Prioritizing Enjoyable Behind the Wheel within the Most-Environment friendly Mazda
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid is the third iteration of this compact SUV becoming a member of turbocharged and non-turbocharged gasoline-only fashions. Whereas Mazda was a bit late to electrification, they’re catching up quick. The CX-50 Hybrid joins the CX-70 and CX-90 plug-in hybrid SUVs, giving customers stairstep measurement selections that take note of gasoline economic system.
The CX-50 Hybrid is a part of Mazda’s SUV quiver—smallest-to-largest—the CX-30, CX-5, CX-50, CX-70 and CX-90. Finishing the Mazda choices are the Mazda 3 Hatchback and the Sedan, and the fantastic MX-5 Miata and MX-5 Miata RF sports activities vehicles (hyperlinks to our check drives are highlighted in Daring).
The Worth of Hybrid
Going hybrid enters Mazda into the dialog of getting a extra environment friendly compact SUV that can fill the wants of householders seeking to drive cleaner and go additional on a tank of gasoline.
The CX-50 Hybrid has a 2.5-liter non-turbo engine mated to a few electrical motors that produces 219 horsepower (hp) and 163 pound-feet (lb.-ft.) of torque. The gasoline economic system is rated at 39 mpg metropolis/37 freeway/38 mixed. In 193 miles driving in Southern California we averaged 38.9 mpg. Gas economic system numbers reported by Clear Fleet Report are non-scientific and signify the reviewer’s driving expertise utilizing the sprint gauge pc. Your numbers might differ.
The 2026 CX-50 Hybrid Most popular has a base value of $36,245. For comparability, listed here are the specs for the non-hybrid CX-50 trims. All costs embrace the $1,495 processing and dealing with charge.
- Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter twin-scroll turbocharged 4-cylinder engine
- 256 hp and 320 lb.-ft. of torque
- Gas economic system: 23 metropolis/29/freeway/25 mixed
- Base trim value: $39,395
- 2.5-liter non-turbo engine
- 187 hp and 185 lb.-ft. of torque
- Gas economic system: 26 metropolis/30 freeway/26 mixed
- Base trim value: $31,395
The gasoline economic system enhance within the hybrid is critical. For those who can forgo the additional efficiency of the Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter twin-scroll turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, you may be rewarded with a cool $3,150 in your pocket and spending much less money and time on the pump by selecting the hybrid. This profit nearly goes unheralded as there is just one refined HYBRID badge positioned on the decrease proper rear of the raise gate.
Drive Time
Adapting the gasoline CX-50 right into a hybrid started with Mazda using Toyota’s Hybrid System that included the gasoline engine, three electrical motors and the electronically managed repeatedly variable transmission (eCVT) and Digital All-Wheel Drive, or e-AWD. No automobile firm has been producing hybrids longer and in such massive portions than Toyota, so Mazda made a clever selection aligning with them.
The gasoline engine powers the entrance wheels, whereas there are two electrical motors on the entrance axle (a starter motor and a restricted drive motor) joined by the extra highly effective traction motor on the rear axle. The transitions between gasoline and electrical had been seamless, whether or not tromping on the accelerator or slowing to a crawl.
The sleek shifting e-CVT instantaneously makes use of driving knowledge, primarily based on the chosen drive mode, to ship the very best gasoline economic system because it seamlessly strikes between working on electrical energy or the environment friendly hybrid engine. A useful inexperienced EV mild seems each time it’s working solely on electrical energy. This mixture of engine, motors and transmission constantly went 0-60 mph in about 7.7 seconds. Highly effective and fast sufficient to merge onto freeways and go huge rigs on the freeway.
Hitting the Street
Mazda constantly produces the very best dealing with vehicles and SUVs that aren’t bought as a sport or efficiency mannequin. Its engineers know how one can design a chassis that produces above-the-norm driving dynamics. The CX-50 Hybrid continues this lengthy custom because the experience was easy and assured at freeway speeds and agile when cornering with a reasonably stiff suspension. This isn’t stunning coming from an organization that makes the improbable dealing with MX-5 Miata.
The nickel-metal hydride traction battery, positioned beneath the rear seats, improves the front-to-rear weight distribution and lowers the middle of gravity, which is at all times a plus for dealing with.
The suspension and chassis know-how from the gasoline CX-50 fashions haven’t modified, which suggests the G-Vectoring Management system is carried over to the CX-50 Hybrid. Mazda’s G-Vectoring system adjusts engine torque, shifts weight to the entrance wheels in response to the steering wheel movement, will increase steering response and applies a little bit of the anti-lock brakes to ease cornering. The 4,008-pound curb weight felt stable, secure and assured in all driving situations.
The suggestions between the driving force’s enter and the automobile’s response is what makes a Mazda really easy to drive. When diving into a decent nook the CX-50 Hybrid dug in properly with management 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 unbroken arc radius or a double apex, there was little steering enter wanted to appropriate and keep planted. The facility-assisted ventilated entrance disc and rear stable disc brakes stopped properly.
The Mi-Drive driver-selectable modes of Regular, Energy and Path are mixed with the handbook shift mode. The CX-50 Hybrid is tow-rated for 1,500 kilos. If towing can be an vital issue, choosing the non-hybrid CX-50 with the Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter twin-scroll turbocharged 4-cylinder engine bumps the towing capacity to three,500 kilos.
Soul of Movement Exterior Design
Prior to now few years, Mazda has been positioning itself to be extra upscale, hoping to grow to be a close to premium model. Using its Kodo: Soul of Movement design theme, the CX-50 Hybrid has a slim entrance grille, slender LED head and daytime working lights that take-up as little actual property as potential on the entrance fenders, with the flip alerts mere slits sitting simply above the body-color decrease fascia.
The lengthy hood, laid-back windshield, quick entrance and rear overhangs and broad rear fenders give a commanding look. Black physique cladding wraps fully across the CX-50 Hybrid, however could be a bit a lot, so it seems to be higher when mixed with a darkish colour. Our tester was painted in Soul Purple Crystal Metallic that carried a $595 premium.
The body-color shark fin antenna, vivid roof rails, panoramic roof, built-in spoiler over the raked energy raise gate, vivid twin exhaust ports and LED tail lights finish-off the design. Had the rear wiper been tucked below the spoiler, it might have taken Mazda a step nearer to near-premium.
Premium Inside
The driving force-centric inside has a bit greater seating place than the gasoline CX-50 because of the 35mm raise in physique top. The CX-50 Hybrid Premium Plus, which we drove, was absolutely loaded with a black inside that included leather-based seats with prime stitching. The driving force will get 8-way energy changes with lumbar and reminiscence and the passenger 6-way energy changes; each are heated and ventilated.
The rear seat comfortably holds two adults, three for brief distances, and comes with a middle folding armrest with cup holders and two USB-C ports.
The CX-50 Hybrid has ample leg and head room. The cargo space measures 43.1-cubic inches with the rear 60:40 seat upright; 75.4-cubic inches when lowered. Mazda has focused the CX-50 Hybrid, with seating for 5, for folks with energetic and outside existence.
The sprint has a easy and clear, logical format with loads of gentle contact supplies. Three easy-to-read spherical gauges with black faces and white letters, are a part of a 7-inch (skinny movie switch (TFT) LCD multi-information show for the speedometer, odometer, tachometer, common gasoline economic system and, unique to the hybrid, an influence meter exhibiting when the battery is charging or the quantity of electrical energy or gasoline getting used when working.
The middle show, which is not a contact display (Although generally it’s. See under) measures 10.25-inches for the 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint premium sound system with AM/FM HD radio, SiriusXM, Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio controls, Alexa Constructed-in and wi-fi Apple Automotive Play and Android Auto. On some trims a Mazda sound system has eight audio system, however nonetheless comes with the identical display measurement.
The “Commander” wheel positioned on the middle console controls the system. Alternately, you should use the controls on the leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel. The Mazda controller system has improved over time, however continues to be distinctive and might be cumbersome in comparison with these we discover on different vehicles. With repetition, the Mazda system ought to grow to be snug to make use of. Most duties might be negotiated with out eradicating your eyes from the highway.
The middle display turns into a touchscreen when utilizing Apple Automotive Play or Android Auto. In case you are a frequent person of those apps, it would come to you shortly.
Security and Warranties
The 2026 CX-50 Hybrid comes with i-Activesense that gives an intensive record of normal and non-obligatory security options together with entrance, aspect, and air curtain airbags, four-wheel energy disc ABS braking system, dynamic stability management, traction management, radar cruise management, rear view digital camera, tire stress monitoring system, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning and lane preserve help, rear cross visitors alert, rear parking sensors, and an anti-theft alarm and engine immobilizer.
The Nationwide Freeway Transportation Security Administration (NHTSA), gave the 2026 CX-50 Hybrid a 5 Star general security score, its highest rating. The 2025 CX-50 was security rated as a Prime Security Choose+ by the Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security (IIHS), so the 2026 is similar.
The 2026 CX-50 Hybrid comes with these warranties:
- Hybrid/Electrical Battery – Eight years/100,000 miles
- Powertrain – 5 years/60,000 miles
- Primary (Bumper-To-Bumper) – Three years/36,000 miles
- Roadside Help – Three years/36,000 miles
- Corrosion – 5 years/Limitless miles
Pricing
The 2026 CX-50 Hybrid is available in three trims with these costs, which embrace the $1,495 supply, processing and dealing with charge.
- Most popular: $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 best choice if dealing with and a driving enjoyable issue are vital. If cargo and rear seat passenger area are pacing objects quite than driving attributes, it’s possible you’ll contemplate the Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage or Toyota RAV4.
Zoom-Zoom might not be its slogan, however the DNA that comes with the Mazda identify runs deep in its veins. The CX-50 Hybrid isn’t marketed as a sport compact SUV, however is positioned to households for errands, commuting and the occasional weekend journey.
Jon Leverett, mission supervisor of strategic planning on CX-50, advised us: “Our technique behind the powertrain line-up for CX-50 is performance-based, with every powertrain representing a step-up in energy whereas the hybrid powertrain provides a step-up in each energy and effectivity from the two.5S. We view the two.5 Turbo as the head powertrain within the CX-50 line-up as a result of it provides clients essentially the most functionality off-road by its low-down torque channeled by our AWD system and permits for 3,500-pound towing capability.”
Mazda needs you to strap-in the automobile seats and have enjoyable with the children on a household trip, or seize your pals and take off for a number of days to the mountains or seaside. Go to your native Mazda vendor and take an prolonged check drive to see for your self.
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