It wasn't that long ago that the sport-utility vehicle was the hottest property on the automotive planet. Fuel costs have obviously taken quite a bit of the luster off the SUV shine but, the truth is, it's very difficult to beat a sport ute when it comes to practicality. Nothing can match the versatility or the packaging. They're that good.

But today, everyone knows fuel economy and price is an issue. Gas sipping micro cars are today's hot commodities. But the trouble with some itsy-bitsy cars is they're really not built for day-to-day use in America. It's pretty tough to pack a four-person family, luggage for those four folks and other amenities into what amounts to half a car then go on a vacation. Or even take a weekend trip to the country. Or take you, your family and your gear to the beach. Given the wide fluctuations in fuel costs we see today, what's a body (or a family) to do?

Value and Versatility

Enter Mercury's Mariner. Here's a well-equipped, right-sized SUV that fits the family mold perfectly, and simultaneously whizzes by gas stations with ease. Four-cylinder front-wheel-drive (FWD) models manage 28 mpg on the highway (according to 2009 model year mpg numbers; 2010 EPA numbers were not available at time this article was written). That translates into over 460 miles on a single tank fill in highway driving with its 16.5-gallon tank. Equally important, the Mariner's cargo capacity is 31.4 cubic feet behind the second row. Fold down the rear seats and you'll have more than 67 cubic feet of flat load floor capacity. Remember the versatility we mentioned earlier? The back seat is a 60/40 split-folding affair. That means you have an option on both seating capacity and cargo capability. Another bonus is the low lift-over height of the tailgate (it's laid out with a top hinge).

There's more too: Available on all gasoline (non-hybrid) models is the Cargo Package, which includes black roof rack crossbars. The package also includes the "Interior Cargo Management System" with small-item storage and retractable cargo cover to help shield your items from prying eyes. Another option is a lockable wet storage compartment located below the cargo load floor. You can store wet towels or clothing in the compartment after a day at the beach. And you don't have to worry about soiling the interior of your Mariner.

Driving Comfort

Climb behind the wheel of any Mariner, and you'll understand why SUVs of all sorts prove popular: Your view of the road is commanding. Visibility is excellent-and for the 2010 model year, Mercury has enhanced the visibility, adding integrated blind-spot mirrors as standard equipment. Front row seating consists of two low back bucket seats (two-way adjustment is standard, six-way power driver seat is optional). The instrument cluster directly in front of the driver consists of a large tach on the left with the speedometer on the right. Fuel and temperature gauges take up the center top of the cluster, with a digital information center directly below. To the right is the climate control and audio stack.

Standard on our base Mariner is an AM/FM/Single CD/MP3 capable stereo with four speakers. Satellite radio from SIRIUSŪ is standard on all series and Ford Motor Company's exclusive SYNCŪ in-car voice-activated communications and entertainment system is optional. The Mariner's more common hand-operated controls prove easy-to-reach and are equally easy to decipher. Between the seats is a full feature center console, with four cup holders (two front, two rear), along with a clever center storage arrangement with bins that can be removed and attached to the back or the side of the console. With both bins removed, there's room for a standard-size laptop computer. Air conditioning, keyless entry, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, and a full suite of power accessories are standard, even in the base model. MyKey™, a new feature that enables parents to set limits on audio volume and driving speed when their teens take the car, is standard on all Mariner trims. Rear View Camera and Active Park Assist are also new features for 2010, available on Mariners with the Premier Package.

Unique, Modern Styling

Walk around the Mariner and you'll discover styling that is unquestionably Mercury. The bold grille is a cascading waterfall affair that ends with a trio of nostrils located near the base of the front fascia. The grille is flanked by side repeater lamps and low mounted fog lamps to help guide you through snow, rain, mist and other inclement weather. The standard power side mirrors are heated and color-keyed on Premier models. Privacy glass on the rear doors, quarter windows and the lift-gate is standard. Roof rack side rails are standard on all models with black cross bars included in the available Cargo Package. Our base model came equipped with 16x7-inch, sixspoke painted aluminum wheels. Mercury offers a wide range of optional 16- and 17-inch wheels for various Mariner models.

Performance and Handling

Hit the road, and you'll immediately be impressed with the handling. Two years ago, the Mariner was treated to electric power steering. The road feel and response is far better than you might have guessed. Ditto with the way the four wheel independent suspension (MacPherson strut front, multilink rear) has been tuned. Ride quality is likely one of the best in the compact SUV segment. And while it's no ultimate corner carving sports car, it easily manages to hold its own on the two-lane mountain back roads we call home.

Powering Mercury's smallest SUV is a 2.5-liter, 16-valve DOHC four cylinder engine that produces an impressive 171 horsepower (@ 6,000 rpm) along with 171 lb.-ft. of torque (@ 4,500 rpm). Optionally available is a 24-valve, DOHC 3.0-liter V6 (240 hp @ 6,550 rpm; 223 lb.-ft. torque @ 4,300 rpm). The Duratech V6 is capable of towing up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped. That means you can tow a light camper, dirt bike, snowmobile or jet-ski with ease. Backing either engine is a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission. The engine and transmission package is responsive with excellent downshift capabilities.

With Mercury's 2010 Mariner, it's clear you have to give up little or nothing when it comes to packaging, performance or fuel economy. It's the station wagon of today, with features and amenities geared toward the American family and contemporary lifestyles.