The 2009 Mercury Mariner receives more powerful engines following its freshening for the 2008 model year. This compact SUV shares its basic design with the Ford Escape and Mazda Tribute. Mariner is a five-passenger, 4-door wagon with a liftgate with opening glass. Base and uplevel Premier trim levels are offered. Four-cylinder models have a 171-hp 2.5-liter engine. V6 versions have a 240-hp 3.0-liter engine. Compared to the 2008 Mariner, that's an increase of 18 hp for the 4-cylinder and 40 hp for the V6. Both engines come only with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Also offered is a Hybrid model that teams a 153-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder gas engine with a battery-powered electric motor. It requires no plug-in charging. Hybrids have a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Maximum towing capacity is 1500 lb for 4-cylinder models, 3500 lb for the V6. All Mariners are available with front-wheel drive or with all-wheel drive. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Also available are leather upholstery, heated front seats, rear obstacle detection, and a navigation system. This report is based on evaluations of the 2008 Mercury Mariner.