2010 Mercury Mariner Hybrid Review

Overview

Mariner Hybrid has earned the distinction of being America's most fuel-efficient and environmentally-friendly SUVs with EPA-estimated 34 city/31 highway mpg. It offers the convenience of a compact crossover SUV in sophisticated way without sacrificing too much in the name of fuel efficiency and environmental responsibility. For 2010, the Mariner Hybrid gets a new driver-side mirror which improves the driver's ability to check the vehicle's blind spot. A few new options include rearview camera, an automatic parallel-parking "Auto Park" feature and MyKey which allows parents to limit speed and audio volume for their teen drivers.

Power and performance

Under the hood is a hybrid powerplant that combines a gas engine and two electric motors/generators. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine works with the permanent-magnet electric motors to provide 177 horsepower. The powertrain also features a smooth-shifting, electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission (eCVT). Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional on the Mariner Hybrid. This gas-electric combination has an EPA-estimated at 34/31 mpg (city/highway) for front-wheel drive models and 30/27 mpg (city/highway) for 4-wheel drive models.

Body and styling

The 2010 Mercury Mariner Hybrid is a compact crossover front- or all-wheel driven SUV. Its standard 16-inch 5-spoke aluminum wheels, full power accessories, a power driver seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel with tilt, cruise and secondary audio controls, wood-grain interior trim, integrated blind spot mirrors, MyKey parental settings, the Sync electronics interface and a four-speaker stereo with CD player, auxiliary audio jack, satellite radio and steering-wheel controls. The Hybrid Premium and Leather Trim packages are available.

Safety Features

The Personal Safety System includes dual-stage front airbags, front safety belt pretensioners and load-limiting retractors, front safety-belt usage sensors, driver seat position sensor and crash severity sensor. The Dynamic Side-Impact Airbag Package with front seat-mounted side airbags, Safety Canopy system with side curtain airbags and a rollover sensor, Lower Anchors and Tether anchors for CHildren (LATCH), 4-Wheel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control (RSC), SecuriLock passive anti-theft system, and SecuriCode Keyless Entry Keypad and are standard.