2009 Mercury Mariner Features Review

January 2, 2009

FEATURES | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Available with Ford's next-generation navigation-and-infotainment setup
Car and Driver

Dual-zone automatic climate control, heated seats, a moonroof, upgraded leather and a navigation system are optional
Cars.com

Options on non-Premier models include a roof rack...[and] Sync
Edmunds

The 2009 Mercury Mariner offers some cool, cutting-edge technological features, but unfortunately most are available only as expensive options.

The Mercury Mariner is available in two trim levels, but Car and Driver contends there are "no meaningful differences between models." This isn't entirely true, however; Edmunds states that standard features on the base models include "full power accessories, air-conditioning, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, a four-speaker CD stereo...and keyless entry," while the Mercury Mariner Premier models add "rear parking sensors, ambient interior lighting, leather/Alcantara upholstery, a power drive seat...[and] Sync." SYNC, which Edmunds says is "Ford's exclusive...multimedia integration system," wins high praise in reviews read by TheCarConnection.com, and Edmunds goes on to say that "the alluring Sync system gives [the 2009 Mercury Mariner] a technological edge over its compact SUV rivals."

SYNC is one of the many options available for the base Mercury Mariner; others include "dual-zone automatic climate control, heated seats, a moonroof, upgraded leather and a navigation system," according to Cars.com. For the Mercury Mariner Premier, Edmunds piles on more options, such as "17-inch wheels, step bars, a moonroof, [and] an upgraded seven-speaker stereo system." For those looking to bundle options, ConsumerGuide reports that the Mercury Mariner is available with an Amenities package that groups a "rear-obstacle-detection system [and] dual-zone automatic climate controls," while the Sun and Sync package for the 2009 Mercury Mariner base adds a "power sunroof, iPod adapter, wireless cell phone link, [and] voice recognition."

Conclusion

Yes, the 2009 Mercury Mariner can be equipped with a ton of features, but no, they don't come cheap.

FEATURES | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:Available with Ford's next-generation navigation-and-infotainment setupCar and DriverDual-zone automatic climate control, heated seats, a moonroof, upgraded leather and a navigation system are optionalCars.comOptions on non-Premier models include a roof rack...[and] SyncEdmunds The 2009 Mercury Mariner offers some cool, cutting-edge technological features, but unfortunately most are available only as expensive options. The Mercury Mariner is available in two trim levels, but Car and Driver contends there are "no meaningful differences between models." This isn't entirely true, however; Edmunds states that standard features on the base models include "full power accessories, air-conditioning, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, a four-speaker CD stereo...and keyless entry," while the Mercury Mariner Premier models add "rear parking sensors, ambient interior lighting, leather/Alcantara upholstery, a power drive seat...[and] Sync." SYNC, which Edmunds says is "Ford's exclusive...multimedia integration system," wins high praise in reviews read by TheCarConnection.com, and Edmunds goes on to say that "the alluring Sync system gives [the 2009 Mercury Mariner] a technological edge over its compact SUV rivals." SYNC is one of the many options available for the base Mercury Mariner; others include "dual-zone automatic climate control, heated seats, a moonroof, upgraded leather and a navigation system," according to Cars.com. For the Mercury Mariner Premier, Edmunds piles on more options, such as "17-inch wheels, step bars, a moonroof, [and] an upgraded seven-speaker stereo system." For those looking to bundle options, ConsumerGuide reports that the Mercury Mariner is available with an Amenities package that groups a "rear-obstacle-detection system [and] dual-zone automatic climate controls," while the Sun and Sync package for the 2009 Mercury Mariner base adds a "power sunroof, iPod adapter, wireless cell phone link, [and] voice recognition." ConclusionYes, the 2009 Mercury Mariner can be equipped with a ton of features, but no, they don't come cheap. 2009 MERCURY MARINER STYLING [8 out of 10] Cars.com: "Dashboard's contemporary shapes and angled surfaces look interesting enough" ConsumerGuide: "Climate controls are simple to use" Car and Driver: "Square-jawed and trucklike compared to their relatively effete competition" A lot has ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

It would have been easy to list two dozen alternatives to the 2009 Mercury Mariner if one looked outside the narrow interpretation of what constitutes a compact SUV. But one of the closest competitors to the Mariner is the all-new Dodge Journey. In terms of styling, the Journey has strong looks that turn heads and plenty of features inside, such as multiple cubbies and rich infotainment options. However, the Journey's interior design isn't pleasing to the eye, and the materials feel subpar for the category―not just in comparison to the Mariner. In terms of driving dynamics, the Honda CR-V is one of our all-time favorites, but some people have a hard time getting past the SUV's styling and the lack of optional V-6 power. More people admire the styling of the all-new Saturn Vue. Like the Mariner, the Vue offers a hybrid option (a second hybrid choice is on the way for the Vue). The Hyundai Tucson drives more like the pre-2009 Mariners, but does so with a low price and an especially long warranty.

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See the Mercury Mariner in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005

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