2011 Mercury Mariner 4WD

The CarCody take

The 2011 Mercury Mariner 4WD is a gasoline SUV with all-wheel drive, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, and a six-speed automatic transmission. Its EPA rating is 22 combined MPG, with 20 MPG city and 26 MPG highway. EPA annual fuel cost is $3050, and tailpipe emissions are 403.95 grams of CO2 per mile.

Who it suits. Drivers wanting a gasoline SUV with all-wheel drive Mixed city and highway use

What it is

The 2011 Mercury Mariner 4WD is a sport utility vehicle with all-wheel drive. It uses gasoline, a 2.5 L four-cylinder engine, and a six-speed automatic transmission. See other models in the Mercury cars lineup.

The numbers

Its defining EPA figure is 22 combined MPG. The split is 20 MPG in city driving and 26 MPG on the highway. Those figures show the lower mileage expected around town and the higher result on open roads.

What it costs to run

The EPA annual fuel-cost estimate is $3050. Tailpipe emissions are listed at 403.95 grams of CO2 per mile.

How it compares

The Mariner's own city and highway ratings span six MPG, from 20 to 26. Its 22 combined MPG is the useful single number for mixed driving; the highway figure applies when most miles are at road speed.

Who it suits

This Mariner suits a buyer who wants an SUV with all-wheel drive and accepts gasoline running costs. It fits drivers whose use includes both city streets and highway travel.

Trade-offs

All-wheel drive and SUV body style come with a 22 combined MPG rating rather than the 26 MPG highway figure in every situation. City use is rated at 20 MPG, and the EPA annual fuel-cost estimate is $3050.

Verdict

Choose the 2011 Mercury Mariner 4WD if all-wheel drive and SUV format matter more than minimizing fuel spending. The 2.5 L four-cylinder and six-speed automatic keep the powertrain straightforward, while the EPA numbers give a clear expectation: 20 MPG in town, 26 MPG on the highway, and 22 MPG combined. Its $3050 annual fuel-cost estimate makes operating expense a central part of the decision.