| The Mercury Mariner is available with front-wheel drive or fulltime all-wheel drive, and either a four-cylinder, V6 or hybrid gasoline-electric powertrain.
All models come with an automatic transmission.
The base Mariner ($23,035) and base Mariner 4WD ($24,785) come with a 171-hp 2.5-liter inline four with 171 lb-ft of torque, matched to a six-speed automatic.
A 240-hp, dual-overhead cam 3.0-liter V6 ($1,000) is optional.
These base models come well equipped, with air conditioning, power windows, mirrors and locks, an AM/FM stereo with CD and auxiliary jack, rear window defroster, cruise control, privacy glass and 16-inch alloy wheels.
Options for the base Mariner include the Preferred Package 101A ($1,315), which includes a moonroof and illuminated visors with mirrors; and the Preferred Package 102A, which adds leather, six-way power driver's seat, driver's lumbar support and ambient lighting.
Stand-alone options include towing ($395), side step bars ($445), remote start ($345), and a dual-headrest DVD entertainment system ($1,995).
The Mariner Premium ($25,105) and Premium 4WD ($26,855) offer upscale trim, with leather seating, a six-speaker sound system, auto-dimming mirror and other features included.
Options for the Premium level include the Preferred Package 201A ($1,190), which includes the moonroof and Premium sound system with seven speakers; the Preferred Package 202A ($1,845), which adds the reverse sensing system, dual automatic temperature control, and universal garage-door opener; and the Preferred Package 203A ($3,840), which adds navigation, Sirius Travel Link, touch-screen monitor, subwoofer, and 40GB hard-drive.
There are also numerous stand-alone options.
The Mariner Hybrid ($29,995) and Hybrid 4WD ($31,745) are equipped similarly to the Premium models, with the hybrid powertrain replacing the V6.
Passive safety features include front- and side-impact airbags for front occupants, and curtain-type head protection airbags for all outboard seats.
The side curtains can remain inflated for several seconds in the event of a rollover, and are designed to slide between the side glass and occupants if the people are oddly seated or resting heads against a window.
Active safety systems include four-channel antilock brakes (ABS), and AdvanceTrac electronic stability control with Roll Stability Control.
RSC adds a second gyroscopic roll-rate sensor to the typical stability control package, measuring the Mariner's roll angle and roll rate and applying countermeasures (such as braking one of the wheels or reducing power) to increase rollover resistance. |