NOTE: Pricing based on data collected August 2009. Costs of hybridization and forced features are UCS estimates based on information available on manufacturer websites.
See full Hybrid Scorecard methodology
Vehicle Summary
Mercury first introduced the Mariner Hybrid in model year 2006 as an upscale version of the Ford Escape Hybrid. The midsize SUV seats five people and the 2009 front-wheel-drive (FWD) model gets a combined EPA estimated fuel economy of 32 mpg. It is a full hybrid, offering electric-only operation under certain conditions, idle stop/start, power assist, and regenerative braking.
Environmental Score
The Mariner Hybrid FWD achieves a 28 percent reduction in global warming emissions compared with the conventional Mariner. This matches the performance of its sister vehicles, the Ford Escape Hybrid FWD and Mazda Tribute Hybrid FWD, and is significantly better than the other compact SUV on the market that carries a hybrid label, the Saturn Vue Hybrid, which gets only a 21 percent reduction. The Vue Hybrid earns an EPA air pollution score of just 6 out of 10 for smog-forming emissions, whereas the Mariner Hybrid FWD merits an impressive 9.5. This solid overall performance earns the Mariner Hybrid FWD an Environmental Score of 7.4.
Scorecard Environmental Score methodology
Hybrid Value
This “upscale” version of the Escape Hybrid also slightly upscales the price of going hybrid with a hybrid system cost of $6,180, compared with the Escape Hybrid FWD’s $5,795. Its good Environmental Score balances the cost increase, giving the Mariner Hybrid FWD a “Medium” ranking on the Hybrid Value scale.
Scorecard Hybrid Value methodology
Forced Features
The Mariner Hybrid FWD contains approximately $1,260 worth of features that are not standard on the conventional Mariner FWD, giving the Mariner Hybrid FWD a Forced Features rating of “$.” Interestingly enough, that is nearly $1,000 less than the forced features on the Escape Hybrid, mainly due to the fact that the base model Mariner comes standard with more upgraded features than the base model Escape. Sample forced features in the Mariner Hybrid FWD include SIRIUS Satellite Radio; SYNC® in-car voice-activated communications and entertainment system; and dual-zone automatic temperature control. Click to see full list of forced features.
Scorecard Forced Features methodology
Hybrid Scorecard Home
Additional Info
Visit the Who’s Got Hybrids section to read comments and stories from actual hybrid owners.
Visit the Reviews page to see what popular automotive websites think of this hybrid.
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