2026 Mazda CX-50 Premium Plus

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 is a compact SUV that blends rugged styling with the brand's upscale interior and engaging driving character. It competes with the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Subaru Forester, but stands apart with its sharper handling and more premium cabin. The CX-50's steering is quick and precise, and the chassis stays composed on winding roads, making it one of the more enjoyable compact SUVs to drive. The ride is firm and controlled, which pays off in handling but means you'll feel sharper bumps more than in softer rivals. The cabin is a highlight, with high-quality materials and a clean, driver-focused layout that feels more expensive than the price suggests. Cargo space is competitive for the class, and the rear seats offer decent room for adults on shorter trips. Standard i-Activsense safety tech includes adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, and the infotainment system is easy to use once you learn the rotary controller. Mazda's reliability record is generally solid, though the infotainment system can occasionally be glitchy. The Premium Plus is the top hybrid trim, adding ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a 360-degree camera that the Premium and base hybrid trims don't offer. Its hybrid 2.5L I4 hybrid makes 219 horsepower and returns 38 mpg combined, which is excellent for an all-wheel-drive compact SUV. The Bose 12-speaker audio system is standard here, and the power panoramic moonroof opens up the cabin nicely.