The 2009 model year Mazda Tribute received the same changes as the similar models built on Ford’s CD2 platform, namely the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner.
After just one year from the launch of its second generation, the Mazda Tribute received a new 2.5l L4 petrol unit replacing the old 2.3l one, and a 6-speed automated transmission replacing the 4-speed automated one. Other changes include revised suspension setup, larger front and rear stabilizer bars, improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. At the interior, the seats were redesigned and for the exterior, daytime running lights were integrated into the front bumper.

Built together with Ford, which offered the same car under the Escape name, the second generation of the Mazda Tribute was introduced at the 2007 Montreal International Auto Show.
The marriage between Mazda and Ford was already gone, but they didn’t know that when the car was developed. The world economic crisis was not started yet, but the financial advisors already had their red-flags up. But the car had to be launched and win some market before it was too late.

The Tribute featured a truck-like appearance even if it was not a body-on-frame construction as the Mazda Navajo/Ford Explorer duo. But it still resembled some of the design cues from that. The wide, V-shaped, grille with a chromed bar on top and the almost flat hood were part of the off-road design school. The raked C-pillar, behind the rear doors, resembled those found on regular sedans.

The interior featured high-quality materials and a car-like instrument cluster with two round dials. With the floor-mounted gear-stick and the center stack that hosted the CD-radio and the climate control unit, the Tribute was addressed to both sedan users an SUV-users. The rear bench was folding completely flat, with the headrests removed.

For the engine compartment, Mazda introduced some of its already known engine of 2- or 2.3-liter. A 3.0-liter V6 was available. The most fuel-efficient version announced was a hybrid with a 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle engine mated to an electric motor.

Sharing its platform with the Ford Escape, the smaller Tribute was well equipped and offered a roomy interior.
Available in three trim levels, the Tribute came with a front-wheel-drive or four-wheel drive system.

The base DX model was equipped with a rather underpowered engine that developed 130 hp, mated with a 5-speed manual transmission.

For an additional cost, the choice of a more powerful 200 hp V6 engine was available. The V6 unit was mated with a 4-speed automatic transmission as a single option.

The mid-range LX trim level, the Tribute was equipped with upgraded cloth upholstery, cruise control, fog lights, a cargo cover and a reclining, split-folding rear seat.

The top-of-the-range ES added leather upholstery and a power driver’s seat.

Offering room for 5, the Tribute offered a roomy interior for both the front and the rear passengers. However, two adults would be better than three in the back seats.

With the small-SUV market constantly increasing, the Tribute had strong competitors as the Honda CR-V, the Jeep Cherokke or the Nissan Xterra. However, the Tribute was a best seller with the most powerful V6 in its class and the spacious cabin.

Mazda’s aim was to built a sport-utility vehicle that would do more than just moving people from A to point B. The Tribute was a fun car to drive, providing good handling and a comfortable ride.