2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 is a slightly larger and more ruggedly styled SUV than its stablemate, the CX-5. The extra space and available hybrid powertrain make it a solid competitor to rivals like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, both segment icons. Standard all-wheel drive and a more upscale interior than most compact SUVs offer help set the CX-50 apart from rivals. While the standard CX-50 received a handful of updates, the 2026 CX-50 Hybrid carries over from last year relatively unchanged. 

What doesn't the CX-50 compete against? There's the Honda CR-V, of course, along with the Toyota RAV4 — two vehicles that dominate the small SUV market in terms of sales. Looking past those, we also recommend checking out the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage and Subaru Forester, all of which offer hybrid powertrains. Mazda is unusual in that it also sells two small SUVs: the CX-50 and the CX-5. The CX-5 has been redesigned for 2026 to be roomier and more comfortable, but we've found in our testing that it's not as enjoyable to drive as the CX-50. The lack of a hybrid powertrain is another thing that sets the CX-50 apart from its stablemate.

Mazda is inching toward premium automaker status, and the CX-50 is a step in that direction. Trim for trim, it costs a bit more than its rivals. However, it justifies that in a couple of ways. First, all-wheel drive is standard across the board, unlike most competitors, where it's typically optional. The CX-50's interior is also a cut above the rest, with relatively upscale materials and an unimpeachable fit and finish. And the CX-50 has Mazda's signature fun-to-drive demeanor. Just note that the top trims are pricey enough to encroach on actual luxury automakers with more brand cachet.