In a segment where efficiency and refinement both matter, one hybrid SUV is carving out a niche by offering surprising levels of luxury without the luxury price tag. While the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is often the go-to choice for buyers seeking fuel savings and utility, this rival delivers a more upscale interior, refined ride quality, and premium touches that put it closer in feel to a Lexus, yet it still costs noticeably less. That combination of efficiency and near-luxury comfort makes it one of the most compelling choices in the hybrid SUV category.
What sets this model apart is how comfortably it bridges the gap between mainstream and premium. Its cabin features higher-grade materials and thoughtful design details that elevate the everyday driving experience, while its hybrid powertrain delivers strong fuel economy and smooth acceleration. Advanced safety tech and modern infotainment further enhance its appeal, making it feel like a more complete package than many competitors.
For buyers who want the practicality of a hybrid SUV plus an interior that feels a step above the rest, without stepping up to true luxury pricing, this model proves that you don’t have to compromise. It shows that near-Lexus refinement can be had for less, reshaping expectations for what a hybrid SUV can offer.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including the EPA.
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Mazda’s CX-50 Hybrid is affordable but packed with premium features
Mainstream prices but luxury vibes
Mazda has been making a slow but steady push to move a little upscale, away from its usual mainstream competitors. Right now we’re at they’re at that sweet spot where they are priced similarly to their rivals while offering an overall feel that is much more luxurious. The CX-50 Hybrid is a great example, rivaling the RAV4 in price but being a much more stylish choice.
2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid trims and pricing
|
Model |
Average used price |
|---|---|
|
Preferred |
$34,750 |
|
Premium |
$38,150 |
|
Premium Plus |
$40,450 |
The Mazda CX-50 hybrid starts just under the $35,000 mark. While this means that it is among the more expensive options in the segment, it is still priced similarly to options like the new Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CR-V Hybrid. Compared to both of those options, Mazda treats its compact hybrid like an upscale model, imbuing it with some great comfort features and a ton of modern technology as standard.
While the even the Preferred trim comes well-equipped, we think that jumping up to the mid-range Premium model is well worth the money if it is within your budget. It comes packed with high-end features, including a panoramic sunroof, traffic sign recognition, leather heated seats, and a premium Bose sound system. It also comes with black roof rails and exhaust outlets, which give it a unique look.
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This three-row Japanese hybrid feels like a luxury SUV—without the crazy price—and it’s comfy, efficient, and easy to live with.
On the inside, the CX-50 feels sleek, plush, and practical
Plenty of space and fantastic build quality
While the popular mainstream choices in this segment, like the RAV4 and the CR-V, feel a little utilitarian and bland, Mazda breaks the mold with the CX-50. While it retains the comfortable practicality that you’d expect from an SUV of this size, it also delivers a cabin that truly feels like it can compete with much more expensive options.
2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid interior comfort
|
Front row headroom |
39.1 inches |
|---|---|
|
Front row legroom |
41.7 inches |
|
Second row headroom |
37.8 inches |
|
Second row legroom |
37.8 inches |
|
Cargo capacity |
29.2 cubic feet |
This Japanese compact SUV may not be the most spacious in its class, but it still offers more than enough for the average buyer. Some rivals offer a little more space in the back row, but even tall passengers should feel more than comfortable enough in the CX-50. Cargo capacity is pretty generous, with there being enough space for a good haul of groceries or a couple of suitcases.
Mazda makes design and quality a huge priority in the CX-50 Hybrid. While it is a little more truck-like than their smaller SUVs, it still manages to feel plenty upscale. Fine materials are used throughout the cabin, with no surface feeling low-rent. Even the most affordable trim comes with plenty of niceties, including a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, and a power-operated liftgate.
Infotainment and technology
The current generation of Mazda vehicles handle technology in a very unobtrusive way, which is one of the reasons we are so impressed by the brand. In the CX-50 Hybrid, a standard 10.3-inch infotainment screen rises out of the dash, pillowed by soft-touch materials. It feels like an accent rather than a focal point. The gauge display is partially digital, with a circular screen in the center flanked by two analog gauges.
All the core features you would expect from a premium vehicle are standard here, including wireless capability for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Along with a number of USB ports, the CX-50 also features a standard wireless smartphone charging pad. A 12-speaker Bose sound system is available as well, along with an impressive heads-up display.
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Believe it or not, Lexus hybrids cost way less to maintain than most luxury SUVs.
Under the hood, the CX-50 actually features Toyota’s hybrid system
All that style with proven reliability
One thing that draws people to brands like Toyota and Honda is that they have proven hybrid systems that they have used for years. Mazda was pretty clever with the CX-50 in that they have made use of the hybrid system found in the RAV4. This means that it is efficient and proven to last. Match this with the CX-50’s fantastic chassis tuning and you have a fantastically well-rounded vehicle.
2026 CX-50 Hybrid performance
|
Engine |
2.5-liter naturally aspirated inline-four |
|---|---|
|
Transmission |
CVT |
|
Horsepower |
219 HP |
|
Torque |
163 LB-FT |
|
Driveline |
AWD |
|
0-60 MPH |
7.6 seconds |
|
Top speed |
117 MPH |
Under the hood of the CX-50 Hybrid, you’ll find the same engine that you’d get in a RAV4 Hybrid. This four-pot pairs with three electric motors. One motor powers the rear axle, meaning that every model features all-wheel drive as standard. The only downside here is that instead of a traditional automatic transmission, you get a continuously variable transmission, which does sap some of the fun.
The hybrid system adds some weight to the CX-50 compared to the non-hybrid, which does mean that it isn’t quite as fun to drive. However, it is still one of the most engaging and dynamic cars in this class. It also gets up to 60 miles per hour quicker than the base non-hybrid. However, if you’re looking for a sportier driving experience, the CX-50 Turbo puts down 250 horsepower and delivers some impressive acceleration.
Fuel economy
|
Model |
City |
Highway |
Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
|
CX-50 Hybrid |
39 MPG |
37 MPG |
38 MPG |
Toyota has been making hybrid systems for decades, with a lot of their vehicles being some of the most efficient cars on the road. THis is obviously another huge benefit of Mazda making use of the RAV4’s setup. While Toyota’s compact SUV might be slightly more efficient, you can’t really complain about the CX-50 Hybrid’s estimated efficiency figures.
The EPA estimates that you’ll save around $2,250 driving the CX-50 Hybrid for five years compared to the average new vehicle.
