2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid review: Enticing heart transplant

An alternative to the RAV4 that uses the exact same engine

2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid review by The Road Beat

Words and pictures: Mitchell Weitzman

Mazda has a smash success on its hands with the CX-50 crossover SUV. An evolution of the still-on-sale CX-5, it isn’t a direct replacement, though the overlap between the two is hard to ignore. The clearest differentiator now is the arrival of a hybrid powertrain for the CX-50. Fuel economy was long a weak spot for Mazda’s midsize offerings, but by borrowing the proven efficiency of Toyota’s RAV4 Hybrid system, Mazda finally has an answer for buyers who previously looked elsewhere.

Picks

Previous CX-50s equipped with the potent 2.5-liter turbocharged engine returned a very average 24 MPG in my standard testing regimen. It’s an engaging motor that plays nicely with the excellent chassis, but frugality was never part of its pitch selection. Enter the RAV4 Hybrid–sourced CX-50, also displacing 2.5 liters sans turbo, but now with electrification. The results speak clearly: fuel consumption drops to a satisfying 34 MPG.

Further, by using Toyota as the powertrain source, that means the CX-50 Hybrid is blessed with the sincere and seamless operation that Toyota hybrids are typically known for. Like the hybrid RAV4s, this Mazda has zero hiccups nor hesitations in daily use. To strengthen this important point, Mazda's own plug-in hybrid powertrain that debuted in their larger CX-90 PHEV was a disaster of clunky and jittering proportions. So good on Mazda for going to arguably the best in the hybrid business.

Efficiency gains aside, the CX-50’s core strengths remain intact. As hinted above, it’s an absolute joy to drive. Despite using a solid rear axle rather than the independent rear suspension found in the CX-5, handling is superb, and you’d never suspect a mechanical downgrade out back. Ride quality is composed at all speeds and across a variety of surfaces, but the standout is the steering—quick, communicative, and more reminiscent of a sports sedan than a typical compact crossover.

Push the CX-50 on a back road and it operates on a different plane than much of its competition. Balance is excellent, and the car responds faithfully whether driven delicately or aggressively, be it on the highway or a ribbon of mountain asphalt. It’s genuinely rewarding. For those wondering, "why not buy a hybrid RAV4," if the engine is the same, this is exactly the reason why here.

Also familiar are the CX-50’s handsome proportions and upscale interior. Even when compared to newly refreshed rivals, the materials on the dashboard and door panels feel more thoughtful and simply nicer. The front seats are excellent with a driving position that is spot-on, and the abundance of physical knobs and switches is a welcome reprieve from the usual overreliance on digital buttons.

Nicks

Even beauty has blemishes, and the CX-50 Hybrid is no exception. While the fuel economy is commendable, the hybrid powertrain from Toyota lacks the character Mazda is known for. Down on punch and enthusiasm, it feels ponderous when pushed and sounds unpleasant when wound out—very much in line with Toyota engines. With no growl, no midrange surge, and little excitement, it’s clearly less engaging than the turbocharged alternative and sadly doesn’t align with the CX-50’s excellent chassis dynamics. A more powerful hybrid would be a far better match.

A lover of physical controls, some are awkwardly placed here and make use somewhat awkward in practice. The volume knob and surrounding buttons feel cluttered, as does the center controller for the screen, all being located on the center console aft of the shifter. The infotainment system itself is slow to boot and sluggish to respond compared to other cars.

There's also no keyless touch-sensitive door locks on the rear doors, a real miss for convenience. I found the electronic parking brake to act erratically, enabling itself automatically on level ground after you shut the car off, but not then automatically disabling upon startup when you select drive. With a high initial idle from a cold start, it can uncomfortably jolt forward before being anchored by the intrusive and thoughtless parking brake.

Convenience also takes a hit; There are no keyless touch-sensitive locks on the rear doors—a notable omission. More frustrating is the electronic parking brake, which behaved erratically during testing, where it frequently engaged automatically on level ground when shutting the car off, yet failed to disengage when selecting drive on startup. Combined with a high cold-start idle, the result can be an uncomfortable lurch forward before the brake abruptly intervenes and holds you in place.

Mazda's magic slightly undone

Fuel economy gains do broaden the CX-50’s appeal, opening the brand to buyers who previously dismissed Mazda outright. Still, the reality is that the CX-50 Hybrid simply isn’t as satisfying to drive as the turbocharged version, whose eager midrange power perfectly complements the chassis. The CX-50 remains an excellent vehicle, but removing the power that best suits its dynamic strengths dulls some of its unique magic.

That said, the real winner here is the consumer. Mazda gives buyers a choice—and depending on priorities, either version may be the right fit.

More photos of the 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid.

2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid Premium Plus AWD

As-tested price: About $43,000

Engine & Powertrain

• Engine: 2.5-liter inline-4 hybrid (gasoline + electric motors)

• Combined output: 219 horsepower

• Torque: 163 lb-ft

• Transmission: Electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (e-CVT)

• Fuel type: Regular unleaded

• Drivetrain: AWD

Fuel Economy

• Combined EPA: 38 MPG

• Real world economy: 34 MPG

Dimensions

• Wheelbase: 111 inches

• Length: 186 inches

• Width (without mirrors): 76 inches

• Height: 66 inches

• Ground clearance: 8 inches

Interior Space

• Passenger volume: 97 cubic feet

• Rear legroom: 39 inches

• Cargo volume (behind rear seats): 30 cubic feet

Weight & Capacity

• Curb weight: about 4,050 pounds

• Fuel tank capacity: 14 gallons

• Towing capacity: 1,500 pounds

Chassis & Suspension

• Front suspension: MacPherson strut

• Rear suspension: Torsion beam

Wheels & Tires

• Wheels: 19-inch alloy

• Tires: 225/55R19

Key Premium Plus Standard Features

• Heated and ventilated front seats

• Heated rear seats

• Heated steering wheel

• 360-degree View Monitor

• Adaptive LED headlights

• Bose premium audio system

• Panoramic moonroof

• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

• Full i-Activsense driver assistance suite

Warranty

• Basic limited warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles

• Powertrain warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles

• Hybrid system warranty: 8 years / 100,000 miles

• Roadside assistance: 3 years / 36,000 miles