Mazda Tribute:Review the specs, features and pros & cons

Mazda Tribute Safety

As an older SUV, you won’t find active safety features that are starting to become standard on more modern vehicles. However, the Mazda Tribute has plenty of safety equipment from 2008 onward, such as:

• Child safety locks
• Traction control, which helps you navigate slippery roads
• Electronic Stability Control, which detects your car’s loss of traction and reduces it
• All-wheel drive, which is optional on every trim, and can help reduce the chances of skidding

Anti-lock brakes, preventing your tires from skidding across slippery surfaces, became standard across all trims from 2005. The final iteration of the Mazda Tribute in 2011 received a lower-than-average safety rating, unlike its 2010 version, which received positive reviews.

Mazda Tribute Interior

Air conditioning and power windows have always been available on all trims. The rearview camera is optional on 2010 and 2011 models on the highest trim level. When looking for bonus features, we recommend test-driving the highest trim models, such as the ES, as they offer more added perks that modern drivers often expect, such as:

• Leather seating (all models years)
• Heated front seats (from 2003)
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror with a built-in compass (since 2004)
• Illuminated vanity mirrors (since 2010)

Mazda Tribute Technology

The auxiliary jack became available in the 2008 base model, and the MP3 player was introduced in the 2009 V6 GT. By the 2008 model, drivers also had optional satellite radio, along with the CD player and AM/FM radio. Other tech features throughout some models of the Tribute include keyless entry, remote engine start and a vehicle anti-theft system.

Mazda Tribute Space

As a midsize SUV, there is only one row of passenger seating in the rear. The final Mazda Tribute model offered plenty of trunk space. However, if passengers want to give themselves more legroom, they might have a hard time adjusting the backseat.

Mazda Tribute Comfort

If you have a sensitive back, we recommend test-driving the Mazda Tribute Grand Touring—the highest trim level—for the added lumbar support alone. While if you're after a powerful car, we recommend test-driving the Mazda Tribute from 2009 onward, as the model was released with a new power-boosted engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. Manual transmission is also available on the base trim if you like the feel of a sportier drive. You may experience below-average handling on the Tribute, so hold on tight when turning sharp corners. On the other hand, you might be pleasantly surprised by the Mazda Tribute’s above-par fuel economy.