MSRP: $23,310 - $29,920
Invoice: $20,773 - $26,590
MPG: 34 City / 30 Hwy
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U.S.News Scores

Overall:7.1
Performance:6.2
Exterior:7.7
Interior:7.2
Safety:9.5
Reliability:7.0
Research we analyzed for this review
Pros and Cons
  • Very good fuel economy
  • Easy-to-read navigation screen
  • Attractive exterior and interior styling
  • Excellent package of standard and optional safety features
  • Best-in-class fuel economy
  • Seats aren't overly comfortable for distance driving
  • Mediocre ride and handling for its class
  • Too new for reliability and quality projections

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Mercury Mariner-Hybrid - What the Auto Press Says

The Mariner Hybrid offers elegant, well-regarded exterior style, an attractive interior, and overall good value along with excellent fuel economy for its class. However, it can't match the driving experience and gadgets of competitors, making it one of the lower-ranked hybrid SUVs.

The 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid is a small SUV distinguished by its conservatively elegant styling and good interior comfort. But lagging performance leaves it in the bottom half of the affordable compact SUV class. For 2008, the Mariner's body and interior have been redesigned. Most are happy to see the plastic body-side cladding removed and are impressed with the versatile storage features and attractive cabin of the new interior. The fuel economy and responsiveness of the hybrid powertrain lifts the Mariner Hybrid above its non-hybrid version. While it's a bit bare-boned according to CNET, they also add, "The Outlander and CR-V have better cabin gadgets, but won't match the Mariner Hybrid for fuel economy." The reviewer continues, "In truth, the highest tech feature about the 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid is still the hybrid power train."

The Mariner Hybrid shares the same basic structure, seating configuration and hybrid power train as the Ford Escape Hybrid. It comes in two trims -- the base Mariner and the top-of-the-line Premier.

Like its platform mate, the Mariner Hybrid boasts the best fuel economy in the small SUV class.  As gas prices set records in 2008, that's sure to be on the minds of many buyers.

  • "It's a buy, even with the nickel metal hydride batteries that are likely to be made obsolete by lithium polymer batteries that will be introduced in the next few years. Compare with any compact SUV on the market. Excellent value here." -- Washington Post
  • "The hybrid comes with green leaf badges on the hatch lid and fenders, the only evidence this is something other than a regular Mariner. ... Many of those who accept the added cost premium to show they are making a contribution to energy independence would welcome a vehicle that looks as well as acts different than the gas version." -- Chicago Tribune

Mariner-Hybrid Performance - 6.2 (Mediocre)

The 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid strikes most reviewers as, at best, an aging middle-of-the-pack performer in a competitive class, though the mileage and performance provided by its well-executed hybrid system make it a worthwhile step up from the non-hybrid Mariner. The Mariner Hybrid has a four-cylinder gas engine augmented by an electric motor. According to CNET, "This hybrid system is currently the best in the business." The Mariner Hybrid may sometimes output disappointing power, but makes up for it with amazing fuel economy. Read More

Mariner-Hybrid Exterior - 7.7 (Good)

The 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid's new exterior elements and bright chrome waterfall grille put it near the top of its class for styling. Like most reviewers, Car and Driver likes the freshened exterior look of the Mariner, saying "the cladding of the former model has been removed, thankfully, for a cleaner look, though brightwork was added in equal measure." Read More

Mariner-Hybrid Interior - 7.2 (Good)

The Mariner Hybrid's cabin generally gets good reviews with its attractive, two-tone look and well-thought-out storage features, leading to a score in the top half of the class. The Chicago Tribune explains, "The compact SUV seats five and has adequate stowage space for luggage or gear," adding that nice touches include "second-row seat backs that fold flat to increase cargo capacity -- once the headrests are removed; power plugs in the dash and the back of the center console; and cell-phone/iPod holders in the top of the center console." Reviewers love the new blue lighting on the dashboard. Read More

Mariner-Hybrid Safety - 9.5 (Excellent)

The 2008 Mercury Mariner has performed well in federal government crash tests, leading to an excellent score for safety. However, the Mariner's front-seat air bags lack an important safety feature. Read More

Mariner-Hybrid Reliability - 7.0 (Good)

The 2008 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

Review Last Updated: 2/17/09