Acceleration

2WD Premier	AWD Premier	AWD Hybrid	Class Average
5	5	4	4.6

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.

2WD Escape Hybrid took 9.6 sec 0-60, but felt stronger, and its gas-electric operation was little-noticed; expect same for Mariner Hybrid.

Fuel Economy

2WD Premier	AWD Premier	AWD Hybrid	Class Average
5	5	6	5

Test AWD Premiers averaged 16.3 mpg in mostly city driving, 19.3-20.6 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

2WD Premier	AWD Premier	AWD Hybrid	Class Average
5	5	5	5

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

2WD Premier	AWD Premier	AWD Hybrid	Class Average
5	5	5	4.8

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

Quietness

2WD Premier	AWD Premier	AWD Hybrid	Class Average
5	5	5	4.5

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

2WD 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. But Hybrid's available navigation system suffers small screen and controls that compromise its usefulness. Heated leather seats available for Luxury and Hybrid; Premiers come with heated seats and two-tone leather/faux-suede upholstery. Interior materials, general workmanship above average for class.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2WD Premier	AWD Premier	AWD Hybrid	Class Average
6	6	6	6.1

Adult-size head and leg 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)

2WD Premier	AWD Premier	AWD Hybrid	Class Average
5	5	5	4.8

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

Cargo Room

2WD Premier	AWD Premier	AWD Hybrid	Class Average
8	8	8	7.2

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

Value within Class

2WD Premier	AWD Premier	AWD Hybrid	Class Average
5	6	5	5.5

Despite higher base prices than its Ford cousin, Mariner is worth considering. The extra dollars bring 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 likable enough, especially with their frequent discounts.

Total Score

2WD Premier	AWD Premier	AWD Hybrid	Class Average
55	56	54	53.1

Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		36
Average Score		53
High Score		60