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Hybrid SUVs
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2009 Mazda Tribute Hybrid
- Top fuel economy for SUVs
- Smooth transition between gas and electric power
- Top crash ratings
- Very limited availability and distribution
- Premium price for hybrid
- Average fit and finish, low refinement
- Difficult to fold rear seats
The 2009 Mazda Tribute Hybrid is a compact SUV that is produced in limited numbers (a single run of 300 vehicles) and only available in California. Because it is essentially a clone of the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid (Base MSRP: $29,305 to $33,385) and 2009 Mercury Mariner Hybrid (Base MSRP: $29,750 to $31,500), shoppers are strongly advised to look at these models also. Together, the trio claims the honor of being the most fuel-efficient SUVs available, with EPA fuel economy ratings of 34/31 city/highway mpg for the front-wheel drive versions and 29/27 mpg for the all-wheel-drive variants. The best mileage from a non-hybrid 2009 Mazda Tribute (Base MSRP: $19,730 to $27,635) is 22/28 mpg. The Tribute SUV offers a full hybrid system rated at 177 horsepower, with two electric motors matched with a larger, more powerful four-cylinder engine for 2009.
Performance and details of the Tribute Hybrid are nearly identical to that of the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner, reviews point out. All three models get numerous refinements for 2009, including a smoother ride and additional standard features, such as electronic stability control. However, the Tribute has fewer updates to its exterior and interior styling compared with the higher-volume Ford and Mercury models, and the Tribute does not get an optional navigation system or Ford's advanced SYNC hard-drive infotainment system. As a full hybrid, the Tribute offers better fuel economy than the less sophisticated mild-hybrid 2009 Saturn VUE Hybrid (Base MSRP: $27,930) or more expensive 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid (Base MSRP: $34,700 to $41,020).
Given its extremely limited production and availability, few media outlets have full evaluations of the Mazda Tribute Hybrid. However, Car and Driver and Cars.com give descriptive summaries with pros and cons. ConsumerReports.org covers all models of the Tribute in its report, which includes historical reliability information. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the Tribute its Top Safety Pick honor for its crash-test results. Additional reviews are found at AutomotiveAddicts.com and Road & Travel.
Our Sources
1. Car and DriverDetails/Subscribe
This brief summary lists highs and lows for the Tribute Hybrid, a "capsule review," as well as photos, prices and specs. Lows include: "Heavy at the scales, slow off the line, hybrid price premium."
Review: 2009 Mazda Tribute hybrid, Staff of Car and Driver
2. Cars.com
Rather than a test-drive evaluation, this article simply recaps the Tribute Hybrid's pros and cons and presents a summary of features and equipment. Editors don't like the "bland styling, inside and out," but they praise the cargo space and the fact that the rear window opens independently of the liftgate.
Review: 2009 Mazda Tribute Hybrid, Staff of Cars.com, Sept. 5, 2008
3. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe
Editors of ConsumerReports.org have a good summary review of the Mazda Tribute, with a road-test evaluation and reliability history of the non-hybrid versions as compiled in large owner surveys. You must be a subscriber to read this report.
Review: 2009 Mazda Tribute review, Editors of ConsumerReports.org
More informational than critical, this test driver says, "transition through four modes -- all-electric, gas-electric, gas-only and charging the battery pack -- is seamless." The test driver reports reaching a top speed of 35 mph in electric-only propulsion before the gas engine starts automatically.
Review: 2009 Mazda Tribute Hybrid Test Drive, Harvey Schwartz, Nov. 26, 2008
5. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
Top-rated vehicles in crash tests are honored by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety with a Top Safety Pick award. Each of the vehicles must earn ratings of "Good" in frontal and side-impact crash tests, as well as in evaluations of head restraints for protection against neck injuries in rear impacts. The 2009 Mazda Tribute is among the handful of SUVs to earn this honor.
Review: Top Safety Picks, Editors of Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
6. Road and Travel.comDetails/Subscribe
This rather brief review is mostly descriptive with few driving impressions and no criticism. The writer explains, "The four-door Tribute can hold five passengers comfortably, or accommodate larger cargo with a rear seat that folds down in a 60/40 split."
Review: 2009 Green SUV Buyer's Guide -- 2009 Mazda Tribute Hybrid, Martha Hindes
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