The
2010 Mazda Tribute is a compact crossover sport utility vehicle (SUV) available in four trim levels: i Sport, i Touring, i Grand Touring, and s Ground Touring. Propelled by either the 3.0 liter V-6 or the 2.5 liter Inline-four engine mated to a six-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission, the Mazda Tribute is available with front- or all-wheel drive.
Smaller when compared to alternative SUVs, the Mazda Tribute is also offered with an Active Torque Control Coupling (ATTC) system. The SUV is soft and dependable and offers an array of amenities. With an impressive collection of safety systems, the Tribute does well in safety testing, and its gas mileage isn't too bad at 20 mpg city / 26 mpg highway.
New for 2010
For 2010, the Mazda Tribute carried on unchanged except to add ambient temperature gauges, garage door openers, and two new colors, Steel Blue and Ingot Silver. The Grand Touring trims received an electro-chromatic rearview mirror with backup camera display.
Essentials
Engines: 2.5L I-4, 3.0L V-6
Transmissions: 6-speed automatic, 5-speed manual
Body Style: SUV
Trims: i Sport Sport Utility, i Touring Sport Utility, i Grand Touring Sport Utility, s Grand Touring Sport Utility
On the Outside
The Mazda Tribute is plain and to the point, with a high belt line and a tall roof, typical of an SUV. While the unpainted underbody plastic is unattractive, it's there for a purpose: to protect when the vehicle strays off the pavement.
From the Inside
The interior of the Mazda Tribute features 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, cloth seats, and power locks and windows. When the 60/40 folding rear seats are completely down, there is 67.2 cubic feet of cargo space.
Driving Performance
While the Mazda Tribute's 2.5-liter engine provides enough jazz for jaunts around town, the 3.0-liter with 4x4 is more suited for rough terrain and towing. Both engines are fairly fuel efficient and are flex fuel capable.
Safety Equipment
Standard safety equipment on the Mazda Tribute includes driver and passenger front and side airbags, side air curtains, traction control, and dynamic stability control.
Gas Mileage
Tribute i 4x2 with manual: 22 mpg city/28 mpg highway
Tribute i 4x2 with automatic: 20 mpg city/28 mpg highway
Tribute i 4x4 with automatic: 19 mpg city/28 mpg highway
Tribute s 4x2 with automatic: 18 mpg city/26 mpg highway
Tribute s 4x4 with automatic: 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway
Tribute HEV 4x2 with automatic: 34 mpg city/31 mpg highway
Tribute HEV 4x4 with automatic: 29 mpg city/27 mpg highway
Plusses
- Good highway gas mileage
- Large cargo capacity
Minuses
Rating
Aging SUV still provides good balance of power and fuel economy
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