The 2011 Mazda Tribute is one of the 23 compact SUVs that is reasonably priced. The four-cylinder 2.5-L engine or the V6 3.0-L engine paired with responsive transmissions can generate adequate acceleration. The Tribute would be best for family who loves to have a spacious rear seats. Though the interior is poorly designed, you’ll reconsider Tribute since it has better fuel economy.
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: SUV | Base Price: $20,555.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 17.5 gallons (66 liters) | MPG: 23 city / 28 hwy |
| Length: 174.9 in. (444 cm) | Width: 71.1 in. (180.5 cm) |
| Height: 67.9 in. (172 cm) | Wheel Base: 103.1 in. (261.8 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 3272 lbs (1484 kg) | Ground Clearance: 8.4 in. (21 cm) |
| Luggage Capacity: 31.4 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 5 people |
| Engine: 2.5 liter 16-Valve DOHC 4-Cylinder VVT | Displacement: 2488 liters cc |
| Horsepower: 171 HP | Max RPM: 6000 RPM |
| Torque: 171 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm | Transmission: 5-Speed Manual |
| 0-60 mph: 8.0 seconds | Max Towing Capacity: 1500 lbs (680 kgs) |
| Option:Tribute iTouring FWD Auto | MSRP: $23,740; MPG: 21 city / 28 hwy |
| Option:Tribute iGrand Touring FWD Auto | MSRP: $25,700; MPG: 21 city / 28 hwy |
| Option:Tribute s Grand Touring FWD Auto | MSRP: $27,315; MPG: 19 city / 25 hwy |
Performance
Most reviews about the performance of the Mazda Tribute are lukewarm. When you buy a Tribute, you have two options for your engine. You can choose a 3.0-L engine V6 of 240-horsepower or a base engine four cylinder 2.5-L with 171-horsepower. The engine can be installed with a five-speed manual transmission or with a six-speed automatic transmission that is shiftable.
The acceleration that both engine produce are just sufficient though when compared with other SUV rivals, both engine are underpowered. The performance of Tribute that buyers must look into is its potential to reduce your budget for the fuel. Though other compact SUV is easy to handle than the Tribute, but it’s a good thing that handling tribute is not that bad. Another good feature, there is smooth transmission shift and it quickly recover to generate more power.
Exterior
The exterior design of the Mazda Tribute didn’t have much deviation from the previous models but it has a one or two feature that anyone would love. It has an integrated lift-gate window that can be flipped up. Another exterior feature that is advantage for family’s that are always on the go is the fuel filler that is capless.
Interior
If you love unique interior designs, the Tribute will surely suit your taste. The interior of Tribute has a good build quality but the design is not up-to-date. Five passengers can comfortably occupy the Tribute. Occupants of the rear seats will be more comfortable because it is spacious. Others may also find rear seats uncomfortable to occupy since the seats have upright position and you cannot adjust it automatically.
Other integrated interior features include the audio system (AM/FM/CD), a keyless entry with a remote, a steering wheel that is slightly tilted, and a power lock for the doors and windows. The cargo that can be held by the Tribute is more than what Tucson can accommodate. Tribute can accommodate a cargo of 31.4 cubic feet.
Safety
The safety features of 2011 Mazda Tribute is the same with the 2010 model thus they must have the same score in terms of safety. When the protection of all passengers is tested for the side and frontal crashes, a score of 5 stars was given. The rollover score of Tribute 2010 is three stars. When Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) tested the rear, side, and front protection, they gave a remark of “Good”.
When it comes to testing the strength of the roof, it is found that the Tribute lacks strength. The rating it obtained is only “marginal”. Safety features that are standard for an SUV are all integrated in the Mazda Tribute. Few of those features are airbags for the side and front impact, control system for the traction, control for dynamic stability, and control for roll stability.
Reliability
The reliability rating of the 2011 Mazda Tribute is only 50%. This reliability rating is only predicted and given by J.D. Power. The rating is based on the previous three years of the historical quality (initial) and the data of dependability gathered from the automotive studies of J.D. Power and Associates.
The Competition
the Tribute has almost the same platform as the Ford Escape (MSRP $21,240; 23 city / 28 hwy). In terms of the interior design, the Escape is better than Tribute and it has also good electronics. If you want a compact SUV but has lower price than Tribute, Hyundai Tucson (MSRP $19,045; 20 city / 27 hwy) is a good choice. Aside from having a lower price, Tucson has longer warranty, better economy of fuel, and packed with more features that standard for an SUV.
Pros & Cons
The Mazda Tribute is the best SUV when it comes to cars that have better fuel economy. It is also good in terms of its drive train because it is very responsive. You can expect a very good up-shift and a responsive downshift. Another characteristic of the Mazda Tribute that you might like is it has rear seats that are spacious.
The passengers in the rear will surely enjoy the ride since they can stretch their legs comfortably. The downside of the 2011 Tribute is there are only limited options of the design of the car. The pedal of the brake is also hard to manage because it is spongy sometimes. If you are the type who wants to have an SUV that has extravagant interior, then the Tribute is not the one for you. The materials used in the interior are not of top quality and are dated.
Overall Rating
67 out of 100
What others say:
“There’s not much “zoom zoom” in the Tribute’s handling, which also doesn’t suffer too much from typical trucky SUV feel.”Car Connection
“The steering feels overboosted and numb, especially at low speeds. A tidy turning radius helps in low-speed maneuvering.”Consumer Guide
“Fit and finish is unimpressive and the car is noisy.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports
“Feels old compared to rivals; poor braking performance; lacks high-tech features of crossover competitors; rear seat doesn’t slide or recline.”Edmunds
