2027 Mazda CX-50 HybridMotorTrend - MotorTrend (MotorTrend - MotorTrend)Much improved fuel economyEnjoyable driving feelLots of standard featuresOther hybrid SUVs are more efficientNot much cargo spaceFirm rideBuilt to combine Mazda's premium design and sporty dynamics with improved fuel economy, the CX-50 Hybrid is a somewhat enthusiast-focused option in the compact hybrid SUV segment. It joined the CX-50 lineup for 2025, equipped with a Toyota-supplied hybrid powertrain. Personality helps the CX-50 Hybrid stand out among rivals including the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V Hybrid, and Subaru Forester Hybrid.What’s NewThe CX-50 arrived for 2023, and the Hybrid version was added to the range for 2025. Mazda likely wants to keep focus on the new CX-5 that was fully redesigned for 2026, so the CX-50 might not receive any substantive changes for 2027.AdvertisementAdvertisementThis page will be updated with more insights and photos as information becomes available.What We ThinkFuel economy is often the top priority for hybrids, and among hybrid compact SUVs, the Mazda CX-50 isn’t most efficient. Even so, it remains worthy of consideration.That’s largely because it’s a feel-good choice in the segment. Exterior design is sleek and sophisticated, while the cabin has relatively premium materials and touchpoints for a mainstream vehicle. Then there’s how the CX-50 Hybrid drives: connected and poised in an enthusiastic way, even if its electrified engine isn’t quite as satisfying as the non-hybrid model.Practical measures are where the CX-50 Hybrid struggles. Beyond merely decent fuel economy, there’s not much back-seat or cargo space. Mazda’s semi-touchscreen infotainment is fussy, but at least there are plenty of real dashboard buttons, something of a rarity these days.AdvertisementAdvertisementEven if some CX-50 Hybrid rivals are more pragmatic, this Mazda offers emotional appeal other hybrid SUVs don’t.Top-Ranked Competitors:Toyota RAV4Honda CR-V HybridSubaru Forester HybridHyundai Tucson HybridMotorTrend TestedThe CX-50 Hybrid uses a powertrain fundamentally engineered by Toyota, which is familiar from the RAV4 Hybrid. In the CX-50 Hybrid, it combines a 2.5-liter I-4 engine with three electric motors to provide AWD and 219 hp. In MotorTrend testing, the CX-50 Hybrid accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds.MPGs and RangeFuel economy for the CX-50 Hybrid comes in at around 39/37 mpg city/highway. That’s significantly better than the standard CX-50, which gets up to 24/30 mpg from its regular I-4 engine.AdvertisementAdvertisementHowever, some hybrid rivals do better: The Honda CR-V Hybrid does 40/34 mpg, and the new all-hybrid Toyota RAV4 manages as high as 46/39 mpg with AWD.Driving range on a full tank of gas is more than 550 miles for the CX-50 Hybrid, exceeding the standard CX-50 by well more than 100 miles.Safety Ratings and FeaturesFor 2026, the CX-50 Hybrid received IIHS Top Safety Pick+ recognition and a NHTSA five-star overall safety score. These are the best possible results from each respective body.Standard FeaturesAlthough Mazda includes many driver assist features on the CX-50 Hybrid, equivalents from some rival automakers work better. Front automatic emergency braking, rear and side cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and automatic high-beams are all standard.Available FeaturesHigher-end CX-50 Hybrid trims add intersection collision mitigation and upgraded adaptive cruise control that reduces the driver’s work when driving in low-speed traffic.Cargo Space and Interior RoomAlthough the CX-50 Hybrid has the same amount of passenger and cargo space as its non-hybrid equivalent, other compact hybrid SUVs provide more, especially cargo volume.TechnologyInfotainmentEvery CX-50 Hybrid has a 10.3-inch infotainment screen, which only has touchscreen functionality at certain times—otherwise, it’s controlled by a knob on the center console. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity are standard. In the gauge cluster, there’s a reconfigurable 7.0-inch information display. All trim levels have a wireless charging pad in the front row and USB-C ports in both rows of seats.Sound SystemA Bose 12-speaker audio system is available as an upgrade over the standard eight-speaker setup.Available UpgradesA head-up display and integrated navigation with off-road maps are added on high-end CX-50 Hybrid models.ValueStandard FeaturesIn entry-level Preferred trim, the CX-50 Hybrid starts at approximately $37,000, or $3,250 more than an equivalent non-hybrid CX-50 2.5 S Preferred.AdvertisementAdvertisementStandard exterior features include LED headlights and taillights, heated side mirrors, a power-operated tailgate, a panoramic moonroof, and 17-inch black-painted wheels.Inside, the CX-50 Hybrid Preferred has a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, leatherette-trimmed upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a wireless charging pad.Recommended TrimThe higher-end CX-50 Hybrid Premium and Premium Plus trims add niceties like ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, upgraded speakers, a head-up display, steering-adaptive headlights, and larger wheels.But those cost a few thousand dollars more, and their core content and powertrain are the same as the entry Preferred model. We’d stick with that basic CX-50 Hybrid Preferred for its compelling value.AdvertisementAdvertisementHowever, we’d also suggest comparing the CX-50 Hybrid to some of its electrified SUV competitors, many of which provide better fuel economy.
