2009 Mercury Mariner: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

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, which replaces a 4-speed automatic. 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.

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; some offer seating for seven.

Our Best Buys are the Honda CR-V, Suzuki Grand Vitara, and Volkswagen Tiguan. Our Recommended picks are the Saturn Vue and Toyota RAV4.

New or significantly redesigned models include the GMC Terrain, Subaru Forester, and Volkswagen Tiguan.