What’s New?
Since the Mercury Mariner will be revised for 2008, only a handful of small changes were made for the 2007 model year. First, Mercury includes standard side air bags as well as standard Reverse Sensing System for the top Premier trim level. Also, there’s a Moon and Tune Package that includes some of the Mariner’s most popular features, and there are three new exterior colors: Dune Pearl Clearcoat Metallic, Light Sage Clearcoat Metallic, and Tungsten Grey Clearcoat Metallic. The Mariner Hybrid has also received some refinements for the 2007 model year.

Overview
The Mariner first appeared in 2005 and differs from its sister vehicle the Ford Escape by offering more standard features, as well as a more upscale appearance both inside and out. The exterior trim elements that identify it as a Mercury are the waterfall grille, satin-aluminum bumper inserts, and a larger lower air intake than on the Escape. Color-keyed lower body cladding helps protect the vehicle from chips and dings. The rear continues the satin-aluminum theme with accent grilles on the taillights—another Mercury SUV design element.

The Mariner is offered in three trim levels: Convenience, Luxury, and Premier. All three are available in either front-wheel-drive (FWD) or four-wheel-drive (4WD) versions. Inside, all Mariners receive power windows/locks/mirrors, keyless entry with the keypad entry system on the driver’s door for added convenience, air conditioning, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated cruise controls, and an AM/FM audio system with an available satellite radio hookup. Optional on all models is Mercury’s “intelligent 4WD” system; a Dynamic Side-Impact Air Bag Package; a trailer tow package (for a 3,500-pound maximum tow capacity); and the new Moon and Tune Package that includes a power moonroof, a roof rack with crossbars, and an audio system with satellite radio, a 6-disc in-dash CD changer, and four speakers.

Two engines provide more than adequate power for the Mariner. First is a 2.3-liter Duratec 23 inline-four cylinder that produces 153 hp and 152 lb.-ft. of torque. It comes standard on the entry-level Convenience trim Mariner. Luxury and Premier models receive the 3.0-liter Duratec V-6 with 200 hp and 193 lb.-ft. of torque. The only transmission offering is a 4-speed automatic.

The Competition
The Mercury Mariner competes in the Compact Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) segment, which consists of 20 models. Buyers in this segment look for fuel economy, reliability, and comfort, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Avoider Study^SM and the Escaped Shopper Study.^SM

The top sellers in the segment during calendar year 2006, according to the J.D. Power and Associates Sales Report,^SM were the Honda CR-V (170,028 units sold), Ford Escape (157,395), and Toyota RAV4 (152,047). The Mercury Mariner sold 33,941 units in 2006, a decrease of 0.5 percent compared to the previous year. Other models offered in the Compact CUV segment include the Chrysler PT Cruiser, Chevrolet Equinox and HHR, Saturn Vue, and Scion xB. Joining the segment in 2007 are two Jeep models—the Compass and Patriot .