With gasoline prices mimicking the motto of Buzz Lightyear from the Toy Story movies-"To infinity and beyond!" -it's good to know there's a very economical sport-utility vehicle on the market. It doesn't hurt that it's also fun to drive, roomy and practical.

Hybrid Practicality
The front-wheel-drive drive version of the 2009 Mercury Mariner Hybrid gets an impressive 34 miles per gallon in city driving and a very respectable 31 mpg on the highway, according to the EPA. Unlike conventional vehicles, a hybrid's main fuel savings occurs by avoiding idling. A non-hybrid gets zero miles per gallon while stuck in traffic, but a hybrid's engine turns off in such situations and its battery pack provides power for some accessories. Some countries have adopted rules that drivers turn off their engines when stopped in traffic, thus resembling the reduced pollution of a hybrid. During steady highway driving, the hybrid's gasoline engine continues to propel the vehicle, providing much less benefit in such situations.

Changes for 2009
Changes for 2009 Mariner Hybrids include a restyled grille, hood, liftgate, head- and taillights. Mechanically, the '09 gets an Atkinson-cycle version of the new inline four-cylinder 2.5-liter gasoline engine in conventional Mariners. An Atkinson-cycle engine is more fuel efficient than a conventional engine because it converts more combustion heat into mechanical energy.

Power and Performance
The Mariner Hybrid earns California's Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle rating, the cleanest emissions rating achievable by a fossil-fuel vehicle. Driven sedately, the gasoline engine doesn't engage until nearly 40 mph. When needed to merge on fast moving freeways, acceleration virtually matches the V6-powered version of the Mariner. The transmission in the Mariner Hybrid is an electronically controlled continuously Variable Transmission (eCVT) unit. An eCVT better keeps the powerplants in their most efficient operating range. The Hybrid also uses regenerative braking to regain some energy that would otherwise just be turned to heat by the brakes. The Mariner Hybrid's 330-volt nickel-metalhydride batteries are warranted for eight years or 100,000-miles in most states and 10 years or 150,000 miles in states that follow California standards (see dealer for limited warranty details).

Safety and Features
A new standard feature for the Mariner Hybrid is Mercury's version of electronic stability control, called AdvanceTrac with RSC. Another new standard is the Microsoft-developed SYNC voice-activated system for communications and entertainment. Other standards include anti-lock braking system, unique 16-inch-diameter aluminum wheels, roof rails, and a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat. The standard sound system features a six-disc CD player, four speakers, is MP3-compatible and satellite radio with 6-month pre-paid subscription. The Mariner Hybrid's rear seat folds forward in a 60/40 split to expand cargo capacity when less than five passengers are aboard. The Mariner Hybrid boasts front side airbags and dual-row side curtain airbags.

Driving and Fuel Efficiency
The Mariner Hybrid retains the regular Mariner's go-pretty-much-anywhere image with available four-wheel-drive. While most will employ the 4WD system to conquer snowy highways, the Mariner Hybrid is more than up to the challenge of backwoods logging trails and the like. Also improving fuel efficiency is the Mariner's Hybrid's electric power steering. This system uses less energy than conventional hydraulic systems, which are driven by a belt running from the engine.

The Mariner Hybrid is both a very practical city-bound commuter and a vehicle that's capable of swallowing plenty of gear for a backwoods expedition. The fact that it uses less fuel and pollutes less than comparable vehicles only makes both experiences more rewarding.