Hybrid SUV Reviews

The 2010 Mercury Mariner Hybrid is in most ways a re-skinned version of the successful Ford Escape Hybrid.  Both are front-wheel drive SUV’s that also offer the option of all-wheel drive for drivers who often have to deal with snowy winter roads or slick, wet pavement.  They also each offer very good cargo space for their size, with a 29 cubic foot trunk and 66 cubic feet of total usable space.  Perhaps what is most endearing about the Mariner is that like the Escape it offers real-world combined fuel economy in the neighborhood of 30 miles per gallon.

‘09 Mariner Hybrid: Bigger engine. Improved MPG. Better braking system. $3,000 federal tax credit. What’s not to like?

2009 will mark the third year of production for the Mercury Mariner hybrid and the fifth year it’s maker, Ford, has been in the business of making a greener SUV. It all started in 2004 with the Ford Escape and adding the Mercury Mariner to the list of hybrid SUVs allowed the auto giant to target two groups of SUV buyers, those who wanted something smaller and folks who needed more room and more power.

The hybrid version of the 2008 Mercury Mariner seems to have a lot going for it, and at the same time it’s stuck with several shortcomings.  A sibling of the hybrid Ford Escape and hybrid Mazda Tribute, the Mariner hybrid is the most expensive of the three - starting at around $26,000 for the two wheel drive model and about $27,500 for the all wheel drive version.  Loaded up, you should expect to shell out in the ball park of $32K.