2008 Mazda Tribute in Chattanooga, TN - $3,495

The 2011 Mazda Tribute SUV features a bold, tough exterior and a more upscale, comfortable interior. Offering a more traditional SUV styling than the automaker's other offerings in the segment, the Tribute is the perfect choice for buyers in search of traditional, go-anywhere rugged styling.

Available in Sport, Touring and Grand Touring trim levels and offered in front or all-wheel drivetrain configurations, base power for the Tribute is generated by a 2.5L four-cylinder engine and communicated to the street via a five-speed manual gearbox. A 3.0L V6 engine bolted to a six-speed automatic transmission is standard on the "s" Grand Touring model.

The available all-wheel-drive system (AWD) is tuned with an emphasis toward driving performance while offering confident all-weather driving. Using a preemptive slip strategy, the system continuously monitors the engine, wheel speeds and transmission, and automatically transfers torque between the front and rear wheels. The AWD system uses an active on-demand coupler to allocate a precise amount of torque from front to rear, with the split to the rear wheels varies between zero and 50 percent. It senses where traction is the strongest and delivers the appropriate amount of toque for optimal grip.

Tribute's unibody construction and four-wheel independent suspension contribute to its car-like ride and handling. This responsive architecture provides precise steering and handling by giving each wheel the ability to react separately to road imperfections, while the lower stance makes ingress and egress easier.

Inside the cabin features upscale appointments, innovative storage options and above average comfort and quietness. The Tribute also employs a "top of dash" display positioned at eye level on the dashboard, which shows ambient temperature, radio functions and climate-control readouts. This simple, efficient design puts much of the vehicles' information in one place at the tope of the dashboard, making it easier to reference when driving.

The Mazda SUV is also equipped with Ice Blue interior lighting. The cool blue lighting replaces the traditional green on the instrument cluster, center console, steering wheel controls and the door lock and window switches. Ice Blue presents a cool, crisp, easy-on-the-eyes light for night driving and enhances the overall feel of the interior.

Tribute's center console boasts best-in-class storage volume with space for a laptop computer. Two innovative storage bins fit snugly inside the center console, or can be removed and hung on dovetail mounting points on the front passenger side and rear of the console for additional storage.

Dimensions & specifications

Wheelbase: 103.1; overall length: 174.9; width: 81.3; height: 70.2

All vehicle measurements are in inches

Engine: 2.5L four-cylinder – 171 hp at 6,000 rpm and 171 lbs-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm; 3.0L V6 – 240 hp at 6,550 rpm and 223 lbs-ft of torque at 4,300 rpm

Transmission: five-speed manual, six-speed automatic

EPA Fuel Economy: 2.5L four-cylinder – 23 city/28 hwy. (manual), 21 city/28 hwy (automatic), 20 city/26 hwy. (AWD); 3.0L V6 – 19 city/25 hwy. (RWD), 18 city/23 hwy. (AWD).

Cargo capacity: 67.2 cubic feet

Towing capacity: 3,500 lbs.

Safety features

Dual front airbags, front seat mounted side-impact airbags, dual head curtain side-impact airbags, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, electronic brake distribution, fog lights, automatic headlamps, engine immobilizer, daytime running lights, tire pressure monitors, remote keyless entry, dynamic stability control, roll stability control, and traction control. Grand Touring adds HomeLink garage door opener and rearview camera.

Optional safety features include remote engine start.

Warranty

Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile Bumper-to-bumper

Powertrain: 5-year/60,000 mile

Roadside Assistance: 5-year/60,000 mile 24-hour

Pricing

The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2011 Mazda Tribute SUV starts from $20,555 for the Sport upto $25,700 for the Grand Touring model. Destination charge adds $795.