2010 Mercury Mariner Hybrid

• Overall
• Prices
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability
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Interior - What the Auto Press Says

Reviewers have positive things to say about the Mariner Hybrid's interior, which was redesigned in 2008. Many test drivers note its spacious seating and stylish use of materials and color treatments. However, a few still find the quality of materials disappointing.

• "Thoroughly unremarkable on the whole, Mariner's interior is awash in hard, hollow plastics. Two-tone decor helps improve things a bit. The overall ambiance is low-buck, a shame given Mariner's price and upscale aspiration." -- Consumer Guide
• "Inside, eco folks can drool over the nickel-metal-hydride battery tucked beneath the cargo area, and drivers who are merely seeking best city mileage can admire the luxe seating, layout and gadgetry." -- Environmental News Network
• "The interior of the Mariner is greatly improved over what it was a couple of years ago, but there is still some evidence of cost-cutting, notably the cheap-looking plastic vent covers. Still, the overall look and feel of the interior is quite nice." -- Automobile Magazine

Seating

The 2010 Mariner Hybrid's seats are comfortable enough for most.

• Ford also does a solid job of keeping the driver comfortable with leather seating surfaces with good lateral support, a thick, comfortable leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a cushy resting place for our right arm." -- Autoblog
• "Knee clearance and foot space [in rear] are well above the class norm, helped by a flat floor. The supportive and well-contoured seat is wide enough for short-trip three-adult comfort. Entry and exit are constricted somewhat by smallish door openings." -- Consumer Guide

Interior Features

Reviewers find the Mariner Hybrid especially well-equipped and luxurious for its affordable price.

• "The climate controls are simple to use. The available navigation system absorbs most audio functions. Some simple adjustments are needlessly complicated, requiring multiple button and/or touch screen presses. Steering-wheel audio controls and voice command via Ford's Sync system helps." -- Consumer Guide
• "Sync is standard on all Mariner Hybrid models, and Sirius Satellite Radio is optional after an initial six-month subscription. The optional navigation system with a 6.5-inch screen can also play DVDs, and a 330-watt stereo with a six-disc CD changer is included in the navigation package." -- Cars.com
• "Inside, the Mariner Hybrid, which seats five passengers in two rows, retains such standard features as a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat, dual-zone automatic temperature control, power windows, a 60/40 split rear seat, ice-blue interior lighting, and an AM/FM audio system with an MP3 input jack and a satellite-ready 6-CD in-dash changer." -- Car Gurus
• "On the inside, the Mariner had plenty of interesting features that should help make the daily drive more palatable. To begin with, Ford's new Travel Link navigation system is incredible. You can check sports scores, weather, gas station information, and movie theater times with minimum navigation." -- Autoblog

Cargo

The Mariner Hybrid boasts ample cargo capacity -- 27.8 cubic feet (1.4 less than the non-hybrid Mariner) and a respectable 66 cubic feet with the rear seats folded (only 0.3 less than the non-hybrid Mariner). However, folding the rear seat to increase space can be a chore.

• "Generous space is enhanced by a low-level load deck and convenient opening tailgate glass. The rear seatbacks do not fold flat, however. Cabin small-item storage is plentiful and includes several console bins, as well as pockets in all four doors." -- Consumer Guide
• "Storage space behind the second row is less than spectacular, and folding the back row completely flat into the floor requires that removal of the headrests. That's problematic because of the amount of effort it takes to get them off, but more importantly, there are a lot of people that will remove the head rests and forget to replace them when they put the seats back into the upright position." -- Autoblog