2010 Mazda Tribute

The step-up powertrain -- a 240-horsepower, 3-liter V6 with the automatic transmission -- "makes for a very responsive compact SUV," ConsumerGuide.com says, although Edmunds.com points out that it "isn't as energetic" as V6 versions of the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox (Base MSRP: $22,615 to $29,970) and 2010 Toyota RAV4 (Base MSRP: $21,675 to $27,985). Like those SUVs, the V6 Tribute can tow up to 3,500 pounds with its optional tow package. Fuel economy is an estimated 19 mpg city/25 mpg highway/21 mpg combined with front-wheel drive, or 18 mpg city/23 mpg highway/20 mpg with four-wheel drive.

The Tribute's brakes get mixed reviews. Based on a test of the similar Ford Escape, Edmunds.com says the Tribute's old-style rear drum brakes mean it can't stop as effectively as other small SUVs with disc brakes. However, another major review organization says braking distances have improved to very good recently, although the rear brakes are still the drum variety.

Crash tests show that the Tribute is more likely to roll over than other SUVs in its class, and its roof strength (important for protecting occupants in a rollover) is rated only Marginal. The Tribute does earn the highest ratings in front, side and rear crashes. It includes the usual standard safety features for its class: antilock brakes, traction and stability control, and front, front-side and curtain airbags.

Cabin materials are fine, according to Edmunds.com, but other testers complain of hard plastics, panel gaps and cheap-feeling controls. While visibility is judged very good in the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner, one testing organization complains that the Tribute's large rear headrests interfere with the rear view. Testers find ample room for five adults, although the rear seats don't recline or slide. Cargo space with the rear seats folded is 66 cubic feet, just less than the 70-plus cubes offered by the Honda CR-V and other class leaders. However, reviews say folding the Tribute's seats involves removing the headrests, folding the bottom cushions and then flipping the backrests forward, versus the one-step folding that newer competitors offer.

The entry-level Mazda Tribute Sport (Base MSRP: $21,020 to $22,770) comes comparably equipped to the corresponding Ford Escape, with air conditioning, keyless entry, full power accessories, cruise control and CD stereo with auxiliary jack. The Tribute Touring (Base MSRP: $24,045 to $25,795) adds steering wheel-mounted audio controls, a power driver's seat, tinted back windows and a roof rack; satellite radio is optional. The Grand Touring (Base MSRP: $25,625 to $27,375) includes satellite radio and adds heated leather seats, a backup camera, sunroof and more.

Reliability has been about average, according to one major owner survey. The 2010 Mazda Tribute carries a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Few experts actually test the Mazda Tribute, instead basing their ratings on tests of the similar Ford Escape, including ConsumerReports.org and Cars.com. Edmunds.com does the best job explaining all aspects of the Tribute and how it differs from the Escape. ConsumerGuide.com also rates the Tribute in detail. Motor Trend's Truck Trend names the Tribute in its 2010 SUV awards alongside the Escape, but with only one paragraph summarizing the vehicles. The Tribute's crash ratings can be found at SaferCar.gov and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, with fuel-economy estimates at FuelEconomy.gov.