Mercury Mariner is a green, lean beauty
I always thought of the Mercury Mariner as an “also ran” in the smaller size SUV category.
That shows just how wrong you can be.
As the owner of a Ford Escape, I thought I’d found the perfect small sport utility vehicle.
But climbing into the Mariner I had to rethink my devotion. The Mariner is plusher, prettier, and more solid than you’d expect.
For those who worry about the environment, the Mariner does comes in a hybrid model. But the standard Mariner has plenty of green going for it too. The 240-horsepower, V-6 engine is equipped with i-VCT and ETC along with new cylinder heads, intake and exhaust cams, injectors, intake and exhaust manifolds and pistons. Not only does that give you improved gas mileage — 19 city, 25 highway for 4WD — but a breathe-easier ride.
The list doesn’t end there. Take a close look at the specs and you’ll see there are some hidden “green” extras. The seats, for example, include soy-based foam that substitutes for petroleum-based products, eco-friendly seat fabrics for 100 percent recycled materials. It also has Easy Fuel, a capless fuel filler system that prevents fumes from escaping into the environment.
» Engine: choice of I-4, 2.5-liter or V-6, 3-liter
» Transmission: 5-speed manual overdrive (XLS) or 6-speed automatic overdrive
» Mileage: FWD, I-4, 20/28 mpg; FWD, V-6,18/26 mpg; 4WD, I-4, 19/25 mpg; 4WD, v-6, 17/24 mpg
» MSRP: starting at $22,310
What’s really unexpected is the Mariner’s power. Don’t look for hesitation or sloppy braking here because you won’t feel it. Mercury credits that kick to the new power train lineup that has a more powerful and fuel-efficient 2.5-liter I-4 engine and a new six-speed automatic transmission. For you that means an 11 percent increase in power output that improves 0-60 mph acceleration by 1.7 second.
One caveat: If you’re looking for an SUV to perform in the equivalent of the automotive “Iron Man” competition, the Mariner is not for you. This is the SUV you want to drive around town while running errands with the kids. That’s not to say it won’t handle well on dirt roads and rugged terrain if you want to drive it to your next skiing or canoeing destination.
Plus you’ll have plenty of space to stash your stuff. The rear cargo area is roomy and has plenty of configuration options as well thanks in part to the 60/40 split-fold rear bench. When down, the rear cargo storage space measures 66.3 cubic feet, according to Mercury.
Just as you’d expect, the Mariner boasts the same safety technologies as the Escape including AdvanceTrac with RSC (Roll Stability Control), a Safety Canopy that offers protection for the first and second seating rows, a Tire Pressure Monitoring System, and plenty of others including an array of airbags.
With an MSRP starting at just $22,310, it’s tough to imagine a better value.
