Having driven the Mazda Tribute first, then the Ford Escape, I can now compare. These two vehicles are essentially the same, however, they look and act very different. The Tribute, the better looking of the two, feels more like a van; the Escape, a SUV. Ford owns an interest in Mazda, and although the products are unique to Mazda, the Tribute is a new entry developed by both companies. The Tribute/Escape is based on the Mazda 626 platform and is front-wheel-drive.

A sport-utility-vehicle by category, Mazda’s Tribute drives and rides more like a car. Available in three versions–DX, LX, ES–Tribute is Mazda’s entry into the SUV market. Its previous SUV, discontinued in 1994, was a clone to Ford’s Explorer.

Similar to the Ford Escape in shape, Tribute sports its own grille, front fascia and headlamp configuration and exterior trim. Available in just a 4-door wagon, Tribute has a rear liftgate with a flip-up window. Overall length for the Tribute is 173 inches; four inches shorter than Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V.

Tribute LX and ES models with a folding rear seat accommodates five passengers and expands to 17 cubic feet of cargo space. Offering ample legroom, Tribute benefits from the use of Mazda’s OptiSpace design which minimizes the amount of space needed for mechanical components, thus maximizing cargo and passenger space. The rear seatbacks fold into a 60/40 split on LX and ES models. Four tie-down hooks secure cargo when off-roading. When the seats are folded down, Mazda boosts the ability to cart 4x8 sheets of building material.

Each trim level on the Tribute offers something different. DX models are equipped with a 130-horsepower, 2.0-liter, in-line four cylinder engine and five-speed automatic transmission. The DX-V6, LX and ES models have the 200-horsepower, 3.0-liter V6 engine, matched with a four-speed automatic transmission. Some of Tribute’s standard equipment includes power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering, leather seating, six-way power driver’s seat, ABS with Electronic Brake Force Distribution, an optional towing package (up to 3,500 pounds), and either front-wheel-drive or on-demand Rotary Blade Coupling four-wheel-drive system (all-road, all-weather capability).

Mazda’s EBD electronic system replaces the conventional mechanical dual-proportioning valve, varying the amount of rear braking force depending on load. Stopping performance is monitored and regulated by EBD; another safety feature.

Our test vehicle came equipped with just three options, including a luxury package (power sliding glass moonroof, and premium audio package, $1,090; ABS with side airbags ($495); and towing package (Class II Towing preparation, trailer hitch receiver with 3,500 lbs capacity, engine cooler and wiring harness, $350). Total vehicle price for the Mazda Tribute ES-V6 4WD was $25,475, destination charge $515. MSRP on this particular vehicle is $23,025. An affordable, practical package.

Driving the Tribute is enjoyable, handles well, and is very comfortable. Tribute’s size is manageable, not so big it’s overbearing. It’s easy to park and maneuver and fits most body shapes. The interior is spacious, and controls easily reachable. When spying it on the road, now, I look twice. I like this vehicle. It’s eye-appealing, and somewhat of a cross between a van and a sport-utility vehicle.

The two vehicles, Mazda Tribute and Ford Escape seem like two different entities, and Mazda and Ford would want us to believe that they are. Escape is Ford’s new entry in the sensible size-ute (between the big ones and minis) category. It hit the ground running in 2001. It’s been a favorite of the small ute buyer, is a fun vehicle to drive and looks great.

The Escape is available in two models: the entry-level XLS and the XLT, a sportier, more upscale version. XLS has manually adjustable seats, trimmed with cloth and vinyl. XLT, on the other hand, come with premium cloth; leather optional. Both XLS and XLT rear seating systems can be folded flat for more cargo room. Just remove the head restraint and flip the back of the seat forward. A nice feature on the Escape is the flip-up rear glass. Reminiscent of old (station wagons), this feature is very handy when loading smaller items. One doesn’t have to bother with unlatching the whole rear door.

The XLT provides console storage with a storage bin and two forward, two rear pop-out cup holders. The XLS floor console has five cup holders, open storage bin and coin holders. In addition, there is extra storage space provided by the instrument panel compartment. A handy place to store CD’s.

Ford Escape accommodates five adults, although somewhat snug. The low step-in height and wide door make it an easy vehicle to climb into if you’re under 5’5" tall. Toting around my 5’2" mother was a lot friendlier in the Escape. Four assist grips make entry and exit a pleasure. A four-door vehicle, the Escape’s interior is functional and pleasant. There isn’t a tremendous leap from Ford’s other SUV and truck interiors, but the dials are easy to read.

New for 2002, Ford Escape is offering dual media AM/FM/stereo cassette/CD/clock as a standard feature on the XLS; 6-disc in-dash CD changer, privacy glass and power driver’s seat standard on the XLT; 3.0-liter Duratec V6 engine with automatic transmission standard on XLT; low-back bucket seats and adjustable front-seat head restraints. Later on in the year, Ford will introduce an XLT Sport Package to include No Boundaries Rack System, 16-inch Sport aluminum wheels P235/70R16 OWL all-terrain tires with wheellip moldings, side step bars, and unique front/rear Sport floor mats.

Pricing for the Mazda Tribute runs $17,005 for the base DX with 2WD, 4-cylinder, 5-speed to $23,025 for the ES with 4WD, V6 and 4-speed automatic transmission. Decent pricing, with a peppy V6 engine and lots of room inside.

The Escape XLS version starts at $18,160 and XLT at $22,300 with 4WD, V6 and automatic transmission.

2001 Mazda Tribute SPECS

Engines: I4, V6
Wheelbase: 103.1 in.
Length: 173 in.
Width: 71.9 in.
Height: 69.3 in.
Fuel Economy: 23/28 manual; 18/24 automatic
Warranty: coverage on the Tribute includes 3-year/50,000-mile all parts, 5-year/unlimited-mileage free corrosion, 3-year roadside assistance, with toll-free number and loaner car.

Engines: 2.0-liter Zetec DOHC I4; 3.0-Liter DOHC V6
Wheelbase: 103.1 in.
Length: 173.0 in.
Width: 70.1 in.
Height: 69.1 in.
Fuel Economy: 18/28 depending on engine size, transmission
Warranty: 3 yrs/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper; 3 yrs/36,000-mile roadside assistance.