The Mercury Mariner got more horsepower and a new transmission for 2009.
For 2008, Ford's identity-challenged brand spruced up its compact SUV, giving it a revised exterior, refreshed interior, and more standard equipment. For 2009, a 171-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder replaces a 153-horsepower 2.5-liter unit. V6 models also get 40 extra horsepower this year from a revised 240-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 engine. Both are paired with a new 6-speed automatic transmission. Will spiffed-up styling and an improved powertrain be enough, however, to make Mariner a viable choice amid stiff competition in this crowded class?
Consumer Guide plans to put Mariner to the test during its three-month stay in our extended-use parking lot. Long-term testers stay with us for three months to a year and give us a chance to evaluate the vehicle's everyday drivability and real-world fuel economy. Our eight editors will take turns behind the wheel, driving Mariner through bad weather, commute through even worse traffic, and transporting all varieties of passengers and cargo. We'll figure out if Mariner's improvements tip the scales in its favor and if compact SUV benchmarks like CR-V and RAV4 have anything to worry about.
About CG's Test 2009 Mercury Mariner
Consumer Guide's test 2009 Mariner is an all-wheel drive Premier model. Power comes from a revised 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that makes 171 horsepower this year, an increase of 18 horsepower. The new 6-speed automatic replaces a 4-speed.
The EPA rates Mariner's fuel economy at 19 mpg city/25 mpg highway for 4-cylinder models. So far, our editors are averaging around 23.1 mpg in a mix of city and highway driving.
Creature Comforts and Safety Equipment
Our AWD Premier model comes standard with safety features like traction control, dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock brakes, and an antiskid system with rollover sensors.
Other standard amenities include leather/alcantara upholstery, six-way power driver seat with lumbar adjustment, in-dash six-disc CD/MP3 changer with satellite radio and an iPod adapter, a wireless cell phone link with voice recognition, automatic headlights, a roof rack, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with radio controls, and remote keyless entry with keypad entry for a base price of $25,790.
Our tester is optioned with 17-inch painted aluminum wheels, Heated Package (power heated mirrors and heated front seats), Moon/Tune Elite Discount Package (power moonroof w/shade and mini-overhead console w/map light), Rear Cargo Convenience Package (interior cargo management system and retractable cargo cover), Navigation System including Audiophile sound system, and Amenities Package Elite (dual automatic temperature control and reverse-sensing system).
After adding $5,610 of optional equipment, our test Mercury Mariner Premier's as-tested price is $31,400.
Initial Impressions
Mariner impresses with nice-for-the class convenience features like separate-opening tailgate glass that eases small package loading and Ford's new Easy Fuel capless fuel filler. It allows owners to fill the tank without having to remove the gas cap.
Mariner's new powertrain is also drawing compliments. The boosted 4-cylinder and new 6-speed automatic are a solid pair and provide alert shifts, smooth power, and decent fuel economy. Some testers even question the need for V6 power when this 4 is almost always enough.
However, other faults that plagued older versions of Mariner haven't really been addressed for 2009. While the powertrain is improved, the engine's noise is disappointing to some testers. It's coarse sounding at idle and the loud exhaust note intrudes both around town and on the highway. Another gripe is this SUV's age. While it did get a facelift for 2008, it is still using a 2005 platform. To many, Mariner's basic design feels dated compared to the competition.
One main sticking point for some editors is our test Mariner's price. At $31,400, this tester is well equipped, but cheap-feeling plastic interior bits suggest a much less expensive vehicle. Also, after the $30K mark is crossed, many competitors offer V6 power for that price range. All agree, however, that Mariner can still be a decent value if judiciously optioned.
Stay tuned as we spend more time in and log more miles on our long-term 2009 Mercury Mariner.
The 2009 Mercury Mariner joins Consumer Guide's extended-use test fleet for three months.
