Mercury Mariner Hybrid

For 2009 Mercury’s Mariner receives considerable improvements, making it one of the more desirable SUVs in its segment.

A new powertrain lineup, with a more powerful and fuel-efficient 2.5-liter I-4 engine and a new six-speed automatic transmission, leads the list of enhancements for 2009.

While I prefer the V-6-powered Mariner over the whiny four-cylinder model, Mariner’s new six-speed automatic transmission, refined aerodynamics and low-rolling-resistance Michelin tires help improve fuel economy while contributing to a quieter cabin.

Slip inside Mariner’s inviting interior and you’ll be delighted with its comfortable and spacious cabin.

Aside from a small amount of cheap-looking plastic on the dashboard and doors, Mariner’s cabin features seats that are luxurious and extremely comfortable. My only complaint is that the rear seats feature headrests that obstruct rear visibility, and the headrests must be removed before the rear seatbacks can be folded down.

Other than that, Mariner’s versatile cabin offers much to like. I especially enjoyed the optional navigation radio with traffic information and newly available SYNC system. SYNC links your Bluetooth phone to the vehicle, and it’s by far the best system out there.

If you’re unfamiliar with everything SYNC can do, you owe it to yourself to stop by your local Ford or Mercury dealership for a proper demonstration.



I also liked the available ambient lighting system that allows drivers to select one of seven different cool colors for the floor, cup holders and underneath the center pod area. It would be even better if the dashboard lighting could be changed, too.

Powering the Mariner is either a 2.5-liter I-4 or 3.0-liter V-6 engine. The four-cylinder makes 171-horsepower, but I found it a tad too noisy for my liking.




I’d recommend the V-6. It delivers an impressive 240 horsepower and offers remarkable fuel economy, even as a four-wheel-drive model. My 2009 Mercury Mariner Premier V-6 4WD tester (rated at 17/24) delivered almost 25 mpg while driving across town on Interstate 294.

I also like Mariner’s new capless refueling. There’s no gas cap. It’s just like NASCAR. The fuel fill neck has a valve that is automatically opened when you insert the fuel nozzle. Anyone who’s ever lost a gas cap or didn’t get it tightened properly will appreciate that.



The 2009 Mercury Mariner’s ride is much more refined than previous models. It doesn’t rival the ride provided by larger SUVs, but still, I was impressed.

The ride is smooth, confident, and pleasing. The electric-assist steering system, though, provides a bit too much assist for my liking. A little less assist would be favored by me. I also would like it if Mariner, like other SUVs, featured rear disc brakes instead of drum type.

Still, anyone shopping for a compact SUV should take Mariner for a ride. I think you’ll be surprised with how likable it is and how well it compares to the competition.


2009 MERCURY MARINER PREMIER 4WD

ENGINE: 240-horsepower 3.0-liter V-6

TRANSMISSION: six-speed automatic

DRIVETRAIN: four-wheel drive

ECONOMY: 17 city/24 highway

BASE PRICE: $26,790

AS TESTED: $32,400 (including $695 for destination)
Gallery: 2009 Mercury Mariner Hybrid