hybrid rates 33 mpg in city driving and 29 mpg in highway driving. That compares favorably to the 4-cylinder Mariner's EPA rating of 21 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. In real-world driving, Mariner Hybrid should average about 27 mpg. Ford recommends regular-grade fuel on all Mariner models.
On the Road
For a compact Sport-utility vehicle, Mariner strikes a good balance between ride comfort and handling prowess. The ride can grow choppy on rough roads and Mariner doesn't match the sporting moves of a typical midsize sedan.
The fully independent suspension and 16-inch wheels do a good job of filtering minor pavement imperfections. However, the ride grows busy on concrete surfaces and can get downright bouncy on rough roads.
On the flip side, Mariner is fun to drive on twisty road and never feels "tippy." There's reasonable body roll in tight turns and above-average grip from the tires. Steering is both firm and direct. Brakes have adequate stopping power and good pedal feel.Cabin noise levels are also comparable to other 4-cylinder-powered compact sport-utility vehicles. The 4-cylinder engine is a bit coarse under acceleration and it takes a while for driver's to get used to the seamless power delivery of the continuously variable transmission. Wind noise isn't intrusive, but tire thrum on coarse pavement grows annoying.
Behind the WheelDespite offering all-wheel drive, Mariner's ride height isn't imposing and the large door openings and chair-like seats make it easy to get in and out. Front-seat occupants will find ample head and leg room and firm seats. The buckets don't offer a lot of lateral support, but are comfortable on long drives. Visibility is excellent to all directions and the available rear-obstacle detection system is a nice offering on a compact sport-utility vehicle.
Rear-seat room is better than the class norm. The rear bench seat is adequately supportive and well cushioned. Three adults can fit in a pinch, but two is the comfortable limit. Head and leg room are good--even with the front seats all the way back--and foot space is aided by a flat floor.
The upscale interior of the Mariner Hybrid features woodgrain, chrome, and aluminum accents that help set it apart from the rest of the compact sport-utility class. Gauges are easy to read day or night. Three simple-to-operate dials control the heating and air conditioning.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results, 2006 Mercury Mariner Hybrid |
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 stars |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 stars |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 stars |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 5 stars |
| Rollover Resistance | NA |
Audio controls are combined with the navigation system. It's a bad marriage as the display screen is too small and the buttons are tiny and not clearly marked. Behind the rear seats is a generous cargo area. There's also a convenient double-opening rear hatch. For loading small items, the rear glass can be opened. For loading larger items, the entire tailgate can be opened. Folding the split-rear seats requires removing the headrests and tilting the seat bottom. Cabin storage is adequate for the class.
Bottom LineHybrid or not, Mariner is a competitive compact sport-utility vehicle. It offers a fine blend of ride comfort and handling, good interior room, and loads of cargo versatility. It may not be the least-expensive or the newest kid on the block, but it certainly well worth considering.
At as as-tested price of $33,635, Mariner Hybrid hardly makes sense for the value-conscious shopper. It would take nearly a decade for buyers to recoup the $4,000 initial-cost difference between a Mariner Hybrid and conventional Mariner in Luxury trim on fuel savings alone. Still, buying a hybrid isn't about saving money. It's about reducing U.S. dependence on foreign oil and making a statement to the government and automakers.