2006 Mazda Tribute Review (continued)
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Walkaround

The Mazda Tribute has an aggressive look due to its forward-tilted stance, short overhangs and wide track. Thick bumpers, side cladding and wheel lip moldings, all tweaked and massaged for a slightly different look for 2005, carry over for the 2006 model and are smoothly integrated into the bodywork to give the Tribute a sense of stability and refined ruggedness. Large multi-reflector headlamps with clear lenses and rear combination lamps with crystal lenses add a sporty dash.

In terms of external dimensions, the Tribute sits near the middle of its class. Measuring 174 inches in overall length, the Tribute isn't as long as the Honda CR-V or the new 2006 Toyota RAV4 (at 181 inches). However, the Tribute's wheelbase is only an inch shorter than the RAV4's wheelbase (the distance the front and rear wheels). Also, the Tribute has a relatively wide track (the distance between the left and right wheels), about the same as the RAV4's. The CR-V is 6 inches narrower than the Tribute. A longer wheelbase and wider track tends to offer better stability.

Interior Features

Inside the Mazda Tribute is a pleasant place to be. The front bucket seats are comfortable and of higher quality than those found in many SUVs. All five seating positions have three-point seatbelts and adjustable head restraints. Rear-seat passengers will discover that the Tribute's rear windows do not roll down all the way, as with many small sport utilities.

The middle ground on exterior size means the Tribute fares about the same inside. It trails virtually all the competition in headroom and hiproom and lands about in the middle in legroom. It feels roomier than it is, however, an indication of good packaging and design. The lower dash flows smoothly around the front-seat knee wells. Interior door panels are economically crafted to yield maximum elbowroom.

The 60/40 split-fold rear seat allows multiple combinations of people and stuff. Folding the rear seat reveals a flat cargo floor and nearly 67 cubic feet of cargo space. The Tribute will accommodate 4x8-foot sheets of plywood, if you don't mind flipping open the rear hatch glass and letting the plywood stick out the back. The glass does not have to be closed when opening the rear hatch.

Up front, the switchgear is straightforward. Radio controls are easy to use, and the heating and air conditioning controls are simple. Cruise controls are mounted on the steering wheel. The instrument panel is straightforward and easy to read. The center panel is matte finish and trimmed in brushed aluminum.

Visibility in all directions is very good. The shape of the Tribute's hood combines with its seating position to allow the driver to clearly see both front corners of the vehicle, an advantage over the Honda CR-V and many crossover utility vehicles. Narrow A-pillars (front) and D-pillars (rear) minimize blind spots. The low bottom edge of the rear window maximizes visibility, and there's no spare tire hanging off the liftgate to block the view.