How many miles are on the MMH? There is a break-in period for the hybrid system (involves the battery being conditioned and the computer learning how it all operates and how you drive). Don't expect to see anything special until you have at least 3,000 miles on it. Even the manual says not to watch mileage early on in ownership.

In the winter the mileage will be greatly reduced in any vehicle, especially a hybrid. Mostly because the cold temps will cool the engine quickly and the system requires minimum engine temps and will run the engine to keep it warm. Also, at ultra low temps the system will disable regenerative braking altogether. Another reason for reduced MPG is because fuels in many areas are blended with ethanol which will reduce your FE by 10-15%. Then I assume it is an AWD since it is a MMH. Driving slow in town may or may not be good for mileage. If you drive in heavy traffic in a city with lights every block you won't get "great" mileage period. The vehicle relies on braking to charge the battery and supplement the engine. If you only go from light to light the battery doesn't get charged by braking and so the engine has to run to charge it....thus lower mileage. If you live in a small town or the burbs you are in an ideal setting and should get great mileage (after the break-in). If you are like me, and live in a major city and drive in heavy traffic....winter mileage may be as poor as 24-26mpg. In warmer temps you should see improved mileage. Check my signature....I am currently averaging 26mpg. I drive in some of the worst conditions for hybrids (aside from subfreezing temps up north!). My driving consists of repeated short trips in rush hour traffic in a major city on a cold engine. John is right in saying that 26 is the low end of what this vehicle will get. In the spring I am usually getting near 30mpg.....on the highways I keep it under 70 and get between 31-33mpg.

Tow capacity is low for several reasons. One of which is there is NO REVERSE gear in the transmission. All reverse is powered by the electric motors, either via battery or via electricity generated from the engine. There is NO engine powered reverse. This can be an issue for towing. Another issue may be that ford is concerned with overtaxing the electric motors...considering that this is only a 4cyl engine with electric assist. That said if you do a search on the forum for "towing" you will see that a few members have towed heavier loads without issue. That said, I will say what I always say....."Just because you CAN do it doesn't mean you SHOULD do it."

The MMH/FEH and the THH are two different vehicles in two different classes and two different price ranges. The THH is a full-size SUV that has available 3rd row seating and more storage. It is a much larger vehicle and has a V6 (hence the lower MPG) and can tow more. The MMH/FEH are compact SUV's have less storage. They are smaller, lighter and have a 4cyl engine. They can only tow 1000lbs, and seat 5 but cost thousands less and get better fuel economy. The vehicle for you depends on your needs.

-Tim

2006 Mercury Mariner Hybrid AWD
Black with Pebble interior
Premium Package with Nav & Moonroof



Current ODO: 26,152
Typical Drive: 20 min crosstown in heavy traffic (3.5mi there and back twice a day)


532 Gallons of gas saved
That's 10,642 lbs less CO2 emitted