Against 456 other V6 cars rated 2009–2011, the Tribute beats their 20 mpg average by 6 mpg, about $443 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 2001, the 2.5L 4-cyl Hybrid (2009–2011), does 32 mpg and the thirstiest, the 3L 6-cyl (2001–2011), 19.7: $749 a year apart.
Every Mazda Tribute engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cyl Hybrid | 34 / 30.7 | 2009–2011 | $1,200 | |
| 2.3L 4-cyl Hybrid | 31 / 28 | 2006–2008 | $1,302 | |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 22.3 / 28 | 2009–2011 | $1,580 | |
| 2.3L 4-cyl | 21.3 / 27.3 | 2005–2008 | $1,620 | |
| 2L 4-cyl | 20.3 / 25.3 | 2001–2004 | $1,722 | |
| 3L 6-cyl | 17.6 / 23.7 | 2001–2011 | $1,949 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Jeep Liberty gets 18 mpg, the Jeep Commander 16 mpg and the Infiniti FX35 19 mpg, next to 26 mpg for the 2011 Tribute. The Tribute is the cheapest of them to run: $923 a year less than the Jeep Commander.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2011) | $0.123 |
| Fuel per year | $1,477 |
| Fuel over five years | $7,385 |
| Against other V6 cars, 2009–2011 | −$443 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,746 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2011 Mazda Tribute gives up 2.4 mpg in town: 27.7 on the highway against 25.3 in the city, $132 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2011) | 25.3 mpg | $1,518 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 27.7 mpg | $1,386 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +2.4 mpg (9%) | Narrow — equally happy either way |
How the Tribute changed over the years
The Tribute peaked in 2011 at 26 mpg (25.3 city, 27.7 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2004 at 20.5 — 5.5 mpg apart, or $396 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 25.3 / 27.7 | 3 | $1,477 | |
| 2010 | 25 / 28 | 3 | $1,494 | |
| 2009 | 24.7 / 28.3 | 3 | $1,494 | |
| 2008 | 24.7 / 27.3 | 3 | $1,518 | |
| 2006 | 22.3 / 25.3 | 3 | $1,648 | |
| 2005 | 19 / 25 | 2 | $1,786 | |
| 2004 | 18.5 / 24 | 2 | $1,873 | |
| 2003 | 18.5 / 24 | 2 | $1,873 | |
| 2002 | 18.5 / 24 | 2 | $1,873 | |
| 2001 | 18.5 / 24 | 2 | $1,873 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 25 EPA ratings of the Mazda Tribute — 6 engines across 2001–2011. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $2,746. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2011 Mazda Tribute get?
26 mpg combined, 25.3 city and 27.7 highway, per EPA; its 3 versions that year range from 21 to 32. Across every year since 2001 the Tribute has averaged 23.4 mpg.
Is the 2011 Tribute more efficient than the 2010?
About the same: 26 against 25.7 mpg combined.
Which Tribute year has the best gas mileage?
The 2011, at 26 mpg combined (25.3 city, 27.7 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
Does the Tribute get better gas mileage than the Jeep Liberty?
Yes: 26 mpg for the 2011 Tribute against 18 for the 2012 Jeep Liberty, about $656 a year less to run.
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