The 2011 Mercury Mariner offers decent performance, fuel economy and some impressive features like the Ford Sync system and an automatic parallel parking assist system. Interior
Available in four different trim packages, the base I4 and I6, Premier I4 and Premier I6, the 2011 Mercury Mariner doesn't offer any different features between the four-cylinder and six-cylinder powered models. Premier packages add parking sensors, heated leather seats, a power-adjustable driver's seat and the Ford-produced Sync system. Base models come with 16-inch alloy wheels and foglights, while the Premier Models can be upgraded with 17-inch wheels. Performance
Offered in both front- and all-wheel drive models, the 2011 Mercury Mariner's base powerplant is a 2.5-liter inline four cylinder engine that puts out just over 170 horsepower and 171 lb-ft of torque. The I4 models achieve an EPA-estimated 20 mpg during city driving, 28 mpg on the highway and 23 mpg overall when equipped with front-wheel drive. Adding all-wheel drive drops fuel economy to 19/25/21 mpg. The I6 front-wheel drive models provide more power without significantly detracting from the overall fuel efficiency rating (18 mpg city/26 mpg highway/21 mpg combined).
In some ways, the Mariner is still a decent small crossover. The Mariner also offers a number of high-end features unavailable on most rivals, such as Ford's Sync voice-activated multimedia system. The Mariner also offers features like an automated parallel parking assist system and MyKey (which allows parents of teenage drivers to set electronic limits for vehicle speed and stereo volume). Other Mariner strong points are excellent crash test scores and the availability of a hybrid model (reviewed separately).
The 2011 Mercury Mariner compact SUV is available in four trim levels: base I4, base V6, Premier I4 and Premier V6. The Premier models add rear parking sensors, ambient interior lighting, heated front seats, leather upholstery (microfiber suede inserts are a no-cost option), a power driver seat, a six-speaker stereo, Sync and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
Options for base models include a roof rack, a moonroof, Sync, leather upholstery (with heated front seats), a power driver seat and ambient interior lighting.
Powertrains and Performance
The 2011 Mercury Mariner is available with either front- or all-wheel drive. EPA estimates are about average for this segment, with front-wheel-drive I4 models checking in at 20 miles per gallon city/28 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined (19/25/21 for AWD models), while front-wheel-drive V6 models are rated at 18 mpg city/26 highway/21 combined (17/24/20 for AWD models).
Safety
Antilock brakes (albeit with rear drums), traction control, stability control, front-seat side airbags and full-length head curtain airbags with a rollover sensor are all standard equipment on the 2011 Mercury Mariner.
The Mariner earned a perfect five stars from the government in both front and side crash tests. Unfortunately, the Mariner's braking performance is poor. From 60 mph, the Ford Escape we tested (mechanically identical to the Mariner) required 138 feet to come to a halt.
The Mariner shows its age, however, in terms of comfort and space. Cargo volume stands at a useful 29 cubic feet with the rear seat in place and 66 cubic feet when that seat is folded down not bad given the Mariner's relatively compact footprint.
Driving Impressions
The 2011 Mercury Mariner feels reasonably secure during quick changes of direction, and its ride quality is pleasantly supple.
With traction and stability control standard, front-seat side airbags and full-length head curtain airbags controlled by a rollover sensor, the 2011 Mercury Mariner scored five out of five stars in government crash tests for occupant protection in both front and side collision testing.
In 2009, the Mariner adopted more significant powertrain updates. A third powertrain is offered in the Mariner Hybrid, which is virtually identical to the award-winning Ford Escape Hybrid. The technology in this version of the Mariner crossover couples a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with a full hybrid system combining an electric motor system. The Mariner's somewhat upright look translates into plenty of interior space. Safety scores for the Mariner crossover have been strong. Features like Ford's voice-controlled SYNC system have kept the Mariner somewhat up to speed.