Launched just several months apart, it was a corporate decision to drop the fuel guzzling V6 engine on both models. Now, there’s only one single engine available: a 2.3-liter inline-4 good for 157 horsepower and 203 Nm of torque. This is the same engine from the pre-facelift Escape/Tribute twins, but now has electronic throttle control for better response and fuel economy. Likewise, both are offered with just a 4-speed automatic with floor-mounted shifters. On paper, the only difference is that the Escape is still offered with an automatic all-wheel drive system dubbed ControlTrac II while the Tribute makes do with front-wheel drive.
Despite the similarities, the driving experience sets these twins apart. Again, the Ford Escape feels more like a traditional SUV, having a much more gradual throttle response. It seems that the throttle has been calibrated for a relaxed drive, and this shows in the transmissions longer shift between gears. The ride feels the cushier of the duo, but the steering feels slower. The Tribute has more urge from the get-go with a quicker reaction from standstill. The ride’s firmer, but feels more planted and sorted than the Ford. There’s much less wind noise in the Mazda as well, and the steering feels a tad sharper. Both brake well, but I found the pedal feel of the Tribute much better than the Escape’s. Fuel economy figures are not that far apart: 6.84 km/L for the Escape XLS and 7.25 km/L for the Tribute. Both do around 9.6-10 km/L on the highway. In short, if you enjoy driving thrills, you’re better off with the Tribute. If you’re the chauffeured kind, you’d want to be in the Escape.
Both are solid choices and it was wise for Ford Group Philippines to segregate the Escape and Tribute’s pricing to encompass all sorts of budgets. However, I can’t help but notice that the Ford Escape XLS (2WD) and the Mazda Tribute are just separated by just 4,000 pesos (the Tribute’s actually cheaper now by 100,000 if you apply for their discount offer). Unless you want the security of all-wheel drive, where you have little choice but to go Escape, my winner in this comparison is the Mazda Tribute. I’ve never considered myself an SUV guy, but I loved the Tribute’s excellent road manners, sporty styling and much better interior kit.
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| Interior space isn't class leading on either, but you'd be surprised at how its still roomy in here. Utility tray is standard on both and so is a 45-watt 4-speaker sound system with CD/MP3 capability. |
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| The Escape offers better night time vision with its dual bulb lamp cluster, while the Tribute offers more convenience thanks to things like the steering wheel controls. |
