2008 Mercury Mariner

The Mercury Mariner, like its Ford Escape sibling, received a significant redesign for the 2008 model year, including all-new sheetmetal. The 2008 Mariner Hybrid, billed by Ford (along with the Escape and Mazda Tribute Hybrids) as the most fuel-efficient SUV on the market, got the same makeover.

Mercury's lone hybrid offering is powered by a modified version of Ford's 2.3L four that runs on the Atkinson cycle rather than the traditional Otto cycle. The Atkinson cycle features a longer power than compression stroke, sacrificing power for greater efficiency - a process popular in hybrid applications. In the Mariner Hybrid, the engine makes 133 hp and 124 lb-ft of torque, compared with 153 hp and 152 lb-ft in the gasoline-only four-cylinder Mariner. Mated to the engine are a 70 kw electric motor and a continuously variable transmission. A regenerative braking system is included. The Mariner Hybrid can reach speeds of up to 25 mph on electric power alone and the engine shuts off during coasting.

The Mariner Hybrid is equipped comparably with the loaded Mariner Premium, though it retains the lower model's cloth upholstery instead of the Premium's leather and rear backup sensors are an option. Standard equipment includes four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, (non-hybrid Mariners have drum brakes in the back), automatic headlights, auto-dim rearview mirror, six-way power driver's seat, illuminated vanity mirrors in the visors, dual-zone climate control, and a six-disc CD changer. It's also the only Mariner available with a 110V power outlet. All Mariners come with dual front airbags, driver and front passenger side airbags, and front and rear side curtain airbags.

The FWD Mariner Hybrid starts at $28,845, with the 4WD starting at $30,615 including a $695 destination fee. The latter carries a significant fuel economy hit as well, achieving 29/27 mpg city/highway instead of the FWD model's 34/30 mpg city/highway. The Hybrid is equipped comparatively with the V-6-powered Mariner Premium, which starts at $25,170 for the FWD model, rated at 18/24 mpg city/highway and $26,940 for the AWD model, rated at 17/22 mpg city/highway. Using combined ratings, it will take about 50,000 miles for the FWD hybrid to recoup its premium, with the 4WD model needing about 55,000 miles with gas at $4/gallon.

For 2009, the Mariner Hybrid will receive a 2.5L four-cylinder Atkinson cycle engine making 153 hp and 136 lb-ft of torque, a recalibrated engine processor for smoother transitions between gas and electric mode, a new powertrain-damping system that reduces vibrations and feedback, a refined braking system, and a slightly modified front fascia that along with new rear tire spoilers helps slightly improve aerodynamics, according to the automaker. Ford's popular SYNC system will be available as well.