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Mercury Mariner Hybrid - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Mercury Mariner Hybrid ranks 19 out of 26 Affordable Compact SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 21 published reviews and test drives of the Mercury Mariner Hybrid, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The Mariner Hybrid offers excellent fuel economy, elegant exterior styling and an attractive interior. Last year's model received modifications to smooth the transition between electric and engine-driven power that greatly improved performance.

"I was surprised by how long the Mariner Hybrid could go with just the electric motor running," says Mother Proof. "In nonscientific testing by me, the longest distance I could go on electricity was about half a mile on flat-ish terrain. It can go as fast as 40 mph on electric power only. The Mariner Hybrid's general performance was nothing special, but it was perfectly adequate for my day-to-day mom-driving." For 2010, the Mariner gets a rearview camera system, Active Park Assist (for parallel parking) and an integrated blind spot mirror.

The Mariner Hybrid shares the same basic structure, seating configuration and hybrid powertrain as the Ford Escape Hybrid. It comes in two trims -- the base Mariner and the top-of-the-line Premier. A gasoline-powered Mariner is reviewed separately. Since the 2009 and 2010 models are nearly identical, this review uses research from both model years.

• "Prius schmius. Sometimes, you just require a larger vehicle. When the need arises, don't hesitate to check into the new '09 Mercury Mariner Hybrid." -- Environmental News Network
• "Now, the 2009 Mercury Mariner Hybrid continues to rack up points for fuel efficiency without sacrificing roominess or creature comforts in the process." -- Road & Travel Magazine
• "If you're shopping for a cute-ute, you don't care about driving for the sake of driving, and this Mariner does everything it's supposed to do very well." -- Automobile Magazine
• "After one week in the Autoblog Garage, we're confident that the 2009 Mercury Mariner Hybrid is a more competent, more refined, and more powerful vehicle than the model it replaced. It easily achieves the fuel economy most of us would kill for, and it looks good doing it." -- Autoblog

Mariner-Hybrid Performance - 6.7 (Mediocre)

The Mercury Mariner Hybrid used to be an aging middle-of-the-pack performer in a competitive class, but improvements last year have made a big difference in driving refinement. "A new powertrain damping system reduces vibration and feedback to the occupants," says MSN. "The braking system has been refined for a seamless transition between regenerative braking and standard brake functionality. Read More

Mariner-Hybrid Exterior - 8.0 (Very Good)

The Mariner Hybrid's exterior is well-liked for its sleek elements and bright chrome waterfall grille. "The Mariner Hybrid's styling hasn't changed significantly in the past couple of years (yawn), but the updates that have occurred have made it more attractive," says Mother Proof, adding, "I especially like the taillamps that have a more blingy appearance, and the larger standard tires seem to better suit this little SUV." Read More

Mariner-Hybrid Interior - 8.4 (Very Good)

The Mariner Hybrid's cabin is praised for its storage features and stylish look, although some complaints about quality still persist. "Mariner's interior gives no hint this is a fuel-stingy, earth conscious vehicle," writes Road & Travel Magazine. "Its available navigation system, power moonroof, heated premium leather seating, reverse sensor, SIRIUS Satellite Radio availability and other high tech amenities give it a luxurious quality feel in a roomy interior with plenty of cargo space, despite the in-floor rear battery pack." Read More

Mariner-Hybrid Safety - 9.9 (Excellent)

The Mercury Mariner Hybrid performs very well in federal government crash tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety even named the 2009 gasoline-powered model a "Top Safety Pick." For 2010, the Mariner's list of safety equipment has grown substantially with the addition of several new features including Active Park Assist. Read More

Mariner-Hybrid Reliability - 7.0 (Good)

The 2010 Mercury Mariner Hybrid reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Mercury supports the Mariner with a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. Read More