2010 Mazda Tribute: Road Test
2010 Mazda Tribute ▼
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- MSRP: $20,090 - $28,600
- Invoice: $18,820 - $26,756
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Our road test for the 2010 Mazda Tribute includes a full evaluation of the 2010 Mazda Tribute from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2010 Mazda Tribute, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2010 Mazda Tribute help you decide if a 2010 Mazda Tribute is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| AWD i Grand Touring | AWD s Grand Touring | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 6 | 4.4 |
The 4-cylinder provides better than expected acceleration, even with AWD. The transmission shifts smoothly and kicks down quickly for more power. The 240-hp V6 and 6-speed automatic transmission makes for a very responsive compact SUV. The transmission is the highlight of this powertrain, providing smooth upshifts and snappy downshifts when needed. No Hybrids have been made available for testing.
FUEL ECONOMY
| AWD i Grand Touring | AWD s Grand Touring | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 5.1 |
No opportunity to measure a Tribute, but in Consumer Guide testing, a similar Mercury Mariner AWD 4-cylinder averaged 23.2 mpg in mostly highway driving over the course of its 4802-mile extended-use evaluation. A similar Ford Escape AWD V6 averaged 20.0 mpg with slightly more highway driving than city use. Tribute uses regular-grade gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| AWD i Grand Touring | AWD s Grand Touring | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5 |
Pleasant, given the age of its basic design. Bumps are heard more than they're felt. Some float is noticeable at highway speeds, but it's not bothersome.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| AWD i Grand Touring | AWD s Grand Touring | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.8 |
Body lean in turns is well controlled. The steering feels overboosted and numb, especially at low speeds. A tidy turning radius helps in low-speed maneuvering.
QUIETNESS
| AWD i Grand Touring | AWD s Grand Touring | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 4.2 |
The V6 engine is smoother and quieter than the 4-cylinder. The 4-cylinder is especially loud and crude sounding. Any Tribute trails rival 4- and 6-cylinder engines for overall refinement. Wind and road noise are present but are not in significant quantity to be overly bothersome.
CONTROLS
| AWD i Grand Touring | AWD s Grand Touring | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.9 |
All controls are simple to use once passengers become familiar with the location of all the buttons. Note that a navigation system is only available on the Hybrid Grand Touring.
DETAILS
| AWD i Grand Touring | AWD s Grand Touring | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.8 |
Disappointing overall. Tribute's interior imparts a low-buck atmosphere with lots of hard plastic trim and odd panel textures.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| AWD i Grand Touring | AWD s Grand Touring | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.8 |
While the Grand Touring's standard sunroof cuts into headroom a bit, most adults should find more than adequate headroom. Legroom is good for most adults, though taller riders would benefit from longer seat tracks. The seats themselves are comfortably supportive. Visibility is very good in all directions.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| AWD i Grand Touring | AWD s Grand Touring | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5 |
Another Tribute strong point. Knee and foot space are ample, aided by a flat floor. Three adults will fit for short trips on the nicely shaped rear bench. Entry and exit are hampered a bit by narrow door openings.
CARGO ROOM
| AWD i Grand Touring | AWD s Grand Touring | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 7.7 |
A low, level load deck and opening tailgate glass make for handy cargo loading and hauling. Rear seatbacks do fold flat, but require multiple, inconvenient steps to do so. Cabin small-item storage includes several bins, cubbies, and map pockets in all four doors.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| AWD i Grand Touring | AWD s Grand Touring | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 7 | 6 |
All Tributes suffer from crude-sounding engines, low-rent cabin appointments, and a Ford-derived basic design that's a decade old. Mazda's compact crossover is Recommended for its excellent 6-speed automatic transmission and comfortable passenger accommodations. The availability of a gas/electric hybrid model is laudable, though it's only offered in California.
Total Score
| AWD i Grand Touring | AWD s Grand Touring | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 62 | 63 | 58.7 |
Total Score: 63
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
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