Mercury Mariner SUV Review
SUV Reviewer
The 2011 Mercury Mariner is a small SUV that offers many compromises in the automotive world. The vehicle can easily accommodate children and cargo without problems, gives the driver and passenger a higher seat that enables a clear view of the road and can confidently make its way through heavy winter storms. As compared to larger SUVs, the vehicle is easier to drive and park and offers much better fuel economy. The Mercury Mariner is an upscale sport utility vehicle with all the required features in any model that you choose.
There are four trim levels for the Mercury Mariner that depend on the engine used in the model, either a four- or six-cylinder engine. Standard features include air conditioning, auxiliary audio jack, privacy glass, audio controls mounted on the steering wheel, keyless entry and full power accessories. An upgraded model adds leather/Alcantara upholstery, parking sensors, automatic climate control with two zones, a power driver seat, rearview mirror that auto-dims, ambient interior lighting, satellite radio, and a Sync voice activation system that includes assistance with 911and provides traffic reports. Luxury options include a navigation system, front seats that are heated, an automated self-parking feature that steers the car during parallel parking, sunroof, backup camera and a MyKey system that enables parents to limit speed and audio volume when their teenagers are driving the vehicle.
Specs:
There are two engines available for the Mercury Mariner, one of which is 2.5 liter inline four cylinder that can produce 171 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque while the other is 3.0 liter V6 that can produce 240 horsepower and 223 pound-feet of torque. The transmission is a six-speed automatic and with a choice of either front-wheel or all-wheel drive.
Fuel economy for the Mercury Mariner is 20 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway and 23 mpg combined for the front-wheel drive versions with the four cylinder engine. The six cylinder engine with front wheel drive is rated at 18 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway and 21 mpg combined. All-wheel drive vehicles are rated at 17 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway and 20 mpg combined. The Mercury Mariner with the six cylinder engine can tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped.
The interior of the Mercury Mariner is rather functional due to the large center console that has removable bins for storage. Available leather upholstery and metallic accents with a satin finish make for a premium polish. However, the seats are somewhat lacking in that the front seats are shaped well enough but sit too tall giving the feeling of hovering over the driving controls. The rear seats are flat rather than fitted and offer no means of adjustment. Folding them down is also somewhat problematic and difficult. With the rear seats in place, cargo volume is 29 cubic feet and expands to 66 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down.
The ride quality of the Mercury Mariner is smooth and supple and quick changes in direction are handled securely. Its unique styling features inside and out combined with good engine performance make this a vehicle to consider in the small SUV class.
There are four trim levels for the Mercury Mariner that depend on the engine used in the model, either a four- or six-cylinder engine. Standard features include air conditioning, auxiliary audio jack, privacy glass, audio controls mounted on the steering wheel, keyless entry and full power accessories. An upgraded model adds leather/Alcantara upholstery, parking sensors, automatic climate control with two zones, a power driver seat, rearview mirror that auto-dims, ambient interior lighting, satellite radio, and a Sync voice activation system that includes assistance with 911and provides traffic reports. Luxury options include a navigation system, front seats that are heated, an automated self-parking feature that steers the car during parallel parking, sunroof, backup camera and a MyKey system that enables parents to limit speed and audio volume when their teenagers are driving the vehicle.
Specs:
There are two engines available for the Mercury Mariner, one of which is 2.5 liter inline four cylinder that can produce 171 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque while the other is 3.0 liter V6 that can produce 240 horsepower and 223 pound-feet of torque. The transmission is a six-speed automatic and with a choice of either front-wheel or all-wheel drive.
Fuel economy for the Mercury Mariner is 20 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway and 23 mpg combined for the front-wheel drive versions with the four cylinder engine. The six cylinder engine with front wheel drive is rated at 18 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway and 21 mpg combined. All-wheel drive vehicles are rated at 17 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway and 20 mpg combined. The Mercury Mariner with the six cylinder engine can tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped.
The interior of the Mercury Mariner is rather functional due to the large center console that has removable bins for storage. Available leather upholstery and metallic accents with a satin finish make for a premium polish. However, the seats are somewhat lacking in that the front seats are shaped well enough but sit too tall giving the feeling of hovering over the driving controls. The rear seats are flat rather than fitted and offer no means of adjustment. Folding them down is also somewhat problematic and difficult. With the rear seats in place, cargo volume is 29 cubic feet and expands to 66 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down.
The ride quality of the Mercury Mariner is smooth and supple and quick changes in direction are handled securely. Its unique styling features inside and out combined with good engine performance make this a vehicle to consider in the small SUV class.
Mercury Mariner has fairly extensive updates such as a 171 horsepower four-cylinder engine with a full hybrid system combining an electric motor system that allows Mariner give an improved performance. Along with the great design and compfortable interior, this luxury SUV possesses safety features like airbags and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) that enhances the stability of the vehicle. An other safety feature such as Anti-locking System, has also been added to enhance the safety of the vehicle. It offers efficient fuel economy and large storage capacity as well. Overall this SUV is suitable for those who need to buy something new in the SUV line-up.