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2009 Mazda Tribute
At a Glance
| Pricing | $19,730 - $33,445 |
|---|---|
| Drive Types | FWD, AWD |
| Engines | I4 (153-bhp), I4 (171-bhp), V6 (240-bhp) |
| Transmissions | A6, CVT, M5 |
| Fuel Economy | 17-34 (city), 24-31 (highway) |
Our Ratings
| Velocity Index | 51 |
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The new Mazda Tribute offers more utility than many compact SUVs
Overview Information
The Mazda Tribute is the overlooked counterpart to the popular Ford Escape. Despite slightly different styling, the Tribute shares a 2.3L I-4 or 3.0L V-6 with the Escape. The 2.3L offers a 5-speed manual standard on the FWD model. Both engines are available with a 4-speed automatic and 4WD. A FWD hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) version of the Tribute pairs the 2.3L engine with an electric motor and battery pack. The HEV also features a CVT that drives the front wheels. All trim levels except the HEV model get standard Roll Stability Control (RSC) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC). Options include heated leather seats, DVD entertainment system, 16-inch alloy wheels, and a towing package. Despite the updates, the Tribute lacks a 6-speed automatic like the slightly more expensive CX-7 crossover SUV, which would improve performance and fuel economy. As the Tribute is essentially a restyled Escape, there really is no compelling reason to prefer it to its Ford cousin.
What Changed:
The Tribute features a number of enhancements for 2009. The base engine is a new 2.5L four-cylinder rated at 171-bhp. This engine also becomes the basis for hybred electric models. The 3.0L V6 has also been improved and is now rated at 240-bhp. A new six-speed automatic is now offered in the range. The 2009 Tribute also features redesigned front and rear seats.
Official Word:
Offering more traditional sport-utility vehicle (SUV) styling than Mazda's other SUVs, CX-7 and CX-9, the 2009 Tribute rounds out the Mazda family of unibody-based crossover SUVs, making it the perfect choice for buyers in search of traditional, go-anywhere rugged styling. Completely redesigned both inside and out for 2008, the 2009 Mazda Tribute adds many new exterior, interior and safety features and two new engines. The 2009 Tribute i now come with a 2.5-liter iVCT 4-cylinder engine...Read.
| Model/Trim | Eng. | Trans. | Velocity Index | Base Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tribute Sport | 2.5l I4 (171-bhp) | M5 | FWD | 44 | $19,730 |
| Tribute Sport | 2.5l I4 (171-bhp) | A6 | FWD | 42 | $21,790 |
| Tribute Sport | 2.5l I4 (171-bhp) | A6 | AWD | 40 | $23,545 |
| Tribute Touring | 2.5l I4 (171-bhp) | A6 | FWD | 42 | $22,935 |
| Tribute Touring | 2.5l I4 (171-bhp) | A6 | AWD | 40 | $24,690 |
| Tribute Grand Touring | 2.5l I4 (171-bhp) | A6 | FWD | 42 | $24,620 |
| Tribute Grand Touring | 2.5l I4 (171-bhp) | A6 | AWD | 40 | $26,375 |
| Tribute Sport | 3.0l V6 (240-bhp) | A6 | FWD | 45 | $23,055 |
| Tribute Sport | 3.0l V6 (240-bhp) | A6 | AWD | 51 | $24,805 |
| Tribute Touring | 3.0l V6 (240-bhp) | A6 | FWD | 45 | $24,200 |
| Tribute Touring | 3.0l V6 (240-bhp) | A6 | AWD | 51 | $25,950 |
| Tribute Grand Touring | 3.0l V6 (240-bhp) | A6 | FWD | 45 | $25,885 |
| Tribute Grand Touring | 3.0l V6 (240-bhp) | A6 | AWD | 51 | $27,635 |
| Tribute HEV Touring | 2.5l I4 (153-bhp) | CVT | FWD | 33 | $29,175 |
| Tribute HEV Grand Touring | 2.5l I4 (153-bhp) | CVT | FWD | 33 | $30,925 |
| Tribute HEV Touring | 2.5l I4 (153-bhp) | CVT | AWD | 40 | $31,695 |
| Tribute HEV Grand Touring | 2.5l I4 (153-bhp) | CVT | AWD | 40 | $33,445 |
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