2010 Mercury Mariner

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

Interior - What the Auto Press Says

The Mercury Mariner's cabin stands out for its innovative storage capabilities and relatively comfortable seats. However, reviewers have mixed opinions on the quality of materials.

• "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. Our extended-use test vehicle has some misaligned trim on the front-passenger door." -- Consumer Guide
• "The interior has been updated with features that help reduce road and wind noise, including a redesigned windshield, thicker floor carpet, a sound-insulating headliner and thicker side windows." -- Cars.com

Seating

While reviewers love the Mariner's front-row seats, the rear isn't quite as comfortable. It's also difficult to fold down -- a major problem if you need to expand cargo space.

• "While the front seats are nicely shaped and supportive, the rear seat is as flat as a day-old soda and offers neither a recline function nor fore/aft adjustability. To make matters worse, it's a pain to fold the rear seat down, as the headrests must be removed and the bottom cushions tipped forward before the seatbacks can be flipped down." -- Edmunds
• "The supportive and well-contoured [rear] seat is wide enough for short-trip three-adult comfort. Entry and exit are constricted somewhat by smallish door openings." -- Consumer Guide

Interior Features

The Mariner is becoming more well-equipped as Mercury continues to add standard and optional features. A high-tech highlight is Ford's SYNC infotainment system.

• "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
• "Ford's Sync system and Sirius Satellite Radio are standard on Mariner Premier and Premier V-6 trims and optional on all other models. 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. An auxiliary jack that supports MP3 players is standard on all Mariners." -- Cars.com
• "New features include Easy Fuel capless refueling, ambient lighting and standard cruise control." -- MSN
• "The first two trim levels of the Mariner, I4 and V6, are unsurprising differentiated by engine; both come standard with cloth seats, a single CD player, an MP3 input jack, and fog lamps." -- Left Lane News

Cargo

The Mariner's storage capabilities are a big plus. In fact, its center console is one of the largest in the class and features removable bins. However, a downside is that the rear seats are difficult to fold, making it a chore to expand cargo space.

• "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
• "Cargo volume stands at a useful 29 cubic feet with the rear seat in place and 66 cubic feet when that seat is folded down" -- Edmunds
• "The cargo area now features a separate 'wet' area under the floor, while the center console storage area has three levels, the lower being large enough to hold a laptop." -- Car and Driver
• "Mariner's center console has innovative space and storage solutions. The console features best-in-class volume and two removable bins with dovetail mounting points on the front passenger side or rear of the console. The medium-sized bins can be used as a trash receptacle, an extra place to put a music player, or an additional storage space for keys, sunglasses, etc." -- The Auto Channel