Acceleration

Premier	AWD Premier	AWD Hybrid	Class Average
5	5	4	4.5

Mercury says most Mariners sold are Luxury and Premier. Their V6 has good power for most situations--even with AWD, which adds only 150-160 lb. Test AWD V6s timed 8.9 sec 0-60 mph. Experience with test Escapes shows 4-cyl performance only adequate at best. Automatic transmission generally smooth, but sometimes hesitates to downshift for passing. FWD Escape Hybrid took 9.6 sec 0-60, but felt stronger, as did test AWD Mariner Hybrid. Gas-electric operation generally smooth, though transitions between gas and electric power sources can be abrupt.

Fuel Economy

Premier	AWD Premier	AWD Hybrid	Class Average
5	5	7	4.9

Test AWD Premier averaged 16.3 mpg in mostly city driving, 19.3 in more-balanced city/highway use. Test AWD Hybrids averaged 24.8-28.8 mpg. All models use regular-grade fuel. Hybrid's fuel tank holds 15 gal vs. 16.5 on other models.

Ride Quality

Premier	AWD Premier	AWD Hybrid	Class Average
5	5	5	4.7

Mariners include 16-inch tires like all Tributes and most Escapes, but have slightly softer suspension. Ride is thus a tad more absorbent, with less impact harshness. The tradeoff is a touch more float over high-speed dips and swells, though it's not severe.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Premier	AWD Premier	AWD Hybrid	Class Average
5	5	5	4.7

As pleasant and poised on-road as Escape and Tribute, with moderate cornering lean, good balance, and firm, direct steering. Braking power good, but some testers say emergency stops induce too much nosedive.

Quietness

Premier	AWD Premier	AWD Hybrid	Class Average
5	5	5	4.1

Engines fairly raucous at high rpm--Hybrid included--but quiet enough at normal highway speeds. Wind rush marked from around 60 mph, mostly from door mirrors. Coarse-pavement tire thrum audible but not irksome. Some testers feel Mariners and Tributes are slightly quieter overall than Escapes.

Controls

Premier	AWD Premier	AWD Hybrid	Class Average
6	6	5	5.6

Chrome, aluminum-finish and woodgrain accents nicely dress up mostly well-designed dashboard shared with Escape and Tribute. But Hybrid's available navigation system suffers small screen and controls that compromise its usefulness. Heated leather seats available for Luxury and Hybrid; Premieres come with heated seats and smart two-tone leather/faux-suede upholstery. Interior materials, general workmanship above average for class.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Premier	AWD Premier	AWD Hybrid	Class Average
6	6	6	5.8

Adult-size leg and head room, but optional sunroof trims head clearance for tall occupants. Some testers find seats flat, unsupportive for long-distance driving. Fine all-around visibility. No-strain entry/exit.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Premier	AWD Premier	AWD Hybrid	Class Average
5	5	5	4.6

Knee and foot room above the class norm, helped by flat floor. Supportive, well-contoured seat is wide enough for short-trip 3-adult comfort. Entry/exit a bit constricted, but OK. Note that rear DVD entertainment is available for Tribute, but not Mariner or Escape.

Cargo Room

Premier	AWD Premier	AWD Hybrid	Class Average
8	8	8	7.3

Generous space enhanced by low-level load deck, convenient separate-opening tailgate glass. Rear seatbacks fold flat once headrests are off and seat bottoms tilted up or removed. Cabin storage OK fore, poor aft.

Value within Class

Premier	AWD Premier	AWD Hybrid	Class Average
8	9	7	6.3

Despite higher sticker prices than its cousins, Mariner is a Best Buy. The extra dollars mainly buy more-upscale trim, a little extra sound insulation, and a slightly more-compliant ride. Hybrids command an additional premium that may take years to offset in fuel savings. But the value consideration must also take into account the hybrid system's exhaust-emissions benefits. Whatever the name, these compact SUVs are very likable, especially with their frequent discounts.

Total Score

Premier	AWD Premier	AWD Hybrid	Class Average
58	59	57	52.5

Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		29
Average Score		52
High Score		62