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The compact Mercury Mariner is the less-visible sibling to the Ford Escape, but it’s a vehicle worth noting, particularly now that it has a new four-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic transmission.

In the past, most Mariners were sold with the optional 3.0-liter V-6, but the increasing price of gasoline and the availability of the new engine make the four-cylinder a better choice. The 2.5-liter engine replaces last year’s 2.3-liter four, and it delivers 171 horsepower, which is 18 more, and 171 pound-feet of torque.

Fuel economy is rated at 20 miles per gallon in the city and 28 on the highway, whereas the V-6 is rated at 18 and 26. In city driving, I averaged slightly more than 18 mpg, according the car’s onboard computer.

Ford said that refined aerodynamics and new low-rolling-resistance tires helps fuel economy while contributing to a quieter, more refined cabin.

I was pleasantly surprised by the four-cylinder. It has plenty of torque for off-the-line acceleration, and I liked the slight rumble of its exhaust.

This engine’s variable intake valve timing not only helps low-speed throttle response, but it also accounts for increased in fuel efficiency.

The six-speed automatic transmission has a gear for every occasion and also contributes to better mileage.

The Mariner is available with front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Prices start at $22,310 and top out at $27,165 for an all-wheel-drive Premier with the V-6. I drove a front-wheel-drive Premier and it had a base price of $24,425.

Standard equipment includes anti-lock brakes, traction control and an electronic stability control system that helps prevent rollovers.

The upscale Premier is available with Ford’s revised navigation system as well as Sync, a voice-activated system for the audio, navigation and Bluetooth cell phones.

The Mariner’s cabin received a major makeover last year. The dash has appealing textures, bright gauges and an eye-level center window that displays radio functions, ambient temperature and climate-control readouts. The instruments have cool blue lighting because that color is easy on the eyes at night.

The optional navigation system has a bright, easy-to-read screen, and using it is simple and straightforward. The system lacks a backup camera like that in some competitors, however.

Outside, you can’t miss the large satin grille and a higher beltline. The higher beltline is emphasized by integrated running boards and the discontinuation of the molded-in lower body moldings.

The Mariner has a revised suspension that delivers a better balance of ride and handling. The power steering is now electronic.

The Mariner shares its basic architecture and mechanical components with the Ford Escape and Mazda Tribute. All are built at Ford’s Claycomo assembly plant.

Folding the second-row seat is not a one-step operation. The seat cushion has to be pulled out and folded forward, and the headrests have to be removed from the seatback.

The center console has two removable bins. Ford says a laptop can fit inside the console.

Safety features include standard side-curtain airbags for both first- and second-row seats, side-impact airbags and a vehicle stability system with roll control.

Price

The base price of the Mariner Premier is $24,425. Options included heated front seats, heated outside mirrors, navigation system, moon roof, 17-inch wheels, dual-zone climate control, reverse sensing system and a retractable cargo cover. The sticker price was $29,670.

Warranty

Three years or 36,000 miles, with a five-year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

2009 Mercury Mariner Premier

Engine: 2.5-liter, 171-hp , 4-cyl.

Front-wheel drive

Wheelbase: 103.1 inches

Curb weight: 3,341 lbs.

Base price: $24,425

As driven: $29,670

MPG rating: 20 city, 28 hwy.

To reach Tom Strongman, send e-mail to tom@tomstrongman.com.