This vehicle was on the receiving end of more powerful engines as it was freshened for the 2008 model year. This is a compact SUV that shares its basic design with not only the Mazda Tribute but also the Ford Escape. These vehicles are five-passenger, 4-door wagons with a liftgate that has a glass opening. The main trim levels that are offered with the 2009 Mercury Mariner are base and uplevel Premier trim.
If you are looking to go with a 4-cylinder model of these cars, you will find that they have a 171-hp 2.5 liter engine. If you want to get more of a charge for your money then you may consider the V6 version that has a 240-hp 3.0-liter engine. When you compare this to the 2008 Mercury Mariner vehicles, you will find that for the 4-cylinder engine, that is an increase of 18 hp and for the V6 model that is an increase of 40 hp. Both of these engines come equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission. This replaced the 4-speed automatic transmission.
A hybrid model is also offered that teams a 153- horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cyclinder gas engine along with a battery-powered electric motor. This hybrid does not require any plug-in charging. One thing you may not know is that hybrids have an automatic transmission that is continuously variable. This is known as the CVT. For the 4-cylinder models of the 2009 Mercury Mariner, the maximum towing capacity is 1,500 pounds and for the V6 model, it increases to 3,500 pounds. All Mercury Mariner vehicles are available with all-wheel or front-wheel drive. Available safety features for the 2009 Mercury Mariner include ABS, antiskid system, front side airbags, traction control, and curtain side airbags. You also have the option of getting leather upholstery, rear obstacle detection, heated front seats, and a navigation system.
COMPETITION
The Consumer Guide Automotive puts each car into 1 of 18 classes that are based on price, size, and market position. If you are entertaining a thought about a utility vehicle, a compact SUV is typically not as expensive and they will offer the best fuel economy. Most of these compact SUVs utilize a car-type chassis and should not be used for heavy-duty off-road use. Nearly all of the compact SUVs are 5-passenger while some will seat 7.
Now let’s take a trip to the Washington, D.C. Auto Show. Yes, it’s true that there is a new Mercury Mariner coming soon. You say that it doesn’t look much different than the 2008 model? You just may be right! There was only a small change to the rear tire spoilers and the front fascia. The biggest change is beneath the hood. The slightly updated SUVs also have the opportunity of getting a loaded SYNC package.
The Ford Motor Company stated that its popular compact SUVs, the Mercury mariner as well as the Ford Escape, will become easier on fuel as well as have more power and will be more connected when the 2009 models come rolling out.
The new 2009 Mercury Mariner has made strides in not only fuel economy but also in the field of emissions as well. These cars have a new 2.5-liter engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission, which will help you save on fuel.
The new powertrain of the Mercury Mariner is believed to better fuel use by 1 mile per gallon. The horsepower will also increase to 170 horsepower. This new 2.5-liter engine is saying good-bye to the outgoing 2.3-liter engine. This new engine that has intake variable cam timing has an increase of 17-horsepower.
In order to get optimal fuel economy, the Mercury Mariner features a lengthened final-drive ratio. It also has the quality of smooth shifting which is great for the person who is behind the wheel of this vehicle.
The 2009 Mercury Mariner boasts aerodynamic improvements, which include a new chin spoiler in the front and rear tire spoilers will play a key role in fuel economy. Something else that contributes to fuel efficiency is a new 16-inch Michelin tire. These tires also bring improvements in handling and steering, quiet operation and braking distance.
All 2009 Mercury Mariners come with Easy Fuel™, which is a capless refueling system. You will readily see that this is convenient for the customer and it will help those evaporating fuel emissions.
The 2009 Mercury Mariner will also incorporate several new features that will help to bring improvement to dynamic handling as well as ride characteristics. This will include a new 18.5 mm rear stabilizer bar as well as a revision in suspension tuning. A new air induction system that comes with the V-6 engine models enhances powertrain sound quality.
