New 2009 Mazda Tribute Hybrid

If you love the size and utility of an SUV and the fuel efficiency of a sedan, you will love the fuel-sipping 2009 Mazda Tribute Hybrid.

Mazda’s first hybrid is available in two trims, the Touring and Grand Touring and features a new 2.5-liter, 153-horsepower four-cylinder engine, which is mated to an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission.  A 70-kilowatt electric motor works in unison with the gas engine and lets you cruise up to 25 mph on electricity alone.  The Vehicle System Controller utilizes advanced software to ensure a smooth transition between the electric motor and gasoline engine. The electronically controlled, continuously variable transmission transfers power to the wheels seamlessly, with no noticeable shift points. When it comes to fuel economy, the Tribute Hybrid is near the top of the list of most fuel efficient SUVs.  Make road trips with the family or your friends a reality with a remarkable 29-34 mpg in the city and 27-31 mpg on the highway.    The Tribute Hybrid is sold in limited quantities in California and competes with the Saturn Vue Hybrid and Ford Escape Hybrid.

The Tribute Hybrid seats five and has 96 cubic feet of passenger space and 27.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat.  If you fold the 60/40 rear seat, expect to get 66.2 cubic feet of cargo volume.  That’s more than the Vue and Escape Hybrids.  Chose between cloth and leather seating and enjoy standard satellite radio, dual-zone automatic climate control and an optional rear DVD entertainment system and navigation system (Grand Touring) with a 6.5-inch color LCD screen for touch-screen simplicity.  16-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps and a roof rack are standard, while a power moonroof comes standard on the Grand Touring.

Standard safety features include 4-wheel anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution to help maintain steering control while braking and prevent wheel lockup. Standard dual front airbags, front-seat side airbags, and side curtain airbags with rollover sensor protect both rows of passengers in a collision. The standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System constantly monitors tire pressure and alerts the driver to any significant changes.

Let those road trip dreams become a reality without suffering at the pump with the fuel efficient 2009 Mazda Tribute Hybrid.