DecodedCars2009 Mazda Tribute
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2009 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Body styles
- Gs 4dr SUV FWD, GT 4dr SUV AWD, Gx 4dr SUV FWD
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 32 combined · 34 city / 31 hwy
- Length
- 174.8 in
- Curb weight
- 3,232–3,503 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 32 MPG combined — 64% better than the average 2009 SUV - (19.5 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 29 similar 2009 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2009 Mazda Tribute is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl and 3.0L 6-cyl), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
It measures about 175 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 103-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,355 lb (Gs 4dr SUV FWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 32 MPG combined (34 city / 31 highway), 64% better than the 2009 SUV - average of 19.5 MPG, for an estimated $2,100 a year in fuel.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 26 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the steering.
What changed for 2009
- Engine added: 2.5L 4-cyl
- Engine dropped: 2.3L 4-cyl
Compared with 2008; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2008 Tribute →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gs 4dr SUV FWD | 174.8 in | 71.3 in | 68.1 in | 103.1 in | 61.4 / 60.6 in | 3,355 lb | 59/41 |
| GT 4dr SUV AWD | 174.8 in | 71.3 in | 68.1 in | 103.1 in | 61.4 / 60.6 in | 3,503 lb | 59/41 |
| Gx 4dr SUV FWD | 174.8 in | 71.3 in | 68.1 in | 103.1 in | 61.4 / 60.6 in | 3,232 lb | 59/41 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tribute Hybrid 2WD Hybrid | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 34 / 31 / 32 | +64% | $2,100 | 278 |
| Tribute Hybrid 4WD Hybrid | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 29 / 27 / 28 | +58% | $2,400 | 317 |
| Tribute FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 28 / 24 | +23% | $2,800 | 370 |
| Tribute FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 28 / 23 | +18% | $2,900 | 386 |
| Tribute FWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | +8% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Tribute 4WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 25 / 21 | +19% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Tribute 4WD | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 24 / 20 | +13% | $3,350 | 444 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2009 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2009 Mazda Tribute under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2009 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 Mazda Tribute (this car) | 32 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2009 Toyota Land Cruiser | 15 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2009 Toyota RAV4 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 14 |
| 2009 Honda CR-V | 23 MPG | Not rated | 12 |
| 2009 Hyundai Tucson | 22 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2009 Subaru Forester | 22 MPG | Not rated | 16 |
| 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan | 21 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (1)
Steering › Electric Power Assist System · May 29, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V282000 · 33,000 vehicles
- Problem
- Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Tribute vehicles manufactured October 5, 2006, through September 11, 2010. The affected vehicles have a steering torque sensor that may not be able to properly detect driver steering input. As a result, the system could remove the Electric Power Steering (EPS) assist.
- Risk
- If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Mazda will notify owners and dealers will update the software for the power steering control module (PSCM) and the instrument cluster module, free of charge. If a vehicle shows a history of a loss of the torque sensor signal or fault codes relating to the PSCM when the vehicle is brought in for the recall remedy, the affected components will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began in July 2014. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 7614E.
Not every 2009 Mazda Tribute is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2009 Mazda Tribute buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Steering — 17 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Electrical System — 4 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 3 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 101,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2009 Mazda Tribute. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Tribute years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Tribute | 32 | 174.8 in | Not rated | 2 | 8 |
| 2010 Tribute | 32 | 174.8 in | Not rated | 2 | 19 |
| 2008 Tribute | 32 | 174.8 in | Not rated | 4 | 87 |
| 2006 Tribute | 27 | 173.2 in | Not rated | 1 | 41 |
| 2005 Tribute | 24 | 173.2 in | Not rated | 1 | 185 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mazda. How we calculate this →