Dodge Nitro vs. Mazda Tribute Review

Utility
Neither the Mazda nor the Dodge Nitro has a marked advantage regarding seating capacity. Towing is considerably more the Dodge's forte than it is the Mazda Tribute's.

Dimensions
Your wallet will hurt more every time you fill up the Dodge Nitro than the Mazda Tribute because of its larger tank. The Tribute and the Dodge Nitro compete for the same parking spaces.

Convenience
You'll quite certainly have to take the Dodge Nitro for a fill-up more often than the Mazda because of its tank size and gas mileage.

Cost
The destination charge is a standard charge for transporting the vehicle from its point of origin to the dealer. It costs almost the same to get the Dodge Nitro to the dealership as the Mazda Tribute. The Dodge Nitro pales in comparison to the Tribute as far as fuel economy. With respect to fuel economy, the Mazda Tribute has the Dodge beat. The Mazda Tribute isn't much pricier than the Dodge Nitro when it comes to MSRP. The Dodge will cost you a bundle in gas every year compared to the Mazda Tribute.

Handling
With their similar turning circles, the Dodge Nitro and the Mazda Tribute likely handle almost the same into and out of tight spots.

Drivetrain
The Tribute's engine is considerably smaller than the Dodge Nitro's. Note that smaller engines can be stressed more; however, smaller engines typically get better gas mileage. Torque equals pickup, and the Dodge Nitro will have picked up and gone by the time the Mazda finally gets moving. The Mazda could learn a lesson or two from the Nitro as far as torque.

Comfort
While the front cabin in the Dodge Nitro offers a bit more head room than the Mazda Tribute, there frankly isn't much of a difference. The ampler interior dimensions of the Dodge Nitro make it considerably more spacious for your passengers than the Mazda Tribute.

Warranty
The Nitro and the Mazda Tribute have the same basic after-sale protection.