2005 Mazda Tribute: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Mazda's compact SUV gets more 4-cyl power and added safety features, including available curtain side airbags, for 2005. Tribute shares its car-type design with Ford's Escape and Mercury Mariner, though only Escape offers a gas/electric hybrid powertrain. Tribute comes in models labeled i and s. Both are available with front-wheel drive or with all-wheel drive that does not include low-range gearing. Standard on i models is a new 4-cyl engine, a 153-hp 2.3-liter in place of a 130-hp 2.0. Standard on s models is a 200-hp V6. The i version is available with manual or automatic transmission; s models have automatic. ABS, previously an option, is standard for '05. Newly optional for s models are head-protecting curtain side airbags that cover both seating rows. Continuing as standard are 16-inch alloy wheels, 60/40 split folding rear seatbacks, and a rear liftgate with separate hatch window. Available features include heated front seats, leather upholstery, sunroof, and rear DVD entertainment. Tribute's performance and accommodations mirror those of comparably equipped Escapes.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Among utility vehicles, Compact SUVs are the least costly and offer the best fuel economy. Most utilize a car-type chassis and are not designed for heavy-duty, off-road use. Nearly all are five-passenger vehicles.

Our Best Buys include the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Mazda Tribute, and the Mercury Mariner. Our Recommended picks are the Honda Element, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Liberty, and Subaru Forester.