Mazda Tribute Hybrid Review - The Pros and Cons

May 23
04:05

2024

Craig F Stevens

Craig F Stevens

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The Mazda Tribute Hybrid offers a blend of fuel efficiency and practicality, but it falls short in several key areas. While it boasts impressive fuel economy, its outdated design, lackluster acceleration, and mediocre braking may leave some drivers wanting more. This review delves into the strengths and weaknesses of the 2008 Mazda Tribute Hybrid, providing a comprehensive look at what this vehicle has to offer.

Overview of the Mazda Tribute Hybrid

The 2008 Mazda Tribute Hybrid,Mazda Tribute Hybrid Review - The Pros and Cons Articles a sibling to the Ford Escape Hybrid, aims to combine the ruggedness of an SUV with the eco-friendliness of a hybrid. However, it struggles to capture the sporty essence typically associated with Mazda vehicles.

Fuel Economy

One of the standout features of the Mazda Tribute Hybrid is its fuel efficiency. The vehicle achieves up to 34 miles per gallon (MPG) in the city and 30 MPG on the highway. This represents a significant improvement over the non-hybrid version, which offers 22 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway.

Metric Hybrid Version Non-Hybrid Version
City MPG 34 22
Highway MPG 30 28

Source: FuelEconomy.gov

Performance

The Tribute Hybrid is powered by a gasoline-electric engine that produces 155 horsepower. While this is adequate for city driving, it may not inspire confidence when passing on the highway. The vehicle's handling is surprisingly crisp, but its braking performance is mediocre, which could be a concern for some drivers.

Interior and Comfort

The interior of the Mazda Tribute Hybrid lacks the aesthetic appeal found in other Mazda models like the CX-7 or Mazda6. The gauges are clear and feature blue backlighting, but the overall design feels dated. The seating is firm yet comfortable, but the rear seats lack fore/aft adjustment, which could make long journeys uncomfortable for passengers.

Key Interior Features

  • Gauges: Clear with blue backlighting
  • Seating: Firm but comfortable
  • Rear Seats: Lack fore/aft adjustment
  • Folding Rear Seats: Multi-step process

Practicality

The Tribute Hybrid offers a decent amount of cargo space, but the multi-step process required to fold the rear seats down can be cumbersome. This makes the vehicle feel somewhat outdated compared to more modern hybrids.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Fuel Efficiency: Up to 34 MPG in the city
  • Handling: Surprisingly crisp
  • Eco-Friendly: Lower emissions compared to non-hybrid models

Cons

  • Outdated Design: Both interior and exterior
  • Lackluster Acceleration: 155 horsepower may not be enough for highway driving
  • Mediocre Braking: Could be a concern for safety-conscious drivers
  • Rear Seat Comfort: Lack of adjustment and cumbersome folding process

Conclusion

The Mazda Tribute Hybrid offers a mixed bag of features. While its fuel efficiency is commendable, the vehicle falls short in areas like design, acceleration, and braking. For those prioritizing eco-friendliness and fuel savings, it could be a viable option. However, drivers seeking a more dynamic and modern driving experience may want to look elsewhere.

For more information on hybrid vehicles, including reviews and tools like price quotes and loan calculators, visit FuelEconomy.gov.

Interesting Stats

  • Hybrid Market Growth: The global hybrid vehicle market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.94% from 2021 to 2026. Source: Mordor Intelligence
  • Fuel Savings: Hybrid vehicles can save an average of $3,000 in fuel costs over five years compared to non-hybrid vehicles. Source: Consumer Reports

By understanding the pros and cons of the Mazda Tribute Hybrid, potential buyers can make a more informed decision. While it excels in fuel efficiency, its other shortcomings may be deal-breakers for some.