The Mercury Mariner Premier model featured new exterior styling and a redesigned interior for 2008. The compact SUV was powered by a 3.0-liter Duratec V6 engine that produced 200 horsepower. The engine was designed to be fuel-efficient and produce fewer emissions. A four-speed electronic automatic transmission with overdrive was standard.
As suggested by its name, the Mariner Premier model was equipped with a number of standard features that set it apart from the Base model, including premium leather-trimmed seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, visors with illuminated vanity mirrors, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a Reverse Sensing System that assists the driver with audible alerts when parking or backing up.
The Premier model was also equipped with an Audiophile sound system with a six-disc, in-dash CD changer with an MP3 input jack.
Other standard features included power windows, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with speed control, a tire pressure monitoring system, front and side-curtain airbags, an anti-lock braking system, fog lamps, a keyless entry system, a remote entry system, a passive anti-theft alarm system, and ice-blue interior lighting, which included lighting for the instrument panel, window switches, door locks, and steering wheel controls.
Power-adjustable exterior mirrors, Electric Power Assisted steering, and 16-inch twelve-spoke aluminum wheels were also part of the Premium package.
The Premier model was also available with a number of add-on packages, such as the Heated Package, which included heated front seats, and Moon and Tune package, which included a power moon roof. A Trailer Tow package was also available.
