Overview The Mazda CX-50 Hybrid benefits from the character traits that make the standard gas-only model one of our favorite compact SUVs, with the added appeal of a thrifty hybrid powertrain. Like the nonhybrid model, the CX-50 Hybrid boasts engaging handling and a finely crafted interior that wouldn’t look out of place in a luxury SUV. Mazda took the quick route to hybridizing the CX-50 by borrowing the 219-hp, four-cylinder hybrid powertrain from Toyota’s RAV4 Hybrid. The Toyota system supplies all four wheels with adequate vim, but its continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and the added weight of the hybrid arrangement hinder driving verve a bit compared to the nonhybrid CX-50. While that’s certainly a sacrifice, the upshot is dramatically improved fuel economy on par with other hybrid rivals such as the Honda CR-V Hybrid and Hyundai Tucson Hybrid.
Expert Tip: While the CX-50 Hybrid is one of our favorite compact SUVs, thanks in large part to its upscale interior and involving handling, other options such as the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and Honda CR-V Hybrid offer more interior space and cargo room. What’s New for 2026?The CX-50 Hybrid was a new addition to the Mazda lineup for 2025. With it being so new, we aren’t expecting any changes for the 2026 model year. What’s Your Car Worth?Car and Driver calculates your car’s value in three free and easy steps – using the same Black Book® data dealers use to appraise vehicles.Get your trade-in valuePricing and Which One to BuyWe’d go with the midrange Premium trim. Not only does it come with desirable equipment such as a panoramic sunroof, Bose audio, and traffic-sign recognition, but it also offers a unique exterior look with black roof rails and exhaust pipes. The Premium can also be had with a red interior color that is exclusive to the CX-50 Hybrid.Engine, Transmission, and Performance
- Hybrid Powertrain: 2.5-liter four-cylinder and three electric motors, 219 hp combined
- Transmission: continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT)
- Drivetrain: all-wheel drive
Mazda borrowed the powertrain from the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and plopped it under the hood of the CX-50 Hybrid. The setup consists of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, a CVT, and three electric motors; one of those motors powers the rear wheels, providing all-wheel drive. When we drove the CX-50 Hybrid, we found it to offer much of the same pleasant driving experience as the nonhybrid model. The biggest difference is the hybrid powertrain’s continuously variable transmission, which causes some droning from the engine during acceleration and doesn’t have shift paddles like the nonhybrid does. The hybrid model also isn’t quite as nimble in the corners as the standard CX-500–60-MPH Times
- C/D 60-mph Test: 7.6 seconds
In Comparison: The CX-50 Hybrid’s 60-mph time is just over a second slower than the CX-50 2.5 Turbo achieved in our performance testing. Additional ResearchTowing and Payload CapacityWhile the nonhybrid model can tow up to 3500 pounds, the CX-50 Hybrid is limited to a 1500-pound towing max. Mazda offers a tow hitch and wiring hookup package as an option on both models.Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
- C/D 75-mph Highway Fuel-Economy Test: 34 mpg
- EPA City Rating: 39 mpg
- EPA Highway Rating: 37 mpg
The EPA hasn’t released fuel economy figures for the 2026 CX-50 yet, but last year’s model earned ratings of 39 mpg city, 37 mpg in the city, and 38 mpg combined. On our 75-mph highway fuel economy route, it achieved 34 mpg. That’s lower than the RAV4 Hybrid’s 37-mpg result in the same test. Without any changes for the 2026 model year, we expect the new model to achieve similar results. For more information about the CX-50 Hybrid’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.Interior, Comfort, and CargoFirst Row: The CX-50’s cabin is crafted from premium materials, and the front seats are comfortable and supportive. The high-end Premium Plus trim can be had with attractive black leather upholstery with contrasting brown stitching. Mazda offers plenty of niceties as standard on the base trim, including an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a power rear liftgate, and heated front seats.Second Row: While the CX-50’s second row is as nicely upholstered as the front row, rear-seat space is below average for the segment. It should also be noted that the Mazda CX-5 (not to be confused with the CX-50) offers more headroom.Cargo Capacity: The CX-50 has one of the least spacious cargo holds in the hybrid compact crossover segment. In our testing, we were only able to fit 8 carry-on suitcases in the CX-50’s cargo area with the rear seats in their upright position, and 20 carry-ons with the seats folded down. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid swallowed 10 carry-ons with its seats upright and 22 with its rear seats folded in our testing. Infotainment and Connectivity
- Infotainment: 8.0-inch touchscreen (standard), 10.5-inch touchscreen (optional)
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Audio System: 6-speaker audio system (standard), 11-speaker JBL audio system (optional)
LE and XLE trims come with an 8.0-inch infotainment display sprouting from their dashboard, while XSE, Limited, and PHEV XSE models provide a 10.5-inch screen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, as well as an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot, are all standard. Most models also come with a 7.0-inch digital gauge display, but a larger 12.3-inch screen comes on Limited and PHEV XSE trims and is optional on the XLE Premium. Navigation and an 11-speaker JBL stereo system are available. Otherwise, you’ll get a six-speaker system.Safety and Driver-Assistance FeaturesToyota has been an aggressive adopter of driver-assistance features and offers many of them standard across the RAV4 lineup.
- Standard Safety Features: automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control
For information about the CX-50 Hybrid’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.Warranty and Maintenance CoverageAll RAV4s come with a comprehensive warranty that matches those provided by rivals Honda and Nissan, and electrified models come with a lengthy protection plan for their hybrid components as well. Far from the norm, Toyota’s complimentary scheduled maintenance policy stretches for two years or 25,000 miles.
- Limited Warranty: three years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain Warranty: five years or 60,000 miles
- Complimentary Maintenance: two years or 25,000 miles
C/D Test Results and Specs We test hundreds of vehicles each year. If the data in the chart below is for a different model year, that’s because the current model hasn’t changed from when we last tested it.SpecificationsSpecifications
2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid Premium Plus
Vehicle Type: front-engine, front- and rear-motor, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $41,470/$42,065
Options: Soul Red Crystal Metallic paint, $595
POWERTRAIN
DOHC 16-valve Atkinson-cycle 2.5-liter inline-4, 176 hp, 163 lb-ft + 3 AC motors, 118 and 54 hp, 149 and 89 lb-ft (combined output: 219 hp, 163 lb-ft); 0.8-kWh [C/D est] nickel-metal hydride battery pack)
Transmissions, F/R: continuously variable automatic/direct-drive
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/trailing arm
Brakes, F/R: 12.8-in vented disc/12.8-in disc
Tires: Goodyear Eagle Touring
225/55R-19 99V M+S
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 110.8 in
Length: 186.1 in
Width: 75.6 in
Height: 65.8 in
Passenger Volume, F/R: 52/43 ft3
Cargo Volume, Behind F/R: 56/29 ft3
Curb Weight: 4068 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 7.6 sec
1/4-Mile: 15.8 sec @ 89 mph
100 mph: 20.4 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 8.4 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 4.2 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 5.6 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 117 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 183 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.83 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
75-mph Highway Driving: 34 mpg
75-mph Highway Range: 490 mi
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 38/39/37 mpg
C/D TESTING EXPLAINEDMore Features and Specs
Source: caranddriver.com
