If you believe in your heart that the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is the practical option, but hesitate to join the throngs of Uber drivers, Mazda has an alternative—and they likely hope a few of you think this way.
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid integrates a fuel-efficient powertrain into the stylish crossover with a sporty essence, yet lacks in personality. The reality can be harsh, and here’s why and how it falls short.
The Fundamentals
Now in its second year, the 2026 Mazda CX-50 marks the automaker’s second compact model in its petite lineup. It sits alongside the more upscale, higher-end, and better-handling CX-5, but its more aggressive style targets an alternative audience, according to Mazda. They’re convinced the two models aren’t eating into each other’s sales, but rather boosting overall figures.
The exterior is quintessentially Mazda, but resembles a squished CX-5. The greenhouse appears more vertical; the front and rear are wider; the sides have a less pronounced curvature; and the roofline is lower and elongated, resembling a tall wagon. Additionally, it features plastic cladding, much like a Subaru. If someone compressed a CX-5 and requested, “Make it look sturdier,” this would be the result.
The interior mirrors that of its non-hybrid counterpart. It boasts a more upscale cabin compared to the Honda CR-V or any Toyota RAV4, with exquisite stitching on the thin-rimmed steering wheel and throughout the soft-touch dashboard. The buttons and knobs for the climate control feature knurling that adds a delightful touch of sophistication in an otherwise ordinary segment. The 10.3-inch infotainment display protrudes from the dashboard like a tablet, controlled by the perplexing Audi-like MMI scroll wheel on the center console, a setup the German company abandoned more than five years ago. Here’s my take on it.
The CX-50 has somewhat compromised space, with front seats mounted on brackets that encroach on headroom. The second row is set stadium-style, elevating rear-seat passengers above those in the front. My children find this uncomfortable, and so do I. For the hybrid version, Mazda made adjustments, resulting in the seat bottom placing occupants lower to the ground, yet higher up due to the battery sitting beneath, creating a puzzling outcome: less rear-seat legroom in the hybrid than in the non-hybrid CX-50.
Operation of the 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid
The CX-50 Hybrid borrows the powertrain from the Toyota RAV4 hybrid, placing it into the CX-50. It features a 2.5-liter inline-four engine connected to a planetary torque-split hybrid system with two electric motors plus an additional 54-horsepower motor for the rear, along with a 1.59-kWh nickel-metal-hydride battery. The combined output is 219 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque.
The driving experience can best be described as decent, at best. In some way, it feels less refined than the Toyota RAV4, with a start-and-stop shake transmitted through the steering column. The sounds and vibrations from the powertrain resonate throughout the cabin, signaling a lack of sophistication.
The steering stands out with more weight than what you’ll find in any RAV4, but understanding what’s happening at the wheels is a tall order that goes unmet. The cabin environment constantly gives passengers a thrill, but not in the way one might anticipate from a Mazda. That thrill is mostly from wind noise distinctly coming off the side mirrors and A-pillars at highway speeds.
With EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 39 mpg in the city, 37 on the highway, and 38 combined, the CX-50 Hybrid is easily the most economical and efficient model available at a Mazda dealership. Over 165 miles of suburban driving, the CX-50 Hybrid achieved an average of 24.2 mpg. Notably, this was in the biting sub-zero weather of Minnesota. In earlier assessments, over a span of 195 miles when the temperature was nearer to 40 degrees, the CX-50 Hybrid averaged 34.0 mpg.
Concise Verdict
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid starts at $36,245, including a $1,495 destination charge, making it an appealing choice for its price, design, and overall comfort and tech features. The top-tier CX-50 Hybrid Premium Plus variant I tested is priced at $43,655 and includes upgrades such as adaptive front LED lighting, heated back seats, a Bose 12-speaker audio system, and a head-up display.
For anyone searching for a sportier Toyota RAV4 Hybrid with an upscale cabin, the 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid is a reasonable option. It’s efficient and practical while offering a more luxurious feel than its mechanical twin. However, the Honda CR-V Hybrid presents a more well-rounded package. The CX-50 Hybrid seems to be a downgrade from the CX-5, and a new, forthcoming CX-5 Hybrid with a Mazda-developed powertrain appears to be a superior choice.
Mazda provided The Drive with a seven-day loan of this vehicle for the purpose of composing this review.
| 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid Specs | |
|---|---|
| Base Price (Premium Plus) | $36,245 ($43,655) |
| Powertrain | 2.5-liter inline-four | planetary gearsets | all-wheel drive |
| Horsepower | 219 |
| Torque | 176 lb-ft |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Curb Weight | 4,008 pounds |
| Towing Capacity | 1,500 pounds |
| Cargo Volume | 29.2 cubic feet behind second row | 56.3 cubic feet behind first row |
| Ground Clearance | 8.1 inches |
| Top Speed | 112 mph |
| EPA Fuel Economy | 39 mpg city | 37 highway | 38 combined |
| Score | 6/10 |
Brief Insight
Mazda has taken a shortcut.