Overview

What Changed for 2009:

• New, more powerful 2.5-liter I-4 engine
• New 6-speed automatic transmission
• EasyFuel capless refueling
• Ambient lighting, new design seats, aerodynamic refinements
• Suspension revisions
• Optional 3.0-liter V-6 engine
• Improved calibration on standard anti-lock brakes (ABS)
• Standard AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control
• New low-rolling resistance tires

Overview
Completely redesigned for 2008, the 2009 Mercury Mariner continues as mostly carryover, with several notable improvements. These include a new, more powerful 2.5-liter I-4 engine, new 6-speed automatic transmission, aerodynamic enhancements, new low-rolling resistance tires, improved calibration of the standard ABS, revised and retuned suspension, and a new, more eco-friendly seat design. Both gasoline and Hybrid models are available again in 2009.

Model Lineup
The 2009 Mercury Mariner is available in Mariner, Premier, Premier V-6 and Hybrid models. New for 2009 are low-rolling-resistance 16-inch Michelin Latitude Tour tires; aerodynamic refinements that include a redesigned front bumper spoiler and new rear tire spoiler; and new design seats that contain soy-based foam (substituting for petroleum-based product) to reduce CO₂ emissions and conserve limited resources, Mercury says. Standard equipment includes premium cloth seats; front bucket seats; 40/60-split bench rear seat; power steering/windows/mirrors/locks; standard cruise control (new for 2009); air conditioning; alloy trim on the shift knob; leather-wrapped steering wheel; privacy glass; remote keyless entry; and 16-inch painted aluminum wheels. Standard audio features include an AM/FM MP3 and satellite-ready radio with single-CD player and audio input jack. A rear cargo light and 16-inch wheels are also standard.

Options include available Intelligent 4WD; premium leather seating surfaces; roof rack with crossbars; heated seats; one-touch power moonroof; auto-dimming rearview mirror (standard on Premier, Premier V-6 and Hybrid); dual-zone automatic climate control (on Premier and Premier V-6); remote start; and an Audiophile sound system with 6-disc in-dash CD changer/MP3 player and 7 speakers (in Premier models). A Class II trailer towing package, full-size spare tire and 17-inch, chrome-clad wheels are other available options. A total of 10 packages are available, depending on model.

Powertrain
For 2009, the Mercury Mariner has a new standard Duratec 2.5-liter I-4 dual overhead cam (DOHC) engine that produces 171 hp at 6000 rpm and 171 lb.-ft. of torque at 4500 rpm. The engine is mated to a standard 5-speed manual transmission. EPA fuel-economy estimates for this engine are 20 mpg city/28 mpg highway (FWD) and 19 mpg city/25 mpg highway (4WD). The larger, optional Duratec 3.0-liter V-6 DOHC engine achieves 240 hp at 6550 rpm and 233 lb.-ft. of torque at 4300 rpm and is mated to a new 6-speed automatic transmission. Its EPA fuel economy is estimated at 18 mpg city/26 mpg highway (FWD) and 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway (4WD).

The Mariner Hybrid is powered by a version of the 2.5-liter I-4 DOHC 16-valve Atkinson cycle engine that gets 153 hp at 6000 rpm and 136 lb.-ft. of torque at 3500 rpm. The electric motor is a permanent magnet AC synchronous that achieves 94 hp at 5000 rpm. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is standard. The Hybrid's EPA fuel economy is estimated at 34 mpg city/31 mpg highway (FWD) and 29 mpg city/27 mpg highway (4WD).

The Mariner features a 4-wheel independent suspension with MacPherson struts, coil springs and stabilizer bar up front, with lateral links, a trailing arm design and stabilizer bar in the rear. Four-wheel power brakes with 4-sensor, 4-channel ABS are standard. The Mariner Hybrid also features regenerative braking. New for 2009, electric power assist steering (replacing the former hydraulic steering pump) is standard on all models. It operates only when required for steering assistance, which contributes to lower fuel consumption, the company says.

Safety
For 2009, the Mercury Mariner includes new dual-stage air bags for driver and front passenger; side air bags; front passenger sensing system; side air curtains for the first and second rows; front seat belt pre-tensioners; rear outboard seats equipped with the infant/child seat Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) system; tire-pressure-monitoring system; AdvanceTrac with roll stability control; traction control; and ABS.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2009 Mercury Mariner and Mariner Hybrid receive a perfect 5-star rating in frontal and side-impact testing. In the agency's rollover testing, Mariner and Mariner Hybrid received a 3-star rating for both 2WD and 4WD models.

Technology
Technology features in the 2009 Mercury Mariner include Sync voice-activated controls for phone, audio and Bluetooth wireless-enabled devices; Sirius satellite radio (both standard on Premier, Premier V-6 and Hybrid); standard ambient lighting on Premier and Premier V-6; and an optional voice-activated navigation system with Sirius Travel Link, including an AM/FM 6-disc, in-dash CD changer, 7 speakers, and subwoofer. Steering wheel-mounted audio controls are standard on all models.