2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid Premium Plus - Review by David Colman +VIDEO

Imbued With Mazda Precision DNA

David Colman

Photos and Story by David Colman
Special Correspondent
THE AUTO CHANNEL

In football terms, Mazda has flooded the playing field with CX-50 receivers looking to make a connection with you. On offer for 2026 are 5 Non-Turbo models (Select/Preferred/Meridian Edition/Premium), 3 Turbos (Turbo, Meridian Edition, Premium) and 3 Hybrid offerings (Preferred, Premium, and Premium Plus). The Non-Turbo models are powered by a 2.5-liter, 187hp inline-4, the Turbos jack output to 256hp, while the most recently introduced Hybrid versions make 219hp. The Hybrid shares its engine and driveline with Toyota's RAV4. Regardless of engine, all 11 CX-30s are equipped with all-wheel-drive.

If you're after the sportiest combination, go for one of the 256hp Turbo models, which crank off 0-60mph runs in 6.4 seconds, and run the quarter mile in 14.9 seconds at 92mph. But if maximum mileage and driving range top your needs list, the Hybrid is the one to choose since it returns 38mpg in overall driving compared to just 23MPG for the thirstier Turbo. However, the addition of 3 AC motors to the Hybrid's drivetrain makes it 204 pounds heavier as well as 37hp short of the Turbo. Consequently, the Hybrid takes 7.6 seconds to reach 60MPH from rest, and requires 15.8 seconds to clear the quarter mile traps at 89mph.

Aside from those computations, only two other factors might influence you to select the Turbo over the Hybrid. The first is towing capacity, which favors the Turbo for its 3500lb rating versus the Hybrid's 1500lb maximum. Attribute the difference to the fact that the Hybrid makes just 163lb.-ft. of torque. The second consideration is gearbox choice. The Hybrid is saddled with an electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission. This CVT is slow to respond to throttle inputs unless you slide the shift lever into its manual gate. You can then bang off pantomime shifts by bumping the stubby lever fore and aft. The Turbo, on the other hand, is equipped with a proper 6-speed automatic gearbox equipped with paddles conveniently attached to the steering wheel. The first time I laid into the Hybrid's throttle to complete a single car pass on a two-lane road, the CX-50 fell flat on its face because the CVT didn't downshift when more engine speed was needed. Subsequently, I learned to utilize the up/down bump-stick feature, and felt more confident about utilizing the Hybrid's 219hp output.

While the Non-Turbo and Turbo ranges are available with 2026's new Meridian Edition (matte black hood graphic, unique headlight and rocker panel garnishes, standard roof rack, 18-inch black alloys and all-terrain tires), it's not offered on the Hybrid. However, if you select the Premium Plus Hybrid, you'll find your CX-50 equipped with sturdier 19 x 7.5J black alloy rims with machine-polished spokes. These wheels prop up Goodyear 225/55R19 Eagle Touring rubber with a Treadwear rating of TW500. I've driven a large variety of compact crossovers recently, and without question Mazda's CX-50 offered the most direct steering feedback I've experienced in this class of vehicle. From the instant you grasp the leather covered wheel, and twitch it from lock to lock, you know you're in a Mazda product because nothing else matches its preternatural steering precision. Car&Driver recently conducted an eight-SUV comparison test, and declared the CX-50 (Turbo) to be the clear-cut winner, saying "the three spoke wheel is deliciously precise."

If you're willing to pop for the top echelon Preferred Plus Hybrid, Mazda has eased your driving chores with an abundance of new upgrades for 2026. Mazda highlights the roof of the Premium Plus with silver rails that match silver-tipped twin exhaust pipes. Automatic power folding side mirrors let you know when locking is complete, and a new full color active driving display is projected onto the front windshield for the first time. Heated rear seats join the toasty front seats for the new model year, along with a heated steering wheel that proved ideal on cold winter mornings. New signature LED headlights and taillights identify the top-tier Hybrid, along with adaptive auto-leveling for the headlights. Those lights swivel to keep pace with your turns on the steering wheel. They're phenomenally effective, the best flamethrowers I've ever experienced.

Our test Mazda carried a base price of $40,450. Only a $595 charge for Mazda's signature "Soul Red Crystal Metallic Paint," $500 for a Mazda Navigation System, and $225 for a handy Retractable Cargo Cover brought the total to $43,265. Since only the transmission comes from Japan, the CX-50 should be light on tariff surcharges because it's built in Madison, Alabama, with a USA-constructed powerplant.

2026 MAZDA CX-50 HYBRID PREMIUM PLUS

• ENGINE/MOTOR: 2.5 liter inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve plus 3 AC Motors and 0.8kWh nickel-metal hydride battery pack
• HORSEPOWER: 219hp
• TORQUE: 163lb.-ft.
• FUEL CONSUMPTION: 39MPG City/37MPG Highway
• PRICE AS TESTED: $43,265

HYPES: Imbued With Mazda Precision DNA

GRIPES: Tight Rear Seating

STAR RATING: 9. Stars out of 10

©2025 David E Colman