If you stop by a Ford / Mazda / Mercury dealership you might find a few Escape and Tribute Hybrids, but you will need some luck to find a Mariner Hybrid. Mercury didn’t produce a lot of these vehicles, so you will probably need to order one.

The 2005 Mariner Hybrid wasn’t a huge success, but then General Motors realized if you want to sell a high-tech vehicle, you will need to equip the car high-tech gadgets. But to be honest, Mercury vastly improved its Mariner over the previous versions, but the most cutting-edge tech feature this vehicle offers is still the hybrid engine.

Mercury Mariner Hybrid

Although the Mariner Hybrid shares the same basic structure, seating configuration, cabin electronics and hybrid power train as the Ford Escape Hybrid and the Mazda Tribute Hybrid, the Mercury manages to presents a more refined style than its siblings. It comes in two trims – the base Mariner and the top-of-the-line Premier.

The Mariner Hybrid offers a refined and attractive exterior style, an appealing interior, and overall good value along with excellent fuel economy for its class. Still, the Mariner Hybrid is not too much fun to driver and it can’t match the driving experience of its competitors.

The Mariner Hybrid offers 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, with a 133 horsepower output, coupled with a 70 kilowatt electric motor. Once you exceed the 25 mph mark, the gasoline engine kicks in. The only transmission available in the Mariner Hybrid is an electric continuously variable transmission (CVT).

The Mariner Hybrid usually gets good reviews on its interior and safety features. The radio and cabin controls are updated and are much more easier to use. The Mariner features a dual-zone climate control and a stereo system that is able to play MP3. The navigation system, satellite radio, heated leather seats are on the option list.

Mercury Mariner Hybrid – Excellent Value Here"

If you want to buy an SUV, but feel guilty to buy a gas-guzzler, the Mercury Mariner Hybrid is the perfect choice. "It’s a buy, even with the nickel metal hydride batteries that are likely to be made obsolete by lithium polymer batteries that will be introduced in the next few years. Compare with any compact SUV on the market. Excellent value here." – Washington Post says.

Pros:

Excellent value among contenders; great navigation and fuel economy; stylish interior and exterior; excellent safety features.

Cons:

Seats are not designed for too long drives; poor handling; not as fun to drive as its competitors.

MPG: 34 City / 30 Hwy

MSRP: $27,000