In suburban and rural driving this vehicle will excel. When I am driving over in NJ were it is mostly 35-45mph with lights every 1/2 mile or more my gas mileage is in the 30's. When I say stop and go traffic, I mean a red light at every corner and never getting over 25mph. This is not ideal for these vehicles as there is no opportunity for regen. Also, my commute is about 3.5 miles and back twice a day. This means cold starts at least twice a day....hence my winter numbers in the 25-26mpg range. You'll see better numbers as it warms up outside.

Bryan, as for your 45-60mph drives....don't be so sure they aren't hybrid friendly. It has been posted here numerous times that the IDEAL speed for driving this vehicle is actually 48mph (other than sub 40mph in EV mode of course). On a flat surface doing 48mph you will actually see mpg's in the high 30's-or even 40's depending on temp and fwd/awd. Try accelerating slowly and maintaining your speed around 50mph and you'll be surprised what you see.

-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