Hybrid powertrain adds to Mazda's 'Premium' sport-ute

Mark Glover’s AutoGlo car reviews can be seen here and in the Cruisin’ News, "Oregon, Nevada and California's classic auto news & marketplace."

Sacramento, California -- For years, I've logged substantial seat time in Mazda's pleasant CX-50 compact crossover sport-utility vehicle.  Numerous times, it has been the turbo version in my hands.

A recent week in the hybrid version -- a 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid Premium Plus to be specific -- was a revelation. It was CX-50 charm in a fuel-saving package.

Power comes from a 2.5-liter hybrid engine rated at 219 combined net horsepower, more than enough oomph for the required jobs and checking in at 39 miles per gallon in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. Driving range is pegged at 551 miles.

While it's not quite the turbo blast, it's more than sufficient.  And it feels good motoring past those thirsty gas pumps.

Power plant aside, the usual high marks can be found in safety (multiple max five-star ratings in federal government crash tests), styling (especially dressed in the tester's "Soul Red Crystal Metallic" paint) and perks (leather trimmed seats, a wireless phone charger, traffic sign recognition, power panoramic moonroof and hill launch assist are among the many standard features in the Premium model).

Even with a nice option package on my CX-50, the bottom line came to a reasonable $43,265.

The tester qualifies as a fun highway cruiser and every day commuter, but I should note that Mazda has gone to great lengths to offer CX-50s to appeal to a wide range of tastes. That includes the outdoors-forward Meridian Edition. That new-for-2026 trim level includes 18-inch alloy wheels, all-terrain tires, special badging and black roof rails.

Overall, this built-in-Alabama five-seater is a versatile offering that won't crush your wallet.