2011 Mazda Tribute

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$20,555

starting MSRP

2011 Mazda Tribute
2011 Mazda Tribute

Key specs

Base trim shown

Overview

The good:

  • Good cargo space with rear seat down
  • Rear window opens independent of liftgate
  • Many standard safety features

The bad:

  • Bland styling, inside and out

5 trims

Starting msrp listed lowest to highest price

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 2011 Mazda Tribute trim comparison will help you decide.

Notable features

  • Four-cylinder or V-6 engine
  • Six-speed automatic available

2011 Mazda Tribute review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview

The Mazda Tribute, a sibling to the Mercury Mariner and Ford Escape, got a significant exterior and interior face-lift for 2008. For 2009, Mazda made a slew of mechanical changes designed to improve performance and efficiency, including new four-cylinder and V-6 engines. For 2011, Mazda says the Tribute carries over largely unchanged. Sport, Touring and Grand Touring trim levels are offered. A hybrid model is listed separately in the Cars.com Research section. The Tribute seats five, and its competitors include the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V and Chevrolet Equinox.

New for 2011
There are no significant changes.

Exterior
Unlike many other Mazda vehicles, the Tribute does not get a large grille that makes the front of the car look like it is smiling. This is owed partially to the more blocky styling of the Tribute. Exterior features include:

  • Standard 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels
  • Standard fog lights
  • Standard power mirrors
  • Standard automatic headlights
  • Optional heated mirrors
  • Optional power moonroof

Interior
The Tribute has seating for five and a 60/40-split folding rear seat. The rear window opens independent of the liftgate. Interior features include:

  • Standard air conditioning
  • Standard cruise control
  • Standard power windows and locks
  • Cloth- or leather-trimmed seating
  • Available heated front seats
  • Available satellite radio

Under the Hood
Tribute buyers get the choice of a four-cylinder or V-6 engine. A manual transmission is standard on the base model, and other models come with a six-speed automatic transmission, which is available on the base model. Mechanical features include:

  • 171-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 171 pounds-feet of torque
  • 240-hp, 3.0-liter V-6 with 223 pounds-feet of torque
  • Five-speed manual transmission
  • Optional six-speed automatic transmission
  • Front- or all-wheel drive

Safety
Safety equipment includes:

  • Standard front, side-impact and side curtain airbags
  • Standard antilock braking system with electronic brake-force distribution
  • Standard electronic stability system

 

Consumer reviews

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.6
  • Interior design 4.5
  • Performance 4.6
  • Value for the money 4.6
  • Exterior styling 4.6
  • Reliability 4.8

Most recent consumer reviews

5.0

Beyond Highly Recommended

I love the vehicle because it is my favorite color. It is spacious for me. It is very nice on the inside and the motor sounds great.

5.0

Very Nice SUV

Nice vehicle. Mazda version of Ford Escape. My trade was a Ford Explorer so I felt very comfortable making the transition to this smaller SUV-driver?s instrumentation is very similar. I bought the Tribute because it is 4 wheel drive. Living now in Connecticut, I appreciate this feature. Very good heater. I also like the audio system-the MP3 connection works with my Rand McNally GPS system well. The only regret is that the owner?s manual shows the fully loaded model. Those features like the heated seats, stereo controls on the steering wheel and the backup camera mirror look awesome. Nonetheless I really like this base model Mazda Tribute.

4.9

I have owned my Mazda Tribute for 5 yrs . Love it!

I shopped around quite a bit to find an SUV that wasn't too big or too small. This Mazda suited my needs. I feel my grandson is safe in the back with the center seatbelt w shoulder harness. The car gets decent gas mileage, and the only downside I have noted is that the gas door only flips shut,no locking mechanism. I have had one repair, which might have been a recall issue, the ignition switch gave out and I had to have it replaced. Mazda said it was not covered since my warranty had run out. Boo.

See all 8 consumer reviews

Warranty

New car program benefits
Bumper-to-bumper
36 months/36,000 miles
Powertrain
60 months/60,000 miles
Roadside assistance
36 months/36,000 miles