The easier you make it for people to do the right thing, the more likely they are to do so. That as much as anything explains the growing popularity of hybrid-powered vehicles in this country. We like our SUVs for their space, their image and, most of all, their go-anywhere, in any-weather attitude. But we don't like being on a first-name basis with the cashier at the local gas station. And many of us don't want to be hoggish about using more natural resources than we need to. So, the end of the payment book sparked many drivers to migrate out of their large SUVs, in search of something smaller, greener and more economical. Mercury is among the happy recipients of this influx of buyers. The Mariner Hybrid is a compact SUV available in all-wheel drive ($28,945) and, as of 2008, front-wheel drive ($27,195).

Big Utility
Before we get to economy, let's talk about utility. After all, if your vehicle doesn't fit your lifestyle, it doesn't matter how much you're saving on gas. Mariner draws high marks for its right-size dimensions. Like its cousin, the Ford Escape, Mariner's tidy, overall form allows you to do things that you couldn't with your big SUV-like park in a normal-size space without a tug boat for assistance. Small enough to feel car-like when driving, it is nonetheless big enough to be useful. Mariner Hybrid seats 4-5 adults inside, and has room for the gear that they bring along, too. The cargo bay holds a generous 27.9 cubic feet; expandable to 66 cubic feet, depending on how many of the split, rear seats that fold forward. That's enough room, for example, to hold a large mountain bike, with the wheels on. The top-hinged, one-piece lift gate is tall enough for a six-footer to stand under, and lift-over height is low. In order to get a flat loading floor, though, you've first got to remove the three, rear seat headrests. An optional cargo area cover shields your belongings from inquiring eyes.

Features & Safety
Mariner's front cabin is handsome and well finished. Safer, too, thanks to the 2008 addition of standard, side curtain airbags and front seat side airbags. Also added to the standard equipment list this year are an MP3 audio jack and a center console storage bin big enough to hold a laptop computer. The redesigned interior also includes new seat fabrics, floor console shifter and brightwork trim. Atop the center stack, a display panel gives digital readouts for inside/outside temperature, radio functions and climate control status. Gauges are lit in easy-on-the-eyes blue. Popular option packages include Hybrid Moon and Tune (power moon roof with shade, satellite radio with six months service, and the pricey but packed Hybrid Premium Package (heated mirrors and front seats, energy flow/navigation system, roof rack with satin inserts and black crossbars, cargo area cover, reverse sensing system, body color mirrors and includes leather trim package.

Hybrid Performance
Mariner Hybrid's powertrain combines a 2.3-liter four-cylinder gas engine with an electric motor. A Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) completes the package. It's a true hybrid system, meaning that the Mariner can run on full electric power at speeds up to about 25 mph. As your speed increases beyond that point, the gas engine chimes in, with a resulting total of 155 net horsepower. The output from the combined driveline easily tackles the demands of everyday driving. The Mercury rolls briskly away from a stop and cruises comfortably at highway speeds. EPA estimates fuel economy at 34 city/30 highway for front-wheel-drive models, 29/27 for all-wheel drive. In a week's worth of mixed, city/ highway driving, we averaged 28 mpg in a front-wheel-drive model. Near 30 mpg mileage is pretty impressive for a vehicle with this type of room and versatility.

Driving Impression
On the road, Mariner feels stable and solid and, here again, the dimensions pay dividends, making it easy to thread your way through tight traffic. A new speed-sensitive electronic power steering system gives the driver better feel for the road, while still making easy work of parallel parking. Backseat headrests take a bite out of the driver's straight back view, but Mariner happily lacks a rear bumper mounted spare; an SUV staple and chronic thief of driver visibility. The available all-wheel-drive system automatically provides added grip on-demand, depending on road conditions. The addition of hybrid technology to a well-sorted platform allows this Mercury to stand out, in an increasingly crowded field of crossovers and compact SUVs. The Mariner Hybrid puts versatility and economy together in a classy, compact package.