2010 Mercury Mariner Hybrid

• Overall
• Prices
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability
• Photos & Videos

Performance - What the Auto Press Says

The Mercury Mariner Hybrid performs better than ever thanks to a new engine and other performance improvements implemented last year.

• "The 2009 Mercury Mariner Hybrid uses a new 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engine designed to run on the Atkinson combustion cycle combined with an electric motor and a new engine processor for smooth transitions between gas and electric mode."
• "It's no sports car -- or a Toyota Prius, for that matter -- and the hybrid side of its personality still seems like a little bit of an afterthought (I drove with the lightest of all possible feet, and I rarely got the car to go full electric, despite not using any accessories or climate control), but it does its job well enough." -- Automobile Magazine
• "Coupled with a super-smooth ride and about 34 miles per gallon while running errands around town, the Mariner Hybrid is a capable hauler that certainly outshines some of the gas-guzzling competition." -- Environmental News Network
• "All those improvements translated well out on Michigan roads, as the 2009 Mariner Hybrid was much more refined than its 2008 predecessor. The new Mariner Hybrid is quieter, the engine turn-off isn't noticable and drivers can now go up to 40 mph without having to revert to petrol-power." -- Autoblog

Acceleration and Power

Test drivers are thoroughly impressed by the Mariner Hybrid's 2.5-liter 153-horsepower four-cylinder engine, which replaced its 2.3-liter 133-horsepower engine. Fuel economy is excellent and tops the compact SUV class (along with its platform-mate, the Ford Escape Hybrid). According to the EPA, the 2009 FWD model achieves 34/31 mpg city/highway, while the 4WD model achieves 29/27.

• "I'm amazed by how seamless the transition between gasoline-engine and electric power is in the Mariner Hybrid. More than a few times I looked down to see that I was cruising at more than 30 mph and running without an internal combustion engine. I had no idea the internal-combustion engine (ice) switched off, which isn't something that can be said for all hybrid vehicles." -- Automobile Magazine
• "The new mill is essentially a bored-out version of the outgoing 2.3L, though Ford added variable intake timing to improve power and refinement. The new engine is much smoother and more powerful than the previous powerplant, though fuel economy doesn't suffer as a result." -- Autoblog

Handling and Braking

Since the implementation of a new braking system in 2009, the Mariner Hybrid's handling has improved, making for a more refined driving experience.

• "A new powertrain damping system reduces vibration and feedback to the occupants. The braking system has been refined for a seamless transition between regenerative braking and standard brake functionality." -- MSN
• "Whether the engine was on or off, we were impressed with the newly solidified drive characteristics. While the 2008 model looked the part of an all-new CUV, it sometimes felt floaty and cheap on the road, but the 2009 model has better balance and all-around improved composure on the road." -- Autoblog
• "The '09 Mariner Hybrid also receives a new brake system, which has been designed to transition seamlessly from traditional braking to regenerative braking, according to the automaker. The regenerative brakes charge the battery pack by capturing kinetic energy. In addition, a new pedal sensor improves pedal feel and gives drivers a better sense of braking power." -- Car Gurus
• "Improvements to braking mask the switch from regular to regenerative braking, which helps recharge the requisite hybrid batteries." -- Road & Travel Magazine