2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid

Higher Fuel Economy Without Compromises

The Mercury Mariner Hybrid is just as practical and versatile as any compact SUV, but it gets superior fuel economy.

Rolling silently along in city traffic powered solely by an electric drive motor, the Mercury Mariner Hybrid is eerily quiet. A light touch on the accelerator maintains the pace well above 25 mph and boosts in-town fuel economy into the mid-30 miles per gallon range. What’s surprising is that this isn’t a space-age commuter car we are driving, but a very functional all-wheel-drive midsize SUV.

The Mercury Mariner Hybrid is an upscale cousin of the Ford Escape Hybrid. Mechanically, the two are identical. You can buy the Escape in either front- or all-wheel-drive versions; the Mariner is offered only with all-wheel drive. The Mercury, however, is aimed at more-affluent consumers, with tasteful and refined styling that sets it apart from rugged-looking SUVs.

The Mariner Hybrid is quite economical to operate. It’s a full-hybrid, meaning power can come from either the four-cylinder gasoline engine, the electric drive motor or a combination of the two. 

Mercury introduced the Mariner Hybrid in 2006. The 2007 model went unchanged, but the 2008 gets styling updates. There won’t be many mechanical changes for 2008, though.

The functional, four-door body style is offered in one trim level that comes well equipped. There are luxury-oriented options for those who like them, including heated, leather seats, a moonroof and navigation system.

Exterior

From the distinctive Mercury grille to the brushed-aluminum trim outside and rich, dark wood interior trim inside, the Mariner Hybrid won’t embarrass when you hand the keys off to a valet at a club or five-star hotel. The Mariner Hybrid is tastefully styled, without the excess that can sometimes occur when designers attempt to lend a more-luxurious look to an existing platform. Overall fit and finish are quite good on this model.

Surprisingly, this hybrid offers a sporty-looking stance thanks in part to its 16-inch, five spoke alloy wheels with beefy tires instead of the low roll-resistance skinny tires many hybrids offer. Though wide, the Mariner’s tires do, in fact, have low rolling resistance to maximize fuel economy.

Only “Hybrid” badges on the front fenders and tailgate distinguish the Mariner Hybrid from its gasoline-only counterparts, so those who want the world to know they drive green might find this hybrid lacking.

Interior

Seating for five passengers and ample cargo space make the Mercury Mariner Hybrid ideal for most missions. The rear seat is a 60/40-split bench that folds forward to produce a large cargo hold. Taller rear passengers may find legroom lacking, but most will find the backseat comfortable for two adults, three in a pinch. However, as a compact SUV the Mariner isn’t for big families or those who need to haul really large and heavy loads.

Cloth seats come standard, but you can upgrade to leather as either a stand-alone option or as part of the Premium Package.

The driver has a commanding view of the road with an upright seating position and good visability in all directions. The front seats are comfortable, but the standard cloth seats could be more supportive for longer trips.

Overall, the interior layout is straightforward and logical. This is a very user-friendly cabin that doesn’t require a steep learning curve. Even the optional in-dash navigation system is easy to master.

The navigation system’s LCD screen doubles as an information center for hybrid functions to graphically illustrate whether the system is operating on the gas engine, electric drive, a combination of both or recharging during braking. It also offers a fuel computer with an instant fuel-economy bar graph and 15-minute average to coach an economical driving style.