Dodge Durango vs. Mercury Mariner Hybrid Review

Performance
With respect to horsepower, the Dodge Durango packs quite a wallop and will knock the Mercury Mariner Hybrid down a few rungs. On the flip side, keep in mind that high horsepower engines often command higher insurance premiums. Both the Dodge Durango and the Mercury Mariner Hybrid are likely to feel somewhat sluggish because of their high horsepower-to-weight ratio.

Handling
The Dodge Durango has substantially wider tires than the Mercury Mariner Hybrid. Keep in mind that bigger tires can look and feel better, while smaller tires may improve gas mileage. With their similar turning circles, the Mercury Mariner Hybrid and the Dodge very likely handle approximately the same into and out of tight spots.

Drivetrain
The Mercury Mariner Hybrid's engine is tremendously smaller than the Durango's. Remember that a smaller engine usually has to work a little harder; on the flip side, smaller engines typically get better gas mileage. The Mercury Mariner Hybrid could learn a lesson or two from the Dodge Durango in terms of torque. Torque equals pickup, and the Durango will have picked up and gone by the time the Mercury Mariner Hybrid finally gets moving.

Utility
The Dodge Durango is likely a better choice than the Mercury Mariner Hybrid in terms of transporting cargo, especially if you often need to carry a lot of cargo or beasts. Drivers with frequent kid-duty might favor the Dodge Durango over the Mercury Mariner Hybrid. Towing is significantly more the Dodge Durango's forte than it is the Mercury Mariner Hybrid's.

Convenience
You definitely won't have to visit your friendly gas station more often with the Dodge Durango than with the Mercury Mariner Hybrid, because both offer similar mileage ranges.

Comfort
While the front cabin in the Durango offers a bit more head room than the Mercury, there honestly isn't much of a difference. While the rear of the Dodge Durango provides a bit more head- and leg-room than the Mercury Mariner Hybrid, there really isn't much of a difference.

Dimensions
Both the Dodge and the Mercury Mariner Hybrid are likely to feel a little sluggish because of their high horsepower-to-weight ratio. Your wallet will hurt more every time you fill up the Dodge Durango than the Mercury Mariner Hybrid because of its larger tank. The Mercury Mariner Hybrid fits in smaller parking spaces than the Dodge Durango. The Mariner Hybrid's shorter wheelbase will likely give a sprier feel in daily traffic. On the flip side, the Dodge Durango is likely to have a smoother, more stable ride.

Cost
The destination charge is a standard charge for transporting the vehicle from its point of origin to the dealer. The Mercury is quite a bit cheaper to get to the dealership than the Dodge Durango. The Dodge Durango pales in comparison to the Mercury Mariner Hybrid when it comes to fuel economy. The Mercury will save you money at the pump compared to the Dodge. The Durango isn't much more expensive than the Mercury Mariner Hybrid when it comes to MSRP. The Durango will cost you a bundle in gasoline every year compared to the Mercury Mariner Hybrid. The Mercury Mariner Hybrid will save you a bunch of money at the pump every year compared to the Durango.

Overview
The Mariner Hybrid and the Dodge have the same basic warranty.