Which Mazda Tribute Version Should You Buy?
The Mazda Tribute version to choose depends on whether you value lower fuel consumption, stronger performance, a Manual or Automatic gearbox, and FWD or AWD. The catalogue covers an SUV 5-doors offered from October 2000 through December 2011 across two generations, including the restyled first generation.
The Mazda Tribute version to choose depends on whether you value lower fuel consumption, stronger performance, a Manual or Automatic gearbox, and FWD or AWD. The catalogue covers an SUV 5-doors offered from October 2000 through December 2011 across two generations, including the restyled first generation. The clearest economy choice is the second-generation 2.3 CVT Hybrid with FWD: it is rated at 7.8 l/100 km in the city, 6.9 l/100 km on the highway, and 7.4 l/100 km combined. The strongest option is the restyled first-generation 3.7 AT, producing 273 hp and 366 Nm with AWD. For buyers wanting a measured balance of performance and specifications, the second-generation 2.3 MT offers 150 hp, 200 Nm, 0–100 km/h in 10.7 seconds, and a top speed of 171 km/h in both FWD and AWD form.
Mazda Tribute generations and the versions worth comparing
The first-generation Mazda Tribute ran from October 2000 through December 2003. It used the SUV 5-doors body and is represented by 11 catalogue entries. Its naturally aspirated Gasoline engines include 2.0 MT and 2.0 AT versions with 124 or 129 hp, plus 3.0 AT versions with 197 or 203 hp. FWD and AWD were available, while gearboxes were either a 5-speed Manual or a 4-speed Automatic.
The first-generation restyling ran from December 2003 through January 2007 and contains seven entries, still with the SUV 5-doors body. The smaller-engine choice became the 2.3 MT or 2.3 AT, with output between 150 and 153 hp. The range also includes a 203 hp 3.0 AT and a 273 hp 3.7 AT. The 2.3 versions retained 5-speed Manual and 4-speed Automatic choices, while the listed V-shaped engines use a 4-speed Automatic.
The second generation ran from January 2007 through December 2011, again as an SUV 5-doors, with 12 catalogue entries. Its range spans the 133 hp 2.3 CVT Hybrid, 150 hp 2.3 MT and 2.3 AT Gasoline versions, 171 hp 2.5 MT and 2.5 AT versions, and the 240 hp 3.0 AT. It offers FWD and AWD, with a 5-speed Manual, 4-speed Automatic, 6-speed Automatic, or Variable gearbox depending on the version.
Mazda Tribute engine and gearbox specs
Repeated version names below are distinguished by generation, power, or drive so that every configuration remains identifiable.
| Generation | Version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders/layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First | 2.0 AT, 129 hp | 129 hp | 183 Nm | 1988 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| First | 2.0 MT, 129 hp | 129 hp | 183 Nm | 1988 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| First | 2.0 AT, 129 hp | 129 hp | 183 Nm | 1988 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | AWD |
| First | 2.0 MT, 129 hp | 129 hp | 183 Nm | 1988 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | AWD |
| First | 2.0 MT, 124 hp | 124 hp | 175 Nm | 1989 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| First | 2.0 MT, 124 hp | 124 hp | 175 Nm | 1989 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | AWD |
| First | 2.0 AT, 124 hp | 124 hp | 175 Nm | 1989 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | AWD |
| First | 2.0 AT, 124 hp | 124 hp | 175 Nm | 1989 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| First | 3.0 AT, 197 hp | 197 hp | 265 Nm | 2967 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | AWD |
| First | 3.0 AT, 203 hp, FWD | 203 hp | 271 Nm | 2967 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| First | 3.0 AT, 203 hp, AWD | 203 hp | 271 Nm | 2967 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | AWD |
| First, restyling | 2.3 MT, 150 hp | 150 hp | 200 Nm | 2261 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | AWD |
| First, restyling | 2.3 AT, 153 hp | 153 hp | 200 Nm | 2261 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | AWD |
| First, restyling | 2.3 MT, 153 hp, FWD | 153 hp | 200 Nm | 2261 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| First, restyling | 2.3 AT, 153 hp, FWD | 153 hp | 200 Nm | 2261 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| First, restyling | 2.3 MT, 153 hp, AWD | 153 hp | 200 Nm | 2261 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | AWD |
| First, restyling | 3.0 AT | 203 hp | 262 Nm | 2967 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | AWD |
| First, restyling | 3.7 AT | 273 hp | 366 Nm | 3719 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Second | 2.3 MT, AWD | 150 hp | 200 Nm | 2261 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | AWD |
| Second | 2.3 AT, AWD | 150 hp | 200 Nm | 2261 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Second | 2.3 MT, FWD | 150 hp | 200 Nm | 2261 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Second | 2.3 AT, FWD | 150 hp | 200 Nm | 2261 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second | 2.5 AT, AWD | 171 hp | 232 Nm | 2495 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 6-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Second | 2.5 MT, AWD | 171 hp | 232 Nm | 2495 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Manual | AWD |
| Second | 2.5 MT, FWD | 171 hp | 232 Nm | 2495 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Second | 2.5 AT, FWD | 171 hp | 232 Nm | 2495 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 6-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second | 3.0 AT, AWD | 240 hp | 302 Nm | 2954 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 6-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Second | 3.0 AT, FWD | 240 hp | 302 Nm | 2954 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 6-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second | 2.3 CVT, AWD | 133 hp | not measured | 2300 cc | Hybrid | 4, Inline | No | Variable | AWD |
| Second | 2.3 CVT, FWD | 133 hp | not measured | 2300 cc | Hybrid | 4, Inline | No | Variable | FWD |
The power-per-litre comparison favors the second-generation 3.0 AT at approximately 81.2 hp per litre. The restyled 3.7 AT produces approximately 73.4 hp per litre, while the 2.5 versions make approximately 68.5 hp per litre. The 150 hp second-generation 2.3 versions deliver approximately 66.3 hp per litre, and the 133 hp 2.3 CVT versions produce approximately 57.8 hp per litre.
Mazda Tribute performance and mpg comparison
The first-generation 2.0 MT with 124 hp reaches 100 km/h in 13.7 seconds and has a top speed of 166 km/h in both listed FWD and AWD forms. Consumption for the AWD version is 12.9 l/100 km city, 7.8 l/100 km highway, and 9.7 l/100 km combined; consumption for the FWD version is not measured.
For the first-generation 2.0 MT and 2.0 AT versions with 129 hp, acceleration, top speed, and fuel consumption are not measured.
The first-generation 3.0 AT with 197 hp and AWD reaches 100 km/h in 11.8 seconds, has a 190 km/h top speed, and consumes 15.7 l/100 km city, 9.3 l/100 km highway, and 12.8 l/100 km combined. The 203 hp 3.0 AT with FWD cuts acceleration to 10.5 seconds and combined consumption to 11.5 l/100 km, while retaining a 190 km/h top speed. The 203 hp AWD entry records 11.8 seconds and 12.8 l/100 km combined.
In the restyled first generation, the measured 2.3 MT versions reach 100 km/h in 10.7 seconds and 171 km/h. Their consumption is 13.6 l/100 km city, 8.5 l/100 km highway, and 10.4 l/100 km combined. Performance and consumption for the 2.3 AT versions are not measured. The 3.0 AT reaches 100 km/h in 10.5 seconds, tops out at 174 km/h, and returns 15.4 l/100 km city, 9.3 l/100 km highway, and 11.5 l/100 km combined. For the 3.7 AT, acceleration, top speed, and consumption are not measured.
In the second generation, the 2.3 MT versions reach 100 km/h in 10.7 seconds and have a 171 km/h top speed. The FWD version consumes 13.6 l/100 km city, 8.5 l/100 km highway, and 10.4 l/100 km combined; AWD consumption is not measured. Acceleration, top speed, and consumption for the 2.3 AT, 2.5 MT, 2.5 AT, and 3.0 AT versions are not measured.
The second-generation 2.3 CVT is the only Hybrid choice. The FWD version records 7.8 l/100 km city, 6.9 l/100 km highway, and 7.4 l/100 km combined. AWD raises those figures to 8.7, 8.1, and 8.4 l/100 km respectively. The FWD Hybrid therefore uses 1.0 l/100 km less combined fuel than the AWD Hybrid. Acceleration and top speed for both are not measured.
Mazda Tribute dimensions, weight, clearance, and tank capacity
Exterior length and other exterior dimensions are not measured in the supplied data. Kerb weight, gross weight, ground clearance, tank capacity, and the available wheel-size records provide the useful comparison instead.
The first-generation kerb weights range from 1350 kg for the 124 hp 2.0 MT FWD to 1590 kg for the listed 3.0 AT versions. Known gross weights range from 1850 to 2075 kg. Every first-generation entry has 200 mm of ground clearance and a 62-litre tank. Wheel sizes are not measured.
Restyled first-generation kerb weights range from 1455 kg for the measured 2.3 MT entries to 1646 kg for the 3.0 AT. Known gross weights range from 1978 to 2075 kg. All entries have 200 mm of clearance and a 61-litre tank. The 3.0 AT lists 215/70 R16 and 235/70 R16 wheels; wheel sizes for the other versions are not measured.
Second-generation kerb weights run from 1455 kg for the 2.3 MT FWD to 1707 kg for the 2.3 CVT AWD among entries with measured values. Known gross weights are 1978 or 1980 kg. Ground clearance ranges from 200 mm on one 2.3 MT AWD entry to 216 mm on both 2.3 CVT versions, and every version has a 62-litre tank. Wheel sizes are not measured.
Where comparable kerb weights are available, choosing FWD reduces mass. The second-generation 2.5 MT FWD weighs 1514 kg, which is 66 kg less than the 1580 kg 2.5 MT AWD. The 3.0 AT FWD weighs 1540 kg, 73 kg less than the 1613 kg AWD version. The 2.3 CVT FWD weighs 1632 kg, 75 kg less than the 1707 kg AWD version.
Weight per horsepower adds another distinction. The 124 hp first-generation 2.0 MT FWD carries approximately 10.9 kg per hp, while the 150 hp second-generation 2.3 MT FWD carries 9.7 kg per hp. The 240 hp second-generation 3.0 AT FWD improves that figure to approximately 6.4 kg per hp. The restyled 273 hp 3.7 AT is approximately 5.8 kg per hp, the lowest calculated ratio among entries with measured kerb weight.
Which Mazda Tribute version should you choose?
Choose the second-generation 2.3 CVT FWD when measured fuel economy matters most. Its 7.4 l/100 km combined result is 1.0 l/100 km below the AWD Hybrid and 3.0 l/100 km below the measured 2.3 MT FWD. It also weighs 75 kg less than the 2.3 CVT AWD, although both provide 133 hp and 216 mm of clearance.
Choose the second-generation 2.3 MT FWD when you want fully measured performance with a Manual gearbox. It provides 150 hp and 200 Nm, reaches 100 km/h in 10.7 seconds, and has a 171 km/h top speed. Its 1455 kg kerb weight gives it a 70 kg advantage over the measured 1525 kg 2.3 MT AWD entry.
Choose the second-generation 2.5 AT when an Automatic with more ratios is preferable to the 2.3 AT. The 2.5 AT has a 6-speed Automatic rather than the 2.3 AT’s 4-speed Automatic, and adds 21 hp and 32 Nm. Its acceleration, top speed, and fuel consumption are not measured, so the available data cannot establish a performance or economy advantage beyond those specifications.
Choose the second-generation 3.0 AT for the strongest power-to-displacement result. It makes 240 hp and 302 Nm from 2954 cc with a 6-speed Automatic. Compared with the 2.5 AT, it adds 69 hp and 70 Nm while reducing measured displacement by 459 cc. FWD is 73 kg lighter than AWD where kerb weights are available.
Choose the restyled first-generation 3.7 AT if maximum output is the priority. Its 273 hp and 366 Nm exceed the second-generation 3.0 AT by 33 hp and 64 Nm. However, its acceleration, top speed, and consumption are not measured, so the numbers support a power advantage but not a claim of better real-world performance or economy.
Reliability, problems, engine-bay layout, engine number location, engine mounts, engine oil, purchase prices, and cars or engines for sale are not measured in the supplied data. Those factors therefore cannot be used to recommend one Mazda Tribute version over another here.