The 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid Checks All the Boxes, but Has Its FlawsWhen I first drove the Mazda CX-50 Turbo a few years ago, I was thoroughly impressed. I loved the way it drove, the power it delivered, and the refinement of its interior. Fast forward to today, and I’m now driving the 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid Premium Plus, which retails for $43,655 with the destination charge. It has the same interior and the same refinement, but adds a hybrid powertrain. A Toyota hybrid powertrain, to be exact. That’s right, Mazda took a hybrid powertrain sourced from the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and stuffed it in the CX-50. That includes the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, the CVT, and the three electric motors that drive all four wheels. There are two up front and one in the rear, for a combined power output of 219 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque. But the most important part is its fuel efficiency, which equates to 39/37/38 MPG (city/highway/combined). That’s impressive, to say the least.However, the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid is not exactly perfect. The Mazda CX-50 Hybrid Is a Little Noisy Around town, the hybrid system does what Toyota hybrids tend to do best. It’s smooth, quiet, and efficient, especially at lower speeds where the electric motors do most of the work. But when you ask for more power, the experience changes. The CVT introduces a familiar drone, and the driving engagement that made me love the original CX-50 starts to fade a bit.To be fair, the last Mazda CX-50 Turbo I drove had 250 horsepower and a six-speed automatic transmission, a combination that makes for snappier acceleration and no drone. Additionally, the CX-50 Hybrid’s cabin was louder than the previous model I tested, which was intriguing, considering it’s the same chassis, despite the borrowed powertrain. When the CX-50 Hybrid puts the power to the ground, it accelerates seamlessly, thanks to the electric motors. However, I found that there was a slight hesitation when the gas engine would kick in to help the compact SUV accelerate when getting onto the freeway or going up an incline. But power-wise, the 219 horses under the hood did their job well, and I didn’t feel like the car needed more power, but I sure did miss the boost from the turbocharger. As for fuel economy, the EPA rates the car at 39 mpg in the city, 37 mph on the highway, and 38 mpg combined. During my week of driving in mixed traffic conditions, I averaged 35 mpg. That was the main highlight of this vehicle, apart from its sophisticated exterior. Despite the Noise, the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid Handles Well Powertrain and noisiness aside, the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid still handles well—it’s composed, planted, and more engaging than most compact SUVs. But compared to the non-hybrid model, it feels a bit more subdued. The added weight and the nature of the hybrid system take away some of that sharp, eager personality.However, the wide, 19-inch wheels likely helped a bit with traction when cornering, but it felt like the hybrid model lacked a little mojo compared to its gas-only sibling. That was surprising and a little confusing for me, considering they are the same car. That said, the CX-50 Hybrid still has the sharp steering response that Mazda’s models are known for. Still the Same on the Inside Inside, not much has changed, and that’s a good thing. The CX-50 still has one of the most upscale interiors in its class, with thoughtful materials and a clean layout. It feels more premium than rivals like the RAV4 or CR-V, even if the infotainment system still has a bit of a learning curve.My tester had a black-and-red leather interior that felt plush and well-buttoned up. There was a 10.25-inch infotainment screen in the center of the dashboard, but it’s controlled by a knob on the center console rather than a touchscreen, which I will never be a fan of. But I was still able to connect my phone wirelessly with Apple CarPlay every time I got in the car, so that kept me satiated since I didn’t have to use the knob much. Final ThoughtsWhen comparing trim levels, the 2026 CX-50 Hybrid is the smarter choice, but not the more fun one. If you have always wanted a Toyota RAV4 but wished it had the bold styling and elegance of a Mazda, the CX-50 Hybrid is the SUV for you. Its well-appointed interior and impeccable fit and finish feel like it's from a class above, and its in-cabin features and thrifty fuel economy make it worth the money. So, if you prioritize fuel economy and daily comfort, it’s easy to recommend. But if you loved the original CX-50 for how it drove, this hybrid version loses a bit of that magic.