Acceleration

AWD s model	Class Average
5	4.5

V6 acceleration satisfying at all speeds. Automatic transmission shifts smoothly. Test AWD V6 did 8.9 sec 0-60 mph. No 4-cyl model made available for test.

Fuel Economy

AWD s model	Class Average
5	4.9

Extended-use-test AWD V6 Tribute averaged 19.5 mpg over 24,308-mi. test, including several long highway trips. Other test AWD V6 Escapes and Tributes averaged 18-19.2 mpg. No opportunity to measure economy with 4 cyl.

Ride Quality

AWD s model	Class Average
4	4.7

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

Steering/Handling/Braking

AWD s model	Class Average
5	4.7

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

AWD s model	Class Average
4	4.1

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

Controls

AWD s model	Class Average
5	5.6

Climate and audio systems high on 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)

AWD s model	Class Average
6	5.8

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)

AWD s model	Class Average
5	4.6

Roomier and more comfortable than many compact SUVs. 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

AWD s model	Class Average
8	7.3

Not the most spacious 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

AWD s model	Class Average
10	6.3

Tribute and the related Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner are solid, spacious, and rewarding to drive. They cost in the mid-$20,000 range, well-equipped, making them good alternatives to some truck-based SUVs that may be larger on the outside, but use more gas and don't have significantly more interior space.

Total Score

AWD s model	Class Average
57	52.5

Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		29
Average Score		52
High Score		62