What is it?
2008 Mazda Tribute HEV Hybrid
What's special about it?
Doing its part for the global environment, Mazda unveiled its first hybrid vehicle, the Mazda Tribute Hybrid-Electric Vehicle (HEV). Based on the recently revamped gasoline-powered 2007 Tribute, the five-passenger hybrid SUV goes on sale in mid-2007 as a 2008 model. Pricing will be announced closer to launch.
A "full" hybrid, the Tribute HEV can run on 100-percent electric power up to 25 mph, maximizing fuel economy and making it one of the cleanest vehicles on the market. The Tribute HEV meets California's Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) requirements by achieving Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle II (SULEVII) standards, plus zero evaporative emissions standards, the strictest gasoline-fueled emission regulation.
Using a unique 133-horsepower 2.3-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine combined with a 70-kilowatt electric traction motor, overall power is rated at 155 hp. An electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is the only transmission option.
A generator-motor recharges the batteries, starts the engine and helps regulate how the two work together. An energy storing 330-volt nickel-metal-hydride battery pack is sealed under the rear load floor. The transition through four power modes — all-electric, gas-electric, gas-only and charging the battery pack — is signaled by the "charge/assist" gauge on the instrument panel.
Interior appointments are comparable to the gas-powered Tribute. Storage compartments are located in both doors, and a center console storage compartment with removable bins offers enough space to store a laptop. Cargo capacity is 29.2 cubic feet behind the second-row seat when it's up, and 66 cubic feet when the seatbacks are folded. The rear seat is a 60/40 split for added flexibility, and the tailgate window lifts separately from the rear hatch.
What's Edmunds' take?
Mazda's Tribute is a close cousin of the Ford Escape, which has offered a hybrid version since 2005, so it was only a matter of time before Mazda received the benefit as well. With the Mazda CX-7 already in showrooms, the Tribute HEV should breathe some new life into the Tribute lineup, proving that Mazda can market more than one SUV. — Kelly Toepke
2008 Mazda Tribute HEV Hybrid
What's special about it?
Doing its part for the global environment, Mazda unveiled its first hybrid vehicle, the Mazda Tribute Hybrid-Electric Vehicle (HEV). Based on the recently revamped gasoline-powered 2007 Tribute, the five-passenger hybrid SUV goes on sale in mid-2007 as a 2008 model. Pricing will be announced closer to launch.
A "full" hybrid, the Tribute HEV can run on 100-percent electric power up to 25 mph, maximizing fuel economy and making it one of the cleanest vehicles on the market. The Tribute HEV meets California's Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) requirements by achieving Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle II (SULEVII) standards, plus zero evaporative emissions standards, the strictest gasoline-fueled emission regulation.
Using a unique 133-horsepower 2.3-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine combined with a 70-kilowatt electric traction motor, overall power is rated at 155 hp. An electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is the only transmission option.
A generator-motor recharges the batteries, starts the engine and helps regulate how the two work together. An energy storing 330-volt nickel-metal-hydride battery pack is sealed under the rear load floor. The transition through four power modes — all-electric, gas-electric, gas-only and charging the battery pack — is signaled by the "charge/assist" gauge on the instrument panel.
Interior appointments are comparable to the gas-powered Tribute. Storage compartments are located in both doors, and a center console storage compartment with removable bins offers enough space to store a laptop. Cargo capacity is 29.2 cubic feet behind the second-row seat when it's up, and 66 cubic feet when the seatbacks are folded. The rear seat is a 60/40 split for added flexibility, and the tailgate window lifts separately from the rear hatch.
What's Edmunds' take?
Mazda's Tribute is a close cousin of the Ford Escape, which has offered a hybrid version since 2005, so it was only a matter of time before Mazda received the benefit as well. With the Mazda CX-7 already in showrooms, the Tribute HEV should breathe some new life into the Tribute lineup, proving that Mazda can market more than one SUV. — Kelly Toepke
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