I drove a $42,000 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid. It’s one of the best small SUVs I’ve ever tested.

• The Mazda CX-50 Hybrid is the latest entrant to the hyper-competitive compact SUV market.
• I was impressed by the CX-50’s peppy hybrid powertrain, athletic looks, and smartly designed cabin.
• I was disappointed with its hard front seats, clunky infotainment, and limited cargo space.

With one out of every five cars sold in the US this year being a compact SUV, an automaker’s ability to compete in the segment is crucial to its success.

Unlike most brands, Mazda is taking on the competition with a two-headed monster consisting of its long-serving CX-5 and the recently introduced CX-50.

For 2025, the Japanese automaker is adding a weapon to its arsenal with the introduction of the new CX-50 Hybrid. This will finally allow the brand to compete with established hybrid offerings like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Honda CR-V Hybrid, and Hyundai Tucson Hybrid.