The Mercury Mariner received a fairly extensive makeover for 2008, so it is a bit of a surprise that the 2009 Mariner continues the development effort with revamped engines and a new, high-tech transmission.
The 2009 Mercury Mariner has always been sized right for family car duty, but this year, it gets improvements that move it to the head of the compact SUV class. The big news starts under the hood. The base four-cylinder engine has been updated from a 2.3-liter mill to a 2.5-liter engine with 170 hp, an 11 percent gain. The 3.0-liter V6 gains an additional 30 hp. What’s remarkable is that both engines get improved gas mileage along with the power upgrades. The new more fuel-efficient 2.5-liter is also the basis for the Mariner hybrid model. In addition to the updated engines, Mercury has also replaced the previous four-speed automatic with a new six-speed, which helps improve performance and fuel economy. A longer final-drive ratio improves Mariner’s EPA-estimated fuel economy up by one mpg.
The base four-cylinder engine with its peak 171 lb/ft of torque is quick to move out. In addition, it delivers best-in-class fuel economy, estimated a 20 mpg city and 28 mpg on the highway.
For more power, choose the 3.0-liter V6 on the V6 and Premier models. This powerplant develops 240 hp and 223 lb/ft of torque.
The Mariner is available in I4, V6 and Premier trims. All-wheel drive is an option on all trims.
There's a lot to like in the standard equipment on the Mariner I4. These features include 16-inch, six-spoke aluminum wheels, foglamps, dual power adjustable mirrors, solar tinted glass, chrome exhaust tip, EasyFuel capless filler system and a four-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system.
A new standard safety feature - AdvanceTrac® with RSC® - helps give the driver stability and roll control.
Both the Mariner and Mariner Hybrid offer exciting new entertainment and information technologies that improve driving pleasure and safety. The available SYNC system allows voice command of music players and Bluetooth enabled phones. Also optional through SIRIUS Satellite Radio is Travel Link with navigation, traffice, weather, sports score and much more.
The 2009 Mercury Mariner offers near-perfect size, remarkable fuel efficiency and a high degree of comfort and flexibility—the right ingredients for the American family car. Please give us a call to view and drive this appealing alternative to large and expensive SUVs and inadequately sized compact cars.
