2009 Mercury Mariner Hybrid

Mercury, like its parent company Ford, continues to move forward for 2009. Despite the fact that the automaker gave its Mariner Hybrid four-door SUV a design refresh for 2008, Mercury drops a new engine into the 2009 Mariner Hybrid and adds new braking and safety features as well.

The Mariner's powerplant now includes a 2.5-liter (up from a 2.3-liter in '08) inline four-cylinder Atkinson Cycle gas engine adapted for hybrid use. Horsepower jumps to 170, up 17 from the previous year, while fuel economy increases by 1 mpg. In addition, the engine uses variable valve timing to improve efficiency and reduce emissions, a first for an Atkinson hybrid engine produced by Ford/Mercury. As in the previous year, the gas-powered engine works in conjunction with an electric motor and a 330-volt sealed nickel-metal hybrid battery pack, located on the floor of the Mariner's cargo bay.

The new gas engine and electric motor work in sync to provide maximum fuel efficiency. At stoplights or when coasting, the gas engine automatically shuts down to conserve fuel. When running, the gas engine charges the battery pack, which in turn provides energy to start the engine and, along with the generator motor, drives the SUV at speeds up to 25 miles per hour. Improvements in engine processor technology make the transition from gas- to electric-power modes nearly imperceptible, according to the automaker.

The powerplant links to an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (ECVT), which works with both the gas engine and electric motor to provide seamless acceleration.

The '09 Mariner Hybrid also receives a new brake system, which has been designed to transition seamlessly from traditional braking to regenerative braking, according to the automaker. The regenerative brakes charge the battery pack by capturing kinetic energy. In addition, a new pedal sensor improves pedal feel and gives drivers a better sense of braking power.

Also for 2009, a new safety feature, called AdvanceTrac with RSC, joins the Mariner Hybrid's list of standard features. The system, which provides stability control as well as roll stability control (RSC), automatically applies the brakes and makes adjustments to the engine when it detects wheel slippage to help the driver maintain control of the vehicle. It also helps the driver keep control of the vehicle in rainy or icy conditions, or when traveling on gravel roads.

Exterior improvements, including a more aerodynamic front end and rear tire spoilers, as well as new 16-inch Michelin tires designed to improve handling and reduce road noise, round out the updates for 2009.

The Mariner Hybrid comes in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive trims. The AWD trim adds a third electric motor, which drives the rear wheels when necessary to provide extra traction and stability. However, this configuration limits the AWD system's ability to operate at the same level as a standard AWD system.

Inside, the Mariner Hybrid, which seats five passengers in two rows, retains such standard features as a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat, dual-zone automatic temperature control, power windows, a 60/40 split rear seat, ice-blue interior lighting, and an AM/FM audio system with an MP3 input jack and a satellite-ready 6-CD in-dash changer. Antilock brakes, fog lamps, side-impact airbags, and a remote keyless entry system also come standard.