The 2010 Mazda Tribute for all intents and purposes seems the perfect SUV with its completely modern attributes.   The Tribute is labeled to be a cloned replica of the Ford Escape, and it purports the typical gamut of advantages and disadvantages of the Ford Escape.  Features to its advantage are the sleek bodyline and a uniquely styled exterior,  superior class V6 or four-cylinder engine as per choice and the surpassing the best in safety standards.  There are, however, a few flaws in the Mazda Tribute, which keep it from being the best among other SUVs in the same class.  You can find all the features of Mazda Tribute 2010 in this review.

The 2010 Mazda Tribute is available in two models – the i model available in Grand Touring, Touring and Sport levels having five speed manual transmission, a 2.5-liter four cylinder engine producing 171 hp with 171 lf-ft of torque, and the s model has a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine which is only available on a Grand Touring level and is paired to a six-speed automatic.  The V6 produces 240 hp with 233 lb-ft of torque.

The Touring is equipped with audio controls on the steering wheel, a power driver seat, tinted rear windows and a roof carrier.  The Sport is air-conditioned with all power accessories, CD player, cruise control, back-up audio jack, ambient temperature gauge and automatic headlamps.  The Grand Touring has an advanced audio system along with a rearview mirror that also supports a display for the back-up camera, leather upholstery, heated front seats and side mirrors and a sunroof.

The front seats of the Mazda Tribute are strongly supported and secure.  Though the rear seat is spacious for adults, it lacks adjustments to allow for recline.  To fold the seat down – one needs to remove the headrests, tip the bottom cushions and then lower the seatbacks.  There is only a 29 cu ft cargo space available with the second row seat up and when lowered offers 66 cu ft – less than what is offered by RAV4 from Toyota and the CR-V from Honda.  But the build quality and the control layout of the Mazda are impressive.

There are few weaknesses in the Mazda Tribute.  Its interior is behind the times; some fundamental features that are standard among the newer SUVs are lacking like the easily foldable and reclining-cum-sliding backseat and the vertically adjustable steering wheel.  The quality of the multimedia interface called “Sync” which is compatible with portable equipment like audio gadgets and cell phones allowing sound control and is the leading USP of the Mercury Mariner and the Ford Escape, is not all that good.

The unibody structure of the Mazda SUV Tribute gives it a firm and sportier feel making the handling and ride easier unlike other SUVs that have a body-on-chassis kind of frame that rattles and is tougher to handle.  The 2010 Mazda Tribute is well equipped in terms of safety with stability and traction control, antilock brakes and front-seat and side curtain airbags.

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