The compact hybrid SUV market has an agile new option with the arrival of the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid. It’s the brand’s first traditional hybrid.

Imagine: You've got the hood up on your Mazda with a crowd leaning in, onlookers saying things like, "Woah, is that a Toyota Dynamic Force 2.5-liter four-cylinder with dual electric motors and a CVT?

A more efficient engine. There are so many good compact crossovers out there. Honda CR-V? An excellent choice. Hyundai Tucson? Another great option. Toyota RAV4? It's a best-seller for a reason. Mazda doesn't get as much love in this category,

The EPA rates the CX-50 Hybrid at a combined 38 mpg (6.2 L/100 km), which is quite a lot better than the 28 mpg (8.4 L/100 km) of the version with Mazda's 2.5 L Skyactiv engine while offering more power at the same time.

Mazda creates strong high-mpg hybrid value in the middle of its U.S. lineup but loses its own narrative in the driver’s seat.

There's a 2.5-liter engine, like many other Mazda vehicles, but this particular unit actually comes from Toyota, as does the hybrid system. RAV4 Hybrid owners will recognize this system, which produces the same 219 horsepower found in that vehicle.

The CX-50 Hybrid shoots Mazda straight to the top of a busy segment. A Honda CR-V Hybrid might still be the better all-rounder, but the Mazda scores highly when it comes to both driving and design, all the while sipping fuel like a RAV4 Hybrid. It is welcome proof that sensible cars can be desirable too.

Mazda's stylish crossover gets some electrified power, courtesy of a Toyota hybrid system, but is the CX-50 the complete package?