STRENGTHS:
Abundance of interior space; smooth comfortable ride; ease of maneuverability; top safety ratings in every category; hybrid fuel economy
VALUE:
The Mariner is a compact sport-utility vehicle that is mechanically similar to the Ford Escape, but with different interior and exterior styling and equipment details. The Mariner's smaller size makes it a relatively fuel-efficient SUV, and the new technologies for 2010 build on Mariner's unsurpassed crash ratings, which earned 5-star government rating in all crash tests. The base front-wheel drive Mariner gets an estimated 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. MSRP starts at $23,035.
WHAT'S NEW:
The 2010 Mercury Mariner gets a wealth of new safety equipment, including the new optional Active Park Assist system, which uses sensors on the front and rear of the vehicle, and works in conjunction with Electric Power Assist Steering, to guide the vehicle into a parking space. SYNC, for help with traffic, directions and information, is also available for the model year. Also new for 2010 are Integrated Spotter Mirrors, which include an outside rearview mirror and a secondary convex spotter in the top outer corner, aimed at the driver's blind spot. An available Rear View Camera system uses an exterior camera embedded in the rear of the vehicle. Those images appear in the rearview mirror or the navigation system screen, if equipped, to help enhance visibility directly behind the vehicle when it is in reverse. MyKey, a programmable vehicle key exclusive to Ford, will be available on all trims. It allows parents to program the vehicle so that when a minor is driving, top speeds are limited to 80 mph, an alarm rings at speeds of 45, 55 or 65 mph, the audio system goes mute until the safety belt is buckled, and volume can be limited to 44 percent of maximum volume. It can also activate a persistent Belt-Minder chime and a traction control system that limits tire spin and cannot be deactivated.