Under the hood is a 2.3-liter inline-4 engine, good for 157 hp and 203 Nm, mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. The 3.0 V6, which gave the Tribute a performance edge and a welcome dose of driver enjoyment, unfortunately bows out, due to lack of demand amid sky-high petrol prices. Tributes are front-wheel drive only. On the road, progress is smooth and unobtrusive.

Brakes have been upgraded to discs at all four corners, with ABS and EBD. The  MacPherson strut front / independent strut rear suspension absorbs bumps well and gives reasonable handling. There’s very little of the superbly responsive behavior that make the 3 and the 6 such fun to drive.

The changes to the Tribute align it more closely with its sportier sedan siblings, and pricing of the entry-level SUV remains competitive. But what this SUV really needs to worry about are its rivals, most of which are all-new. The upgrades are enough to hold the fort, but the next Tribute should be well worth waiting for. A Tribute that drives like a Mazda3 can blow everyone else away.

Speaking of the Ford Escape, it's often complained that these two compact SUVs are more alike than different.  Well, we'll put that to the test as we pit the two siblings against each other! Find out in the next update whether the Mazda Tribute can square it off versus the revamped Ford Escape.

Like the exterior, the Tribute shows off a much more modern, sportier interior. Piano Black finish is unique.