Acceleration

ES AWD	Class Average
5	3.7

Few compact SUVs have as much power as the V6 Tribute/Escape. Acceleration is satisfying at all speeds and the automatic transmission shifts smoothly. We have not tested a 4-cyl model.

Fuel Economy

ES AWD	Class Average
5	4.8

Extended-use-test AWD V6 Tribute averaged 19.5 mpg over its 24,308-mi. test, including several long highway trips. Other test AWD V6 Escapes and Tributes averaged 18-19.2 mpg. We haven't had an opportunity to measure economy with the 4 cyl.

Ride Quality

ES AWD	Class Average
4	4.1

Very taut over bumps, but without float or wallow at highway speeds.

Steering/Handling/Braking

ES AWD	Class Average
5	4

Steering is notably direct, and directional stability is impressive even in gusty crosswinds. In typical SUV fashion, body leans and nose plows in fast, sharp turns, but Tribute is otherwise balanced and confident in changes of direction.

Quietness

ES AWD	Class Average
4	3.5

Not car-quiet, and you may need to raise voices at 65 mph. Wind roar is noticed, and tires whine on coarse surfaces.

Controls

ES AWD	Class Average
5	5.2

Climate and audio systems are high on the dashboard, within easy reach, and with large, simple controls. But there's no independent control for air recirculation or air conditioning.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

ES AWD	Class Average
6	5.3

Seats firm and supportive. Taller riders may want more head room in sunroof-equipped models, but it's otherwise generous. Those with long legs will have to move the passenger seat well back, but overall, the cabin feels spacious and airy.

Room/Comfort (rear)

ES AWD	Class Average
5	4.1

Roomier and more comfortable than any other compact SUV. Seat is tall and well-shaped. Tribute's leg and toe room exceed that of many larger SUVs, and a nearly flat floor helps center-position comfort. Step-in is taller than most in class, but doorways are wide.

Cargo Room

ES AWD	Class Average
7	6.7

Not the largest among compact SUVs, but plenty roomy. Rear seatbacks fold flat once the headrests are removed and the seat bottoms tilted forward. Standard separate-opening rear glass is an added convenience.

Value within Class

ES AWD	Class Average
10	5.7

Tribute aims for a more-conservative and slightly more-upscale audience than its Escape sibling. But both are solid, spacious, and rewarding to drive. Each costs in the mid-$20,000 range fully equipped, making them high-value alternatives to some truck-based SUVs that may be larger on the outside, but don't have significantly more interior space and use more gas.

Total Score

ES AWD	Class Average
56	47.1

Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		27
Average Score		47
High Score		62