2010 Mazda Tribute
- 2009 Mazda Tribute
- Used Mazda Tribute
Based on analysis of 15 Tribute reviews and test drives.
Mazda Tribute - What the Auto Press Says
The 2010 Mazda Tribute ranks 27 out of 31 Affordable Midsize SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 15 published reviews and test drives of the Mazda Tribute, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The Mazda Tribute continues to be an excellent value thanks to its reasonable base price and high fuel economy. However, many reviewers still say it falls short of competitors due to a dated design and lack of power.
Last year, the Tribute received a larger four-cylinder engine, a revised V6 and a new six-speed automatic transmission, but the new equipment still doesn't put it on par with most competitors. Its interior comes with a confusing controls layout and only adequate cargo space, which is a downside for families. The Tribute shares a platform with the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner, which both offer higher caliber interiors and driving experiences. Of course, neither of them can match the Tribute's fuel economy or sub-$20,000 base price.
"Drivers who prefer car-like ride and handling qualities but want a vehicle with bolder, truck-like visual traits could well find the Tribute more appealing than competitors like the Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue or Saturn Vue," says Kelley Blue Book. If you're not set on the Tribute, there are many affordable alternatives within its class. The Escape and Honda CR-V are only marginally more expensive and boast plenty of power and smooth rides.
The Tribute comes in several trims -- Sport, Touring and Grand Touring -- in either the base "i" or sportier "s" versions. A hybrid version, offered in California only, runs on a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine with an electric motor.
- "Mazda's compact crossover has its strengths, including an excellent 6-speed automatic transmission and comfortable passenger accommodations. All Tributes suffer from crude-sounding engines, low-rent cabin appointments, and a Ford-derived basic design that's nearly a decade old." -- Consumer Guide
- "The Mazda Tribute is the vehicle for you if you want a little zoom in your compact utility. It is fun to drive and provides all the convenient qualities of a compact SUV." -- CarsDirect
- "For 2009, Mazda makes a slew of mechanical changes that could improve performance and efficiency." -- Cars.com
- "Last year's extensive interior and exterior revisions combine with this year's stronger engines to create a thoroughly improved 2009 Mazda Tribute. Nevertheless, this Ford clone struggles against newer, more modern competitors." -- Edmunds
Tribute Performance - 7.2 (Good)
The 2010 Mazda Tribute's excellent fuel economy is its trump card when it comes to performance. Aside from that, its performance is just adequate. But adequate isn't enough in a class full of smoother-riding, sportier-driving and generally more powerful competitors. Of the Tribute's driving experience, Car and Driver says: "Doesn't offend but doesn't impress either." Read More
Tribute Exterior - NA
Reviewers continue to be disappointed in the Tribute's bland exterior, which is in dire need of an update. Of last year's very minor changes, Car and Driver concludes, "Handsome enough, sure, but the styling appears to have been changed for change's sake." On the plus side, reviewers especially like the flip-up liftgate window. Read More
Tribute Interior - 8.3 (Very Good)
The 2010 Mazda Tribute's interior is a point of contention among reviewers. Many complain about poor ergonomics and quality. "Disappointing overall," Consumer Guide concludes. "Tribute's interior imparts a low-buck atmosphere with lots of hard plastic trim and odd panel textures." Both the Chevrolet Equinox and Kia Sorento fare better when it comes to cabin ergonomics. Read More
Tribute Safety - 9.9 (Excellent)
The 2010 Mazda Tribute does well in federal government crash tests. Read More
Tribute Reliability - 5.0 (Mediocre)
The 2010 Mazda Tribute reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The Tribute comes with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty. Read More
