Although the Mazda Tribute hybrid is currently only being sold in California, it is likely only a matter of time before you see this small SUV in local dealerships. It originally arrived on the scene in 2008 to compete with Ford’s Escape hybrid and the Saturn Vue hybrid; however it has its own characteristics that set it apart and make it great for someone looking for a fuel-efficient hybrid SUV. As Mazda’s first hybrid, this SUV shows promise for what’s to come.
In the city, the Mazda Tribute hybrid can get up to 34 miles per gallon and will run on 100% electric power at slow speeds (less than 25 miles per hour). The Tribute hybrid also uses regenerative braking, meaning that power lost when breaking doesn’t get wasted, it goes toward powering the vehicle once you get moving again! Under the hood, you’ll find the modified MZR 2.5-liter gasoline engine, which runs on a combustion cycle, which modifies the timing of the closing of the valves, letting the engine realize more efficiency. The engine is capable of 153 horsepower, which gives Mazda drivers the sporty feeling they have come to expect when driving a Mazda – even if this one is a hybrid.
You can learn more about Mazda’s green SUV in Automotive Addict’s review and test drive here.
New on the 2009 model are: front and rear stabilizer bar, power-assisted ventilated front disc and rear drum brakes, automatic on/off headlights, standard satellite radio, steering wheel audio controls and Dynamic Stability Control, Roll Stability Control and Traction Control. The improvements over the inaugural 2008 model make this car an even better buy.
If you are looking for Touring or Grand Touring hybrid Tribute photos, specs, and available options try this page from Cars.com.
Lori at the mom-blog, Mother Proof, drove the car on a rare, rainy L.A. day. She enjoyed the way it handled, but thought the look of the car left something to be desired. Read her review of the car. Despite the increased safety features, it just wasn’t up to snuff for her.
Over the past year, our 2008 Hybrid Tribute review has been on of the most viewed pages on hybridsuv.com, so there is a great deal of interest in this vehicle. Unfortunately, with just three hundred 2009s being built, combined with the fact that they are only being sold in California, most of us have never seen a hybrid Tribute, nor will we have a chance to buy one.
