2007 Mercury Mariner: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Mariner is a luxury-trimmed version of the Ford Escape. It comes in gasoline and gas/electric-hybrid versions. Conventional gas-engine Mariners are the 153-hp 4-cyl Convenience model and the 200-hp V6 Luxury and Premier models. These have a 4-speed automatic transmission and offer front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive that lacks low-range gearing. The Hybrid model has AWD and teams a 4-cyl gas engine with a battery-powered electric motor. It requires no plug-in charging and uses a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Mariner's hybrid system automatically runs on one or both power sources to balance acceleration and fuel economy. All Mariners include ABS; Hybrids and AWD V6s have 4-wheel disc brakes. Rear obstacle detection, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags with rollover deployment are standard on Premier, optional otherwise. Exclusive to the Hybrid is an optional navigation system with screen displays for power flow and fuel economy. Mariner's performance and accommodations mirror those of comparably equipped Escapes.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Among utility vehicles, Compact SUVs are typically the least costly and offer the best fuel economy. Most utilize a car-type chassis and are not designed for heavy-duty, off-road use. Nearly all are five-passenger vehicles.

Our Best Buys include the Honda CR-V and Suzuki Grand Vitara. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, and Toyota RAV4.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Acura RDX, Honda CR-V, Jeep Compass, Jeep Patriot, Jeep Wrangler, and Mitsubishi Outlander.