The Mercury Mariner is a compact SUV and competes well against such popular models as the Honda CR-V,Hyundai Santa Fe and Toyota RAV4. The Mariner shares most of its identity with the Ford Escape and Mazda Tribute. The Mariner Luxury and Premier treatments are intended to create a more upscale SUV through the use of satin nickel finishes,two-tone leather interiors and a more formal exterior appearance. Shoppers should take note of the fact that the Mazda Tribute is also a fairly upscale vehicle,and is priced similarly to the Mariner,yet offers a better standard warranty. The Mariner line,however,does include a hybrid model,something you won't yet find on the Mazda dealer's lot.