2005 Mercury Mariner

Rating applies to 2005-08 models

Tested vehicle: 2005 Ford Escape XLT 4-door 4wd

The Ford Escape and Mazda Tribute were introduced in the 2001 model year and structurally modified beginning with 2005 models to improve occupant protection in frontal crashes. The Mercury Mariner, introduced in the 2005 model year, also had the structural modifications. The Mazda Tribute skipped the 2007 model year. All three models were modestly restyled for the 2008 model year, and electronic stability control was added as a standard feature.

Note: These ratings and specifications do not apply to the hybrid (gas-electric) versions of the Escape and Mariner.

Action shot taken during the frontal offset crash test.

The dummy's position in relation to the steering wheel and instrument panel after the crash test indicates that the driver's survival space was maintained reasonably well.

Smeared greasepaint indicates where the dummy's head hit the B-pillar and roof rail during rebound. Head accelerations from these hits were low.

Forces on the lower right leg were high enough to indicate the likelihood of leg injury and the possibility of foot injury.

Rating applies to 2005-07 models built after August 2004

Tested vehicle: 2005 Ford Escape XLT 4-door 4wd with optional front and rear head curtain airbags and optional front seat-mounted torso airbags

The Ford Escape and Mazda Tribute were introduced in the 2001 model year, and the Mercury Mariner was introduced in 2005. The Mazda Tribute skipped the 2007 model year but reappeared for 2008.

Two tests of a 2003 Escape were conducted, one with an optional side airbag for the driver, and one without. The optional side airbags were then changed from combination front seat-mounted head and torso airbags to front and rear head curtain airbags for 2005 models built through August 2004. Beginning with 2005 and later Escape, Tribute, and Mariner models manufactured after August 2004, front seat-mounted torso airbags were added to the optional front and rear head curtains (note: information about when a specific vehicle was manufactured is on the certification label typically affixed to the car on or near the driver door). A third test of an Escape, a 2005 model with all of the airbag changes, was then conducted. Injury and head protection ratings are based on only the latest test, but structural ratings are based on all three tests.

Beginning with 2008 models of the Escape, Tribute, and Mariner, the side airbags were made standard, and electronic stability control was introduced as a standard feature. Note: These ratings and specifications do not apply to the hybrid (gas-electric) versions of the Escape and Mariner.

View of the vehicle and barrier just after the crash test.

View of the vehicle after the crash with doors removed, showing the side airbags and damage to the occupant compartment.

Action shot taken during the side impact crash test showing the driver dummy's head was protected from being hit by hard structures by the side airbags.

Smeared greasepaint shows where the rear passenger dummy's head was protected by the side airbag.

Rating applies to 2005-07 models

Tested vehicle: 2003 Ford Escape XLT 4-door 4wd without optional side airbags

The Ford Escape and Mazda Tribute were introduced in the 2001 model year, and the Mercury Mariner was introduced in 2005. The Mazda Tribute skipped the 2007 model year but reappeared the following year.

Two tests of a 2003 Escape were conducted, one with an optional side airbag for the driver, and one without. A third test of an Escape, a 2005 model, was conducted because the side airbags were changed beginning with 2005 models to include protection for the rear passenger. These vehicles are rated separately, except that the injury and head protection ratings for the rear passenger are based on both tests of the 2003 models. Structural ratings for the three vehicles are based on all three tests.

Note: These ratings and specifications do not apply to the hybrid (gas-electric) versions of the Escape and Mariner.

View of the vehicle and barrier just after the crash test.

View of the vehicle after the crash with doors removed, showing damage to the occupant compartment.

Action shot taken during the side impact crash test showing the driver dummy's head being hit by the intruding barrier.

Glass marks on the barrier show where the driver dummy's head hit the barrier.

Seat type: All seats