Review Car

Mazda Tribute Hybrid

With the hiking gas prices, hybrids are increasingly more popular among drivers. You can find many hybrid choices out there and Mazda Tribute Hybrid is among the most popular.

Performance

While certain manufacturers offer several trims in one model with different engines, 2010 Mazda Tribute Hybrid only offers 2.5 Liter V4 engine that serves its purpose well. The engine has an output of 177 HP which is derived from a V4 engine and a couple of electric motors. During acceleration, the engine can emit loud noises and to many people, it appears to be comparable in performance with a V6 engine. Among its most useful features is a CVT (continuously variable transmission) that directly move the wheels. The absence of rotating belt nearly removes all vibrations and indicates the advanced technologies found within the car. The car uses synchronous electric motors AC that generates 70 kW at 5,000 rpm and it is responsible for providing additional power at low speeds or in low load. When the Tribute HEV reaches speeds above 25 mph, the conventional engine is engaged to provide the additional power. Although it offers plenty of advantages that can impress car enthusiasts, Mazda Tribute Hybrid has a fairly admirable fuel economy. The estimated fuel consumption is 31 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.

Pictures

Handling and Braking

There is also a 4WD model for improved off-road performance with slightly lower gas mileage, 28 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The 4WD model can’t actually be qualified as a traditional 4WD car as it has a third electric motor to help spin all four wheels at once. However, just like many hybrid owners, Mazda Tribute Hybrid isn’t typically sought after by buyers to perform extensive off road trips.

It has a regenerative braking system to recover energy normally lost during braking and then transferred to the battery cell to further improve fuel economy. Unfortunately, those who compare the Mazda Tribute Hybrid with common SUVs like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V could be disappointed in Tribute’s somewhat sluggish dynamics and mediocre braking performance.

Battery

This car uses a 330V Ni-MH battery system that is located below the baggage compartment and integrated with a hybrid system controller that manages the battery charging operation, for example, the engine is turned off when the car is being driven with at low speed or without load.

Trim Levels

The Touring trim level comes with 16” alloy wheels, foglights, automatic headlights, automatic climate control, 60/40 split rear seatback, rear tinted windows, a tilt steering wheel, cruise control, a satellite radio, CD player, four-speaker stereo and steering-wheel controls.

The Grand Touring has all the features of the standard Touring trim and upgraded with heated front seats and side mirrors, leather upholstery, 6-way power driver seat, CD changer (6 CDs), a stereo set with seven speakers, and also an optional touchscreen navigation system.

Interior and Exterior

Mazda Tribute Hybrid looks similar to its conventional siblings and has a boxy design; obviously, the model isn’t destined as sharp looking and sleek vehicles. The Tribute is nearly indistinguishable to the Mercury Mariner and Ford Escape. Unless you are a loyal Mazda customer, this shouldn’t be a bad thing, as the build quality and control layout are generally acceptable. The stereo and climate controls have a convenient layout, and the instruments have a modern and upscale appearance.

Price

Mazda Tribute Hybrid comes in four trims, each with different price tags.

• Touring 2WD, around $29,500
• Touring 4WD, around $31,000
• Grand Touring 2WD, around $32,000
• Grand Touring 4WD, around $33,500

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