2008 Mazda Tribute: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

The 2008 Mazda Tribute is reskinned after a 2007-model-year hiatus. This compact SUV shares its basic design with the 2008 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner, which are also redesigned. The 2008 Tribute is virtually the same size as the 2001-2006 versions and offers the same interior room and powertrains. It remains a five-passenger, 4-door wagon with a liftgate with opening glass. Tribute comes in i and s models in Sport, Touring, or Grand Touring trim levels. A gas/electric Hybrid model that comes in Touring and Grand Touring trim is available only in California. All Tributes are available with front-wheel drive or with all-wheel drive that does not include low-range gearing. Standard on i models is a 153-hp 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine. Standard on s models is a 200-hp 3.0-liter V6. Hybrids pair a 133-hp 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor. It doesn't require plug-in charging. The 2WD i Sport version is available with manual or automatic transmission. Other models have an automatic. Hybrids use a continuously variable automatic (CVT). Standard safety features include curtain side airbags, front side airbags, and ABS. Traction control and an antiskid system are standard on all except the Hybrid, where they are unavailable. Also available are heated front seats, leather upholstery, and a sunroof.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Among utility vehicles, Compact SUVs are typically 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; some offer seating for seven.

Our Best Buys are the Honda CR-V and Suzuki Grand Vitara. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Saturn Vue, and Toyota RAV4.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Jeep Liberty, Mazda Tribute, Nissan Rogue, and Saturn Vue.