The 2026 Mazda CX-50 hybrid is one of the cheapest hybrid SUVs in the country, according to Carfax.
The affordable crossover SUV comes in both hybrid and gas-powered formats.
I drove the hybrid version of the 2026 Mazda CX-50 hybrid for a week to see if it is deserving of its ranking as a 2026 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick Plus and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s 5-Star Overall Safety Rating award.
The Mazda CX-50 hybrid I tested is the Premium Plus, which is the highest trim model of the popular three-row SUV, and it starts at just under $40,500. Less souped-up hybrid trims start at a little under $35,000, while the base model of the similar gas-powered Mazda CX-5 SUV starts at just under $30,000. I’ve recently tested other similarly-sized electrified models, including the Toyota bZ and the Lexus RZ, as well as the Chevrolet Blazer EV.
I also recently tested the larger Toyota Grand Highlander hybrid three-row SUV.
I think the Mazda CX-50 hybrid is a notable model because of its standard features, affordable pricing and practicality. Here’s what I learned from a week of real-world testing behind the wheel of Mazda’s popular crossover hybrid SUV.
What Makes the 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid Stand Out?
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 hybrid stands out from rivals in its segment because of its unique exterior and interior designs. It also has a strong value proposition for a personal or family car (starting at just under $35,000 for a hybrid-powered base model), which propels it to the top of ranking lists at a time when the average new car costs nearly $50,000, according to Cox Automotive.
In a week of testing, the Mazda CX-50 hybrid’s interior and cargo area felt spacious for daily driving needs. I also enjoyed the CX-50 hybrid’s large screen for infotainment and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. The CX-50 hybrid’s knob control system near the gear shift took some getting used to, though.
The Mazda CX-50 hybrid is available in two standard colors: Jet Black Mica and Ingot Blue. Additionally, Wind Chill Pearl, Polymetal Gray Metallic, Machine Gray Metal and Soul Red Crystal Metallic are available for upcharges.
How Does the 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid Drive? Performance, Handling and Efficiency
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 hybrid offers a smooth, quiet and comfortable ride, and it has excellent gas mileage as a hybrid vehicle. It handles well, and its acceleration is quick enough to keep daily driving fun. A daily driver might easily forget they are driving a hybrid car until they realize they’re averaging over 30 mpg in city driving and 50-plus mpg on highways!
The Mazda CX-50 hybrid comes with a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder hybrid engine. Mazda says it offers up an EPA-estimated total driving range of 551 miles. The hybrid SUV achieves an estimated 38 mpg combined (city and highway). Our Premium Plus trim test vehicle got over 430 miles on a single full tank of gas.
Will the 2026 Mazda CX-50 Fit Your Lifestyle? Cargo, Space and Practicality
The Mazda CX-50 is 185.4 inches long, 63.8 inches tall and 74.5 inches wide (without mirrors). The Premium Plus trim model I tested offers 29.2 cubic feet of storage space with the rear seats up, which I found sufficient for luggage and grocery hauls.
The amount of cargo space goes up to 56.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.
Is the 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid Worth It? Pricing, Value and Competition
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 hybrid starts at just under $35,000 before taxes and additional fees, which seems modest for a mid-sized crossover SUV in light of most modern new car prices. The Mazda CX-50 hybrid is available in three trims, ranging from the base model Hybrid Preferred to the top-of-the-line Hybrid Premium Plus. The top trim Hybrid Premium Plus that I tested starts at $40,450, but it comes with bells and whistles like 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels – up from 17 inches on cheaper models – ventilated front and heated rear seats, and Mazda’s traffic sign recognition system.
I enjoyed the souped-up Mazda CX-50 Hybrid Premium Plus, but I would likely opt for the slightly cheaper Hybrid Premium trim if I was looking to get the most bang for my buck. The Hybrid Premium trim version of the Mazda CX-50 starts at just a little over $38,000, and it offers most of the same features as the higher trim.
The Mazda CX-50 hybrid competes in the crowded hybrid five-seat crossover SUV segment with models from competitors such as the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Kia Niro, Hyundai Tucson, Ford Escape and Subaru Crosstrek.
Who Should Buy the 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid?
You should buy the 2026 Mazda CX-50 hybrid if you need a fuel-efficient mid-size SUV that gets great mileage without your having to worry about figuring out charging, and which has lots of safety and convenience features.
The Premium Plus trim model we tested comes with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It has a Dynamic Stability Control with Traction Control system, Hill Launch Assist, Blue Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and a Lane Departure Warning System with Lane-keep assist. It also has Smart Brake Support with forward head-on collision mitigation.
Reporting by Keith Laing, USA TODAY / USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
