Having driven both, and now owning a Tribute, the main difference is the ride. The Tribute's ride is firmer than the Escape and responds a little better. Only down side is it jitters a little more on bumps, like most vehicles with tight suspensions. Mazda's warranty is a little longer. Windows in the rear doors is smoked glass, Escape is normal Ford solar tint. Gas door on Tribute is locked, Escape needs a locking gas cap. Rest is cosmetic things like painted cladding, dash trim. The gauges on the Escape are like the SVTs, white background. Mazda dealers used to not deal, and Ford did, making the ratio about 12 Escapes sold for every Tribute.
