The Mercury Mariner compact SUV is available in four trim levels: I4, V6, Premier I4 and Premier V6. The base I4 Mariner comes standard with 16-inch alloy wheels, foglights, privacy glass, full power accessories, air-conditioning, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, a four-speaker CD stereo, an auxiliary input jack and keyless entry. The V6 includes all of the base I4's standard equipment plus the 3.0-liter V6 engine. The Premier I4 model adds rear parking sensors, ambient interior lighting, leather/Alcantara upholstery, a power driver seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, Sync, an in-dash CD changer, satellite radio and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The Premier V6 model pairs the Premier I4's standard content with the six-cylinder motor. Options on non-Premier models include a roof rack, a moonroof, Sync, leather upholstery, a power driver seat, ambient interior lighting, an in-dash six-CD changer and satellite radio. Among the options on Premier models are 17-inch wheels, step bars, a moonroof, an upgraded seven-speaker stereo system, a navigation system and heated front seats. Class II towing preparation is also available on V6 models only.
The Mercury Mariner can be had with either front- or all-wheel drive. A 2.5-liter inline-4 that generates 171 hp and 171 pound-feet of torque motivates the I4 and Premier I4 models. The V6 and Premier V6 models come with a 3.0-liter V6 that churns out 240 hp and 223 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Properly equipped, the V6 Mariner can tow up to 3,500 pounds. EPA estimates for front-wheel-drive I4 models stand at 20 miles per gallon city/28 mpg highway (19/25 for AWD models), while front-wheel-drive V6 models should achieve 18 mpg city/26 highway (17/24 for AWD models).