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, 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 in the middle of its class. The Honda CR-V is the longest overall (at 181 inches) with the RAV4 the shortest (167 inches), leaving the Tribute smack in the middle (174). Tribute's wheelbase is five inches longer than the Toyota RAV4's wheelbase (the distance from front tire to rear tire). Similarly, the Tribute's track (the distance between the left and right tires) is wider than the RAV4's. A longer wheelbase and wider track tends to offer better stability. The CR-V is six inches narrower than the Tribute.

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