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Are the Mazda Tribute and Ford Escape the same?

No, the Mazda Tribute and Ford Escape are not the same vehicle. While they share some similarities as compact SUVs, they are distinct models produced by different automakers.


Differences Between the Mazda Tribute and Ford Escape


The Mazda Tribute and Ford Escape are both compact SUVs that were produced during overlapping model years, but they have several key differences:



  • Manufacturer: The Mazda Tribute was manufactured by Mazda, while the Ford Escape was produced by Ford.

  • Platform: The Tribute was based on the Mazda 626 platform, while the Escape was built on the Ford CD2 platform.

  • Styling: The Tribute and Escape had distinct exterior and interior designs, reflecting the respective brand identities of Mazda and Ford.

  • Powertrain: The engine and transmission options varied between the two models, with the Tribute offering Mazda-sourced powertrains and the Escape using Ford-specific engines and transmissions.

  • Features: The available features, technology, and equipment levels differed between the Tribute and Escape, as they were tailored to their respective brand's target customers.


While the Mazda Tribute and Ford Escape shared some similarities as compact SUVs, they were separate and distinct models produced by different automakers. The differences in their platforms, styling, powertrains, and features make them two unique vehicles in the compact SUV segment.


Similarities Between the Mazda Tribute and Ford Escape


Despite their differences, the Mazda Tribute and Ford Escape did share some similarities as compact SUVs:



  • Body Style: Both the Tribute and Escape were offered as four-door, five-passenger compact SUVs.

  • Segment: They competed in the same compact SUV market segment, targeting similar customer demographics.

  • Drivetrain: Both models were available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations.

  • Seating and Cargo Space: The Tribute and Escape offered similar interior dimensions and cargo capacities for their respective compact SUV classes.


While the Mazda Tribute and Ford Escape shared some high-level similarities as compact SUVs, they were distinct models with their own unique characteristics and identities. The differences in their manufacturing, platforms, and design details make them separate and distinct vehicles in the market.

Is a Mazda Tribute a Ford Escape?


It was jointly developed with Ford Motor Company and based on the front-wheel drive Mazda 626 platform, which was in turn the basis for the similar Ford Escape on the CD2 platform. The Tribute was priced below the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner in Ford's CD2 SUV lineup.



What is the common problem of Mazda Tribute?


Problem: The most common fault we have found is the failure of ignition coils (COP- coil on plug).



Is a Mazda Tribute made by Ford?


It was jointly developed with Ford Motor Company and based on the front-wheel drive Mazda 626 platform, which was in turn the basis for the similar Ford Escape on the CD2 platform. The Tribute was priced below the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner in Ford's CD2 SUV lineup.



Are Ford and Mazda affiliated?


Mazda is owned by the Mazda Motor Corporation, based near Hiroshima, Japan. Back in 1979, the Ford Motor Company bought shares in the company and owned over 33 percent of the company by 1995. By 2015, the shares were sold and the Ford Motor Company no longer owned part of Mazda.



What is the Mazda version of a Ford Escape?


Mazda CX-5
The Ford Escape comes standard 1.5L EcoBoost® engine that pumps out an impressive 181 horsepower. On the other hand, the Mazda CX-5 boasts the hearty Skyactiv®-G 2.5L 4-cylinder engine that provides a bit more oomph with 187 horsepower. A bigger difference is found when comparing their available gas-powered engines.



Do Mazda cars have Ford engines?


Mazda has created three families of in-house V6 engines. As of 2000, they build and use the Ford Duratec V6 design. AJ/MZI – 2.5 L and 3.0 L V6 - The Mazda version of the Ford Duratec DOHC V6. The 3.5 L MZI is the Ford Cyclone engine.



Are the Mazda Tribute and Ford Escape the same parts?


Trust me, the parts are interchangeable between a Mazda Tribute and its mechanical clone, the Ford Escape. The only parts that are not interchangeable are the badges and and a few other body trim parts.



What year to avoid Mazda Tribute?


Car owners started continuously reporting flaws, and thus, Tribute became a failure. The Mazda Tribute model years with the most issues and that you need to avoid are 2001, 2005, and 2008. Let's examine the common issues with these models.



Which Ford has Mazda engine?


Ford has developed an Atkinson cycle variant of the Mazda L5 engine for use in the Ford Fusion Hybrid, Ford Escape Hybrid and Ford Maverick Hybrid vehicles.



Is a Mazda Tribute the same as a Ford Escape?


The Tribute and Escape were co-developed by Mazda and Ford to give each company a small crossover SUV entry. Visually, the Tribute shared most of its exterior sheet metal with the Escape. However, the Tribute did have a slightly different front fascia.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.