2009 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
Base MSRP: $30,475 (FWD); $32,225 (4WD)
EPA fuel economy (city/highway): 34 mpg/31 mpg (FWD); 29 mpg/27 mpg (4WD)
Here's the thing about badge-engineered product, whether hybrid or not: It makes writing a story about the limited-production version easy. One simply writes that it is all but identical to the other one. Such is the case with the 2009 Mariner Hybrid. If you like the styling better than the Ford Escape Hybrid or you have a Mercury dealer closer to your house than a Ford dealer, then by all means, have a look at the Mercury. Why does the Mercury version cost $445 more than the Ford? A Mercury spokesman says the Mariner, which comes in only one trim line compared to the Escape's two, has a higher-end stereo and interior trim than the base-level Escape.
2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid
Base MSRP: $28,225
EPA fuel economy (city/highway): 41 mpg/36 mpg
The 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid uses the same powertrain as the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid that impressed us with both its excellent drivability and its impressive fuel economy. We have not driven the Mercury version, but there's no reason to assume we wouldn't be just as impressed by this mechanical clone.
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