2005 Mercury Mariner Road Test

Although still a compact SUV, its optional 7-speaker MACH Audiophile sound system featuring an AM/FM stereo and 6-disc

The soft and grippy driver's seat features 6-way power adjustment to optimize comfort, plus a manual lumbar support, ideal for long trips. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

in-dash CD changer makes it feel more like a concert hall. The system is one of the best in its class, picking up every nuance of the latest Tom Waits CD, Real Gone. The standard audio system is an AM/FM stereo with a single-CD player and integrated digital clock.

Those comfortable seats I mentioned earlier were covered in Mercury's premium leather trim, heated up front despite their soft and grippy "Preferred Suede" inserts. The driver's seat also featured 6-way power adjustment to optimize comfort, plus a manual lumbar support, ideal for long trips. Stock seats are clothed in premium cloth while the driver's seat features 2-way manual adjustment. Some may prefer more conventional leather appointments, also heated up front with a 6-way power driver's seat and manual lumbar support.

All the luxury features expected in a Mercury vehicle are present in the standard package, such as power windows and door locks, while power-remote, heated sideview mirrors are optional.

So what's next for the Mariner? A hybrid gasoline-electric version, based off of the Escape Hybrid, will debut in 2006 as a 2007

A hybrid gasoline-electric Mariner, based off of the Escape Hybrid, will debut in 2006 as a 2007 model. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

model. The eco-friendly sport utility was shown in the metal to the world's top automotive media at the New York International Auto Show in Manhattan's Jacob Javits convention center on April 7th. While late to the hybrid party, the Mariner HEV will offer what many consider to be the most functional combination of stellar fuel economy, ultra-low emissions, rugged functionality and luxurious appointments. While nicely equipped, the Mariner Hybrid has been designed to be more affordable than the only alternative hybrid electric sport utility to be announced thus far, the Lexus RX 330-based 400h.