- The Mazda CX-50 Hybrid has a premium vibe
- All trims bring plenty of amenities and tech
- Even more features arrive for 2026
The Mazda CX-50 Hybrid is the more powerful and more efficient twin of the gas-only CX-50. Like its sibling, the CX-50 Hybrid combines rugged looks and an outdoorsy attitude with its eager and enjoyable driving manners. But our appreciation for the CX-50 Hybrid extends beyond its sheet metal or gas-electric powertrain. Mazda’s hybrid compact SUV is admirably impressive inside, too, and for its second year on the market, brings even more features to the table. Let’s take a look inside.
Passenger Room and Comfort
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 is available in three trims, yet even a base model comes very well equipped, easily earning its “Preferred” trim name. It brings amenities you’d have to pay extra for in other compact SUVs, including an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, partial leatherette upholstery, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a power tailgate with programmable height, and more. For 2026, a panoramic moonroof becomes standard, which makes the 5-passenger cabin feel open and airy.
Features and Tech
All CX-50 Hybrid models are wireless in the best way possible. In addition to having wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, all trims include a wireless phone charger, too. Should you want to connect via a cable, there’s a total of four USB-C ports – two up front and two in back.
The CX-50 Hybrid’s infotainment system is highlighted by a 10.25-inch display. We find this is still plenty big amid today’s screen wars, and we like that it’s mounted high in the dash and doesn’t look like a giant tablet pasted onto the dash.
The mid-tier Premium and top-line Premium Plus trims bring a good-sounding Bose 12-speaker audio system and Alexa Built-in. The top trim also includes a head-up display, which Mazda calls Active Driving Display. In our testing, we appreciated the way it alerts you when other vehicles enter your blind spots.
Materials and Design
The CX-50 Hybrid’s cabin feels a cut above the competition. Even the base model’s leatherette upholstery mimics the real thing, and genuine leather is standard in the two higher trims if that’s what you prefer. Other premium options include ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel and heated rear seats, and a power-adjustable passenger seat.
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: Mazda has a special way with colors. The brand’s Soul Red Crystal Metallic exterior paint has long impressed us, yet the brand’s interior hues can also pop. Base trims can be had in black and gray interior schemes, while the two higher trims have interior color choices of a beautiful brown or a striking red.
Cargo Room and Flexibility
The CX-50 Hybrid falls into the compact SUV class, but its interior room and practicality are in no way small. There’s plenty of room in front for all body shapes and sizes, and rear legroom is still good at 37.8 inches. Overall, the CX-50 Hybrid only gives up marginal interior space to its standard CX-50 sibling due to the extra components of its electrified powertrain.
As for cargo space, the CX-50 has 29.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 56.3 with them folded. Some rivals have more, but in our testing, we’ve found this Mazda has more than enough for grocery runs, storing gear for adventurous outings, and everyday functionality. Another practical thing we like: All CX-50 trims have a rear seat that folds in a 60/40 split, allowing flexibility for carrying flexibility for accommodating passengers and gear alike.
Build and price your version of the 2026 Mazda CX-50 to see this week’s Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price, or check out Mazda CX-50 models for sale near you.
