Acceleration
V6 acceleration satisfying at all speeds. Automatic transmission shifts smoothly. Test AWD V6 did 8.9 sec 0-60 mph. No 4-cyl model made available for test.

Value
"Tribute and the related Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner are solid, spacious, and rewarding to drive. They cost in the mid-$20,000 range, well-equipped, making them Best Buy alternatives to some truck-based SUVs that may be larger on the outside, but use more gas and don't have significantly more interior space."

Ride
"Very taut over bumps, but without float or wallow at highway speeds."

Economy
"Extended-use-test AWD V6 Tribute averaged 19.5 mpg over 24,308-mi. test, including several long highway trips. Other test AWD V6 Escapes and Tributes averaged 18-19.2 mpg. No opportunity to measure economy with 4 cyl."

Noise
"Not car-quiet, and you may need to raise voices at 65 mph. Wind roar is noticed, and tires whine on coarse surfaces. "

Comfort - Front
"Seats firm and supportive. Taller riders may want more head room in sunroof-equipped models, but it's otherwise generous. Those with long legs will have to move the passenger seat well back, but overall, the cabin feels spacious and airy. "

Comfort - Rear
"Roomier and more comfortable than many compact SUVs. Seat is tall and well-shaped. Tribute's leg and toe room exceed that of many larger SUVs, and a nearly flat floor helps center-position comfort. Step-in is taller than most in class, but doorways are wide."

Controls
"Climate and audio systems high on dashboard, within easy reach, and with large, simple controls. But there's no independent control for air recirculation or air conditioning."

Cargo Room
"Not the most spacious among compact SUVs, but plenty roomy. Rear seatbacks fold flat once the headrests are removed and the seat bottoms tilted forward. Standard separate-opening rear glass is an added convenience."