The Mariner has a bit more truck-style flair than some of its competitors; its ride height and seating position, for example, are higher than that of the Honda CR-V or Nissan Rogue, and it can tow up to 3,500 pounds, which is substantially more than most vehicles in the class. Still, the Mariner delivers the advantages of other unit-body, car-based SUVs such as the CR-V. The Mariner is more car-like on the road than the Jeep Liberty, for example. Its smooth ride and reasonably agile handling make for pleasant driving, and its compact dimensions make it easy to maneuver and park. 

The Mariner offers comfortable seating for four, or five in a pinch. Folding the rear seats opens a good-sized cargo area with a flat floor, and space behind the seat surpasses that in the trunk of a typical sedan. The finish is upscale and pleasing, and feature function and switches are among the best. Standard safety features include AdvanceTrac electronic stability control with Roll Stability Control. 

The base four-cylinder engine is adequate, if not particularly exciting, and all variants, including the V6 and Mariner Hybrid, deliver good fuel economy ratings compared to the competition. 

The Hybrid drives like a conventional Mariner, for the most part, and demands little additional effort or knowledge from the driver in exchange for improved mileage. Like other Mariners, the gas-electric Hybrid is offered with either front- or all-wheel drive. The Hybrid models are powered by a more fuel-efficient, 153-hp Atkinson Cycle version of the four-cylinder engine that works in concert with a 70-kilowatt electric motor, all coupled to an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission. Unlike some mild hybrid SUVs, the Mariner Hybrid can run on 100 percent electric power up to about 25 mph. 

In line with a plan to rejuvenate the Mercury brand, the Mariner is intended to offer a step up in status over the Ford Escape. Yet it's worth noting that the Escape can be equipped identically to the Mariner, and with the same level of features the prices are essentially the same. In either case, a leather-upholstered V6 4WD, with premium audio, navigation, dual-zone climate control and other options will be over $30,000. At the higher end of the product line, the differences between the Mariner and the Escape really come down to styling details. 

For 2010 the changes are worthwhile but not major in nature. An Integrated Blind Spot Mirror, MyKey programmable vehicle key, Rear View Camera System, and Active Park Assist are now available, and the Mariner also features hands-free SYNC with Traffic, Directions & Information. All the features improve safety, reduce driver distractions and help drivers on the road.