2009 Mercury Mariner Hybrid: First Drive

Small SUV shows notable improvements, but the platform shows its age

Overview

We found that the Ford Escape Hybrid was the most fuel-efficient SUV available, with 26 mpg overall in our 2005 test, but that mileage came at a price. The engine was noisy, the steering lacked feedback, and electronic stability control (ESC) wasn't even offered.

Although this platform dates back to 2001, Ford continues to update rather than redesign the Escape and its twins, the Mercury Mariner and Mazda Tribute. For 2008, the nonhybrid versions were given a cosmetic makeover and standard ESC. To test the hybrid, we waited until it received ESC and a new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, for 2009. Because high demand for the Escape would delay our testing, we chose an available Mariner all-wheel-drive hybrid instead. The $32,225 base price is already fairly high, but our car's navigation system and sunroof pushed the total to a lofty $36,615—an overly ambitious price that can buy you larger or more luxurious SUVs.

Initial impressions

The Mariner Hybrid packs an efficient drivetrain into a practical package. As expected, the hybrid shares many of the attributes—and shortcomings—of the nonhybrid version.

The Mariner uses a full-hybrid system; it can propel itself on battery power alone. On flat roads, we were able to maintain 25 mph with the engine shut off. To save fuel, the gas engine shuts off at slow speeds or when the vehicle is stopped; restarts are smooth and unobtrusive. At higher speeds or when more acceleration is needed, the engine engages. Acceleration is adequate, but the Mariner Hybrid doesn't offer the performance of hybrid SUVs like the V6-powered Toyota Highlander hybrid or Lexus RX 400h. So far, we've been averaging 28 mpg in mixed driving.

A major shortcoming of the 2005 Escape hybrid we tested was excessive engine noise, an effect of the hard-working engine and the continuously variable transmission (CVT) holding it at high engine speeds during acceleration. Initial impressions are that the new 2.5-liter is quieter in routine driving, but the drivetrain can still be loud when pushed. Wind and road noise also remain relatively high—–a testament to the platform's age.

Over the years, these small SUVs fell behind in agility compared with the more nimble original versions of this platform. The electric steering, now common to all Escape variants, lacks feel, and the regenerative braking system results in a slightly stiffer and more touchy brake pedal.

Like the conventional version, the hybrid model uses space efficiently. It has good interior room, and the upright styling and seating position offer great visibility. Unfortunately, big head restraints limit the view out the large rear window. Fit and finish doesn't measure up to the high price, with cheap plastic and some ragged edges. Gauge legibility suffers from lots of reflections. The lack of a telescopic steering wheel adjustment or power seat recline are also noticeable omissions at this price.

Our Mariner has Ford's useful Sync system that allows voice control of an MP3 player and phone functions. The optional navigation system incorporates a Sirius satellite radio subscription-based service to display information such as real-time traffic, local gas prices, and movie listings. This information is handy, but the navigation system has tiny onscreen "buttons" and its small fonts are difficult to read. Fortunately, the voice recognition system works well.

CR's take

The 2009 updates bring some welcome improvements to the Mariner hybrid, but the basic design is outdated and it has a high sticker price to boot. We won't know whether this platform will retain the crown of SUV fuel-economy king until we complete our full tests.

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