The Mazda Tribute has an aggressive look due to its forward-tilted stance, short overhangs and wide track. Thick bumpers, side cladding and wheel lip moldings, all tweaked and massaged for a slightly different look for 2005, carry over for the 2006 model and are smoothly integrated into the bodywork to give the Tribute a sense of stability and refined ruggedness. Large multi-reflector headlamps with clear lenses and rear combination lamps with crystal lenses add a sporty dash.

In terms of external dimensions, the Tribute sits near the middle of its class. Measuring 174 inches in overall length, the Tribute isn't as long as the Honda CR-V or the new 2006 Toyota RAV4 (at 181 inches). However, the Tribute's wheelbase is only an inch shorter than the RAV4's wheelbase (the distance the front and rear wheels). Also, the Tribute has a relatively wide track (the distance between the left and right wheels), about the same as the RAV4's. The CR-V is 6 inches narrower than the Tribute. A longer wheelbase and wider track tends to offer better stability.

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