Mercury Mariner Gasoline-Electric Hybrid SUV

It wasn’t so long ago that SUV buyers had few choices in the environmental and efficiency realm. If you wanted reasonable fuel economy, then you opted for a compact sport utility or a sedan with a four-cylinder or V-6 engine and, often enough, not enough space to go around. That’s the trade-off – mass for efficiency, interior roominess for the greater good.

Among the fundamental reasons why drivers buy SUVs is that very interior roominess. Comfortable seating for five to seven, and even up to nine in the largest of the breed, is a powerful draw for young families with two or three kids in tow and a bevy of friends that always want to tag along.

That’s why the new generation of hybrid SUVs is such a welcome relief. These vehicles seem to offer it all, or at least the features most desired, while also bringing much higher fuel economy and extremely low emissions in the bargain. The Ford Escape Hybrid blazed the way, followed by the Lexus RX 400h and Toyota Highlander Hybrid. GM SUVs with full hybrid systems will be coming soon enough, and we expect that others will follow.

Today, we can welcome another milestone gasoline-electric hybrid into the fold. Enter the Mercury Mariner Hybrid, the second hybrid model from Ford Motor Company and a sure sign this automaker intends to incorporate sophisticated hybrid technology in its various brands, starting with its popular SUVs. This introduction signals a strategic decision to also integrate hybrid power into additional vehicles more quickly than originally planned. The Mariner Hybrid is a high-profile example since it was originally slated for a market introduction in 2006 as a 2007 model, but was moved ahead a full year due to growing consumer interest in hybrids.

The stylish and upscale Mercury Mariner Hybrid is obvious kin to the Ford Escape Hybrid, but brings its own level of sophistication and distinctive design cues. Its design features clean lines and color-keyed side cladding, bumpers, and door handles for a smooth look. Notable exterior accents include a satin aluminum-finished waterfall grille and refractor headlamps above inset foglamps up front, with matching satin-finished surrounds and horizontal bars at the taillamps. Hybrid-specific design cues include unique 16-inch alloy wheels, road-and-leaf “hybrid” badges, and an air vent at the driver’s side rear-quarter window. The latter is a functional element for cooling the Mariner’s nickel-metal-hydride battery pack that’s located beneath the rear cargo floor.

This Mariner’s upscale interior includes two-tone seating and trim panels, satin aluminum and chrome accents, and woodgrain finishes. An upgrade to leather seating is available. The instrument cluster features a battery indicator that shows whether electrical current is flowing to the electric motor or to the battery during regenerative braking. An optional Hybrid Energy Audio & Navigation System graphically displays energy flow.

Power is supplied by the same hybrid powerplant found in the Escape Hybrid. It incorporates a 2.3-liter DOHC Duratec four-cylinder engine with a pair of AC electric motor-generators, featuring a combined output of 155 horsepower. Power is channeled through an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT). The SUV can drive solely on battery electric power at up to 25 mph, with the internal combustion engine taking over at higher speeds. Both electric and internal combustion power are used when greater acceleration, towing, or hill-climbing power is needed.

This hybrid vehicle does exceptionally well in the environmental arena, qualifying for California’s most stringent emission standard as an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (AT-PZEV). Importantly, it achieves 33 mpg fuel economy in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, quite a statement for an SUV and something that’s sure to be a motivator for those seeking a new and stylish, yet environmentally positive, sport utility vehicle.