2008 Mazda Tribute Hybrid

This Mazda is a Tribute to hybrid technology

Wed, Jun 11th 2008

VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS
type	5 door, suv - small, 2wd
msrp	$25
trans	automatic
gas mi.	34mpg/30mpg
rating

The major pinch at the gas pump of late has created an increase in awareness toward hybrids and other high-mileage modes of transportation.

For example, the other day in the gym locker room I heard the following conversation between two men:

“What’s the deal with hybrids? Are they really good cars? What mileage do they get?” asked the first.

“The Toyota Prius is the best and it realistically it gets about 45 miles per gallon," said the second, who was clearly in the car business. “With gas prices so high now, everyone wants one. We have a 4-6 week wait for a Prius.”

“Really? But what if I need more space, like when I take my dogs on the road with me.”

“Then you’d want something bigger -- maybe a Toyota Highlander or a Ford Escape hybrid.”

“Or the Mazda Tribute hybrid,” I interjected.

They both looked at me like I had two heads.

“The what?”

The Mazda Tribute hybrid has the same technology and frame as the popular Ford Escape hybrid, but a slightly different exterior design. Plus, the Tribute’s starting price is a couple thousand dollars less than the Escape.

While the Ford Escape hybrid has taken the lead spotlight in Ford’s energy efficient product ranks, its Tribute cousin has been quietly delivering good fuel economy (30-34 mpg) in a smallish SUV that has decent room for dog crates a cargo. With a fairly squared off rear end, the Tribute takes full advantage of its rear cargo space that is 58.5 inches long and 41 inches wide at its narrowest point.

And the Tribute is quick off the line. I found myself “chirping” the tires several times when starting from a standstill. And the sound of the electric motor is unusually quiet, making just a simple humming or whistling noise as the SUV accelerates.

The Tribute also has the fuel-saving advantage of running in electric only mode up to a speed of 25 miles per hour. This means in the 100 yards or so that turn down my street and into my driveway, the Tribute was gobbling kilowatts -- electricity from a battery that is recharged by the vehicle’s brakes -- instead of gas.

To flatten out the cargo area, you need to flip the second row seats forward, remove the headrests and tilt the seat backs into the space left behind. This is done fairly easily and effortlessly.

Back to my locker room chat. One guy responded by saying “Mazda? But I want an American made car.”

“Well,” I said, “Mazda is part of the Ford family -- and that’s an American company.” He just looked at me with that a blank stare . . . then finally changed the subject to sports.

-- Keith Turner

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Carguy Comments: The Mazda Tribute Hybrid is available in two-wheel-drive (30/34 mpg) or four-wheel-drive (27/29 mpg) models and three trim levels (Sport, Touring and Grand Touring). All feature a 2.3-liter gasoline engine married with a permanent magnet AC synchronous electric motor. Total cargo volume is 66.3 cubic feet.

-- Keith Turner, The Family Car

Barking Lot Banter: The rising price of gas is forcing many dog lovers to take a close look at hybrid SUVs on the market, including the Mazda Tribute Hybrid -- a cousin to the Ford Escape Hybrid.