Mercury Mariner Hybrid

The Mercury Mariner Hybrid, launched in 2006, is really a Ford Escape Hybrid in a different skin. This vehicle is the second variation of a Hybrid trio, between it, the Escape Hybrid and the Mazda Tribute Hybrid, which will be sold by Mazda starting in 2006.

The Mariner Hybrid's powertrain is among the most advanced available. It is a "full" hybrid electric system — meaning the system can switch automatically between pure electric power, pure gasoline engine power, or a combination of electric battery and gasoline engine operating together, for maximum performance and efficiency at all speeds and loads. When braking or decelerating, the Escape's hybrid system uses regenerative braking — where the electric drive motor becomes a generator, converting the vehicle's momentum back to electricity for storage in the batteries. The Hybrid powertrain gives 155 total horsepower has nearly the same acceleration performance as the conventional 200 hp V6 Escape, thanks to the abundance of torque.

Ford Motor Company plans to produce 4,000 Mariner Hybrids in 2006. A number of Mazda Tribute Hybrids will also be produced.

The Hybrid Escape will also be the first to market with alternative flexible fuel capability - running on E85 (85% ethanol / 15% gasoline). [1]

See WikiCars' comprehensive Mercury Mariner Review Page

Gas Mileage

Trim

4-cylinder CVT

Engine

2.3SOHC I4

MPG (City/Highway)

29/34

Safety

• Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
• Dual front air-bags (SRS)
• Front and rear crumple zones
• Front passenger occupancy sensor
• Front 3-Point safety belts with automatic tensioning system
• Ignition immobilizer
• Optional side impact airbags (seat mounted)
• Optional overhead airbag (Ford's Safety Canopy System)
• 4 Star front/5 Star side National Highway Traffic Safety Agency NHTSA crash test rating