Model Tested: 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid Premium Plus
EPA ratings: 38 combined/39 city/37 highway
Base/As tested price: $40,450/$43,265
Fit for Pacific Northwest Living is Excellent
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid is a great vehicle for living in the Pacific Northwest. It’s well-suited for various weather and road conditions, work/play activities, and passenger and cargo needs, providing a Goldilocks-like comfort that lands somewhere between spartan and luxury, and too big and too small, making it just right for many people.
Road Report: Excellent
Calling an SUV “sporty” is kind of an oxymoron, but Mazda generally does a better job than many of its Conestoga-based competitors. Almost all modern SUVs exhibit better handling/safety/comfort qualities than earlier truck-based SUVs. The Mazda CX-50 focuses on daily paved road driving with attention paid to driver engagement. The CX-50 is capable and confident in snow and on dirt roads. Our best fuel economy matched EPA estimates at 38.3 mpg in combined driving conditions.
Interior Design that Punches Above its Weight
The Premium Plus package nips at near-luxury competitors, but the overall design and layout are the same in less expensive trim CX-50 models. The vehicle we tested had heated/ventilated leather seats and an expansive panoramic roof that greatly brightened the interior. The front row’s legroom was great, but to avoid backseat knee-knocking, we moved the front seats up slightly.
Excellent for Weekend Driving
There’s no denying the “U” value in SUVs. While utility is typically not a focus in television ads — in the real world, flexible passenger and cargo space reigns supreme. As a five-passenger SUV, the CX-50 has plenty of space and flexibility for weekend activities. The flat cargo deck is a reasonable 31 inches off the ground. The power hatch opens high. Approach/departure angles are very good for off-road trips, and the CX-50 is confident on forest roads and in snow.
Style Sheet: Excellent
We don’t get the premier Kenworth-style of SUV design. If you want to look like an 18-wheeler, buy one. Mazda embraces a handsomely conservative design ethos. The CX-50 favors clean, crisp styling that won’t appear dated too soon. Modest wheel arches are enough to sustain an SUV vibe but far short of Transformer-looking wannabes. Handsome 19-inch wheels provide ample bling.
Value Proposition: Excellent
We’ve gotten spoiled by all the luxury comfort and convenience features offered on modern SUVs, so the X-50 Premium Plus was an attractive, reasonably affordable upgrade over base Mazdas. Interior ambiance, comfort, and infotainment features were great. Excellent fuel economy is a big plus. Warranty terms are average and less than some competitors.
Key Features
- All-weather, all-wheel drive capability
- Great for variable driving conditions
- Outstanding head-up display
- Top-notch blind spot and lane-keeper functions
- Strong safety features
- Clean, handsome styling
- Comfortable interior
- Panoramic roof
- Ample cargo capacity
- Comfortable on- and off-road ride qualities
What We’re Not Crazy About
- Limited towing capability at 1,500 pounds
- Small item storage areas could be bigger
The Bottom Line
We thoroughly enjoyed the 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid. It’s a handsome, spacious, comfortable mid-size SUV that does everything well and gets great fuel economy.