Prioritizing Fun Behind the Wheel in the Most-Efficient Mazda
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid is the third iteration of this compact SUV joining turbocharged and non-turbocharged gasoline-only models. While Mazda was a bit late to electrification, they are catching up fast. The CX-50 Hybrid joins the CX-70 and CX-90 plug-in hybrid SUVs, giving consumers stairstep size choices that pay attention to fuel economy.
The CX-50 Hybrid is part of Mazda’s SUV quiver—smallest-to-largest—the CX-30, CX-5, CX-50, CX-70 and CX-90. Completing the Mazda offerings are the Mazda 3 Hatchback and the Sedan, and the wonderful MX-5 Miata and MX-5 Miata RF sports cars (links to our test drives are highlighted in Bold).
The Value of Hybrid
Going hybrid enters Mazda into the conversation of having a more efficient compact SUV that will fill the needs of owners looking to drive cleaner and go further on a tank of gasoline.
The CX-50 Hybrid has a 2.5-liter non-turbo engine mated to three electric motors that produces 219 horsepower (hp) and 163 pound-feet (lb.-ft.) of torque. The fuel economy is rated at 39 mpg city/37 highway/38 combined. In 193 miles driving in Southern California we averaged 38.9 mpg. Fuel economy numbers reported by Clean Fleet Report are non-scientific and represent the reviewer’s driving experience using the dash gauge computer. Your numbers may differ.
The 2026 CX-50 Hybrid Preferred has a base price of $36,245. For comparison, here are the specifications for the non-hybrid CX-50 trims. All prices include the $1,495 processing and handling fee.
- Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter twin-scroll turbocharged 4-cylinder engine
- 256 hp and 320 lb.-ft. of torque
- Fuel economy: 23 city/29/highway/25 combined
- Base trim price: $39,395
- 2.5-liter non-turbo engine
- 187 hp and 185 lb.-ft. of torque
- Fuel economy: 26 city/30 highway/26 combined
- Base trim price: $31,395
The fuel economy increase in the hybrid is significant. If you can forgo the extra performance of the Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter twin-scroll turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, you will be rewarded with a cool $3,150 in your pocket and spending less time and money at the pump by choosing the hybrid. This benefit almost goes unheralded as there is only one subtle HYBRID badge located on the lower right rear of the lift gate.
Drive Time
Adapting the gasoline CX-50 into a hybrid began with Mazda utilizing Toyota’s Hybrid System that included the gasoline engine, three electric motors and the electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (eCVT) and Electronic All-Wheel Drive, or e-AWD. No car company has been producing hybrids longer and in such large quantities than Toyota, so Mazda made a wise choice aligning with them.
The gasoline engine powers the front wheels, while there are two electric motors on the front axle (a starter motor and a limited drive motor) joined by the more powerful traction motor on the rear axle. The transitions between gasoline and electric were seamless, whether tromping on the accelerator or slowing to a crawl.
The smooth shifting e-CVT instantaneously uses driving data, based on the selected drive mode, to deliver the best fuel economy as it seamlessly moves between running on electricity or the efficient hybrid engine. A helpful green EV light appears whenever it is running solely on electricity. This combination of engine, motors and transmission consistently went 0-60 mph in about 7.7 seconds. Powerful and quick enough to merge onto freeways and pass big rigs on the highway.
Hitting the Road
Mazda consistently produces the best handling cars and SUVs that are not sold as a sport or performance model. Its engineers know how to design a chassis that produces above-the-norm driving dynamics. The CX-50 Hybrid continues this long tradition as the ride was smooth and confident at highway speeds and agile when cornering with a moderately stiff suspension. This is not surprising coming from a company that makes the fantastic handling MX-5 Miata.
The nickel-metal hydride traction battery, positioned beneath the rear seats, improves the front-to-rear weight distribution and lowers the center of gravity, which is always a plus for handling.
The suspension and chassis technology from the gasoline CX-50 models have not changed, which means the G-Vectoring Control system is carried over to the CX-50 Hybrid. Mazda’s G-Vectoring system adjusts engine torque, shifts weight to the front wheels in response to the steering wheel motion, increases steering response and applies a bit of the anti-lock brakes to ease cornering. The 4,008-pound curb weight felt solid, safe and confident in all driving conditions.
The feedback between the driver’s input and the car’s response is what makes a Mazda so easy to drive. When diving into a tight corner the CX-50 Hybrid dug in nicely with control by the dynamic stability and traction controls, G-Vectoring and the 225/55 Goodyear Eagle Touring all-season tires on 19-inch machined alloy wheels with Black Metallic paint.
On a continuing arc radius or a double apex, there was little steering input needed to correct and stay planted. The power-assisted ventilated front disc and rear solid disc brakes stopped well.
The Mi-Drive driver-selectable modes of Normal, Power and Trail are combined with the manual shift mode. The CX-50 Hybrid is tow-rated for 1,500 pounds. If towing will be an important factor, opting for the non-hybrid CX-50 with the Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter twin-scroll turbocharged 4-cylinder engine bumps the towing ability to 3,500 pounds.
Soul of Motion Exterior Design
In the past few years, Mazda has been positioning itself to be more upscale, hoping to become a near premium brand. Employing its Kodo: Soul of Motion design theme, the CX-50 Hybrid has a slim front grille, narrow LED head and daytime running lights that take-up as little real estate as possible on the front fenders, with the turn signals mere slits sitting just above the body-color lower fascia.
The long hood, laid-back windshield, short front and rear overhangs and wide rear fenders give a commanding look. Black body cladding wraps completely around the CX-50 Hybrid, but can be a bit much, so it looks better when combined with a dark color. Our tester was painted in Soul Red Crystal Metallic that carried a $595 premium.
The body-color shark fin antenna, bright roof rails, panoramic roof, integrated spoiler over the raked power lift gate, bright twin exhaust ports and LED tail lights finish-off the design. Had the rear wiper been tucked under the spoiler, it would have taken Mazda a step closer to near-premium.
Premium Interior
The driver-centric interior has a bit higher seating position than the gasoline CX-50 due to the 35mm lift in body height. The CX-50 Hybrid Premium Plus, which we drove, was fully loaded with a black interior that included leather seats with top stitching. The driver gets 8-way power adjustments with lumbar and memory and the passenger 6-way power adjustments; both are heated and ventilated.
The rear seat comfortably holds two adults, three for short distances, and comes with a center folding armrest with cup holders and two USB-C ports.
The CX-50 Hybrid has ample leg and head room. The cargo area measures 43.1-cubic inches with the rear 60:40 seat upright; 75.4-cubic inches when lowered. Mazda has targeted the CX-50 Hybrid, with seating for five, for people with active and outdoor lifestyles.
The dash has a simple and clean, logical layout with plenty of soft touch materials. Three easy-to-read round gauges with black faces and white letters, are part of a 7-inch (thin film transfer (TFT) LCD multi-information display for the speedometer, odometer, tachometer, average fuel economy and, exclusive to the hybrid, a power meter showing when the battery is charging or the amount of electricity or gasoline being used when running.
The center display, which is not a touch screen (Though sometimes it is. See below) measures 10.25-inches for the 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint premium sound system with AM/FM HD radio, SiriusXM, Bluetooth hands-free telephone and audio controls, Alexa Built-in and wireless Apple Car Play and Android Auto. On some trims a Mazda sound system has eight speakers, but still comes with the same screen size.
The “Commander” wheel located on the center console controls the system. Alternately, you can use the controls on the leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel. The Mazda controller system has improved over the years, but is still unique and can be cumbersome compared to those we find on other cars. With repetition, the Mazda system should become comfortable to use. Most tasks can be negotiated without removing your eyes from the road.
The center screen becomes a touchscreen when using Apple Car Play or Android Auto. If you are a frequent user of these apps, it will come to you quickly.
Safety and Warranties
The 2026 CX-50 Hybrid comes with i-Activesense that offers an extensive list of standard and optional safety features including front, side, and air curtain airbags, four-wheel power disc ABS braking system, dynamic stability control, traction control, radar cruise control, rear view camera, tire pressure monitoring system, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning and lane keep assist, rear cross traffic alert, rear parking sensors, and an anti-theft alarm and engine immobilizer.
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), gave the 2026 CX-50 Hybrid a Five Star overall safety rating, its highest score. The 2025 CX-50 was safety rated as a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), so the 2026 is the same.
The 2026 CX-50 Hybrid comes with these warranties:
- Hybrid/Electric Battery – Eight years/100,000 miles
- Powertrain – Five years/60,000 miles
- Basic (Bumper-To-Bumper) – Three years/36,000 miles
- Roadside Assistance – Three years/36,000 miles
- Corrosion – Five years/Unlimited miles
Pricing
The 2026 CX-50 Hybrid comes in three trims with these prices, which include the $1,495 delivery, processing and handling fee.
- Preferred: $36,245
- Premium: $39,645
- Premium Plus: $41,945
Observations: 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid AWD
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid AWD is a top choice if handling and a driving fun factor are important. If cargo and rear seat passenger space are pacing items rather than driving attributes, you may consider the Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage or Toyota RAV4.
Zoom-Zoom may no longer be its slogan, but the DNA that comes with the Mazda name runs deep in its veins. The CX-50 Hybrid is not marketed as a sport compact SUV, but is positioned to families for errands, commuting and the occasional weekend adventure.
Jon Leverett, project manager of strategic planning on CX-50, told us: “Our strategy behind the powertrain line-up for CX-50 is performance-based, with each powertrain representing a step-up in power while the hybrid powertrain offers a step-up in both power and efficiency from the 2.5S. We view the 2.5 Turbo as the pinnacle powertrain in the CX-50 line-up because it gives customers the most capability off-road through its low-down torque channeled through our AWD system and allows for 3,500-pound towing capacity.”
Mazda wants you to strap-in the car seats and have fun with the kids on a family vacation, or grab your friends and take off for a few days to the mountains or beach. Visit your local Mazda dealer and take an extended test drive to see for yourself.
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