The automotive world is buzzing about electric vehicles, but let’s not overlook the impressive strides in hybrid technology. For those not quite ready to plug in, or who appreciate the reliability of gasoline, the latest generation of gas-electric hybrids offers a fantastic bridge to electrification. These vehicles, improving upon technology pioneered 25 years ago with models like the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight, are now more refined and efficient than ever.
Regular hybrids might not be zero-emission, but they are a significant step towards greener driving, especially for city dwellers without convenient overnight charging. The new and updated compact hybrid SUVs, also known as crossovers or CUVs, are perfect examples of this eco-friendly evolution, offering a blend of fuel efficiency and practicality for the urban landscape and beyond.
white Mazda CX-50
Image alt text: Sleek white Mazda CX-50 Hybrid SUV showcasing its rugged yet refined design, a top contender in the small hybrid SUV category.
Mazda CX-50 Hybrid: Efficiency Takes the Wheel
The Mazda CX-50, already known for its rugged appeal, steps into the hybrid arena with the all-new CX-50 Hybrid for 2025. This model smartly integrates Toyota’s highly-regarded hybrid powertrain into its distinctive frame. Sharing the same powertrain as the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, the CX-50 Hybrid boasts 219 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque from a 2.5-liter inline-four engine. This power is delivered through a continuously variable transmission (CVT) to three electric motors and a standard electric all-wheel-drive system, ensuring reliable performance in various conditions.
While the standard gasoline CX-50 models offer more horsepower and torque, especially the turbo variant, the CX-50 Hybrid prioritizes fuel efficiency over outright speed. It’s a different approach compared to the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, which also offers a sportier N-Line version alongside its efficient models.
The CX-50 Hybrid achieves a combined fuel economy of 38 mpg, closely matching the RAV4 Hybrid’s 39 mpg. This impressive efficiency is achieved through significant engineering to incorporate the Toyota Hybrid System (THS) into the Mazda platform.
Beyond the “Hybrid” badging, subtle styling updates differentiate this model. The CX-50’s signature body cladding is more pronounced, and the roof is slightly raised to maintain a 7.6-inch ground clearance, even with the battery pack neatly positioned under the rear seats. While slightly longer than competitors, the CX-50 Hybrid offers 29.2 cubic feet of cargo space, a minor reduction from the standard CX-50 but less than the RAV4 and Tucson Hybrids.
The interior of the CX-50 Hybrid is where Mazda truly shines. It exudes a refined, almost luxurious ambiance, particularly in higher trims. The Premium Plus trim features two-tone leather seats with meticulous stitching, echoing throughout the doors and dashboard. A rotary controller, often found in luxury vehicles, minimizes touchscreen smudges, complemented by steering wheel controls. Convenient buttons for memory seats, a camera for tight spots, and parking sensor deactivation enhance the driver experience.
Mazda CX-50 front interior
Image alt text: Interior view of the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid, highlighting its near-luxury cabin with analog gauges, rotary controls, and two-tone leather seats, a sophisticated space in a small hybrid SUV.
Despite the panoramic roof and upscale feel, the CX-50 Hybrid retains a touch of classic charm. Analog gauges, minimal LED accent lighting, and a modestly sized, largely monochromatic infotainment screen (excluding smartphone integration) offer a blend of modern functionality and traditional aesthetics.
The ride quality and cabin quietness are notably improved, feeling more refined than many Toyota hybrids. The CX-50 Hybrid presents a personality that is both fuel-conscious and sophisticated, a departure from Mazda’s more performance-oriented past, leaving sporty features like paddle shifters and turbo engines to other CX-50 variants.
Priced between $34,000 and $40,000, the CX-50 Hybrid positions itself above the standard gasoline models but below the Turbo versions. It occupies a balanced spot in the lineup, unlike the Hyundai Tucson, which provides a wider spectrum of hybrid options at similar price points, ranging from efficient to sporty.
White Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
Image alt text: Modern white Hyundai Tucson Hybrid displayed at an angle, showcasing its refreshed front end and contemporary design, a versatile choice in the small hybrid SUV market.
Hyundai Tucson Hybrid: Versatility in Hybrid Small SUV Choices
Hyundai takes a broader approach with its popular Tucson model, offering gas-only, sport, and luxury hybrid trims, along with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) option. The Tucson PHEV is ideal for those seeking maximum electric driving range – 33 miles – with the security of a gasoline engine for longer journeys.
The Tucson Hybrid N Line model stands out with its sporty character. Distinguished by 19-inch wheels, black mirrors, and twin-tip exhaust, it also shares the refreshed front end and updated wheel designs across the 2025 Tucson range. Its sharper lines and silhouette contrast with the more rounded designs of its competitors, giving it a distinctly modern edge.
Hyundai Tucson Hybrid front interior
Image alt text: Digital twin-screen interior of the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid N Line, emphasizing its modern and sporty design with red accents and N-branded steering wheel in a compact hybrid SUV.
Inside, the Tucson Hybrid N Line boasts a contemporary, all-digital twin-screen setup, a departure from traditional gauges. Red stitching accents on the seats, doors, armrest, and steering wheel, coupled with polished pedals and an N-branded steering wheel, clearly signal its sporty intentions.
Performance matches the sporty aesthetics, thanks to a responsive 1.6-liter turbocharged engine. It delivers a combined 231 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel, though regular fuel is also compatible. Paddle shifters for the six-speed automatic transmission offer more driver engagement than the CVTs in competitors.
While not the most fuel-efficient in the compact hybrid SUV segment at 35 mpg combined, the Tucson Hybrid N Line offers a compelling balance of performance and efficiency, with significantly more driving excitement. The powertrain feels more refined than the Mazda and surprisingly, even the Lexus.
Despite its N Line designation, the ride quality remains comfortable, similar to the 2025 Tucson XRT, a new soft-roading trim. Interestingly, the Hybrid N Line includes “Baby Mode,” a feature that softens initial acceleration for passenger comfort – a thoughtful touch for a sporty model.
Practicality is another Tucson strong point, offering more rear-seat and cargo space than the Mazda, and considerably more than the smaller Lexus. The Tucson Hybrid N Line emerges as a well-rounded option, blending performance, family-friendly features, and modern design within the hybrid small SUV category.
orange Lexus UX300h
Image alt text: Vibrant orange Lexus UX300h, a luxury hybrid small SUV, showcasing its distinctive grille and urban-friendly size.
Lexus UX300h: Luxury in a Smaller Hybrid SUV Package
The updated Lexus UX300h, renamed from 250h for 2025, presents a luxury option in the hybrid small SUV segment. It feels smaller and perhaps surprisingly, less refined than the mainstream competitors, despite its comparable price point. Available in both front- and all-wheel drive, the UX300h offers subtle yet worthwhile updates for the new model year.
However, its classification as a CUV or SUV is debated. Fueleconomy.gov categorizes the UX300h as a compact car, while the others are labeled Small SUVs. The UX 300h might be more accurately described as a subcompact crossover or hatchback, dimensionally smaller than typical compact SUVs. While driver space is comparable, its smaller footprint is evident when parked alongside the Tucson and CX-50. Despite not being direct rivals, their price proximity makes them cross-shoppable.
The Lexus’s smaller size can be an advantage in urban environments, offering easier parking. Its design is arguably appealing, especially in the F Sport trim with unique wheels, grille, black roof, and dark roof rails. However, the large Lexus grille on a smaller body might not appeal to everyone.
front interior of Lexus UX300h Hybrid
Image alt text: Upscale interior of the Lexus UX300h Hybrid, highlighting its luxurious materials, comfortable driver space, and infotainment system within a compact hybrid SUV.
Interior materials, design, driver comfort, and infotainment in the UX300h are commendable, particularly for drivers under six feet tall. Rear passenger and cargo space are where the UX falls short due to its smaller size, with a mere 17.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity, significantly less than the Tucson.
The UX300h’s gauges appear somewhat dated in a digital age, though it features a color head-up display, a step up from the monochrome displays in competitors. A larger 12.3-inch infotainment screen is now standard on most trims, modernizing the interior, but the abundance of physical buttons hints at an older design philosophy, which some may find comforting.
Drivetrain enhancements include a shift-by-wire CVT in this fifth-generation hybrid system. The UX300h is also the first Lexus to adopt a lithium-ion battery, unlike the nickel-metal hydride batteries in the Mazda and most Toyota hybrids.
Power is increased to 196 hp, and AWD models achieve 42 mpg combined, closely matching the 43 mpg of the FWD version. However, the engine noise remains a notable point – described as un-Lexus-like in its harshness, potentially more noticeable now that the battery allows for longer periods of quieter electric operation.
The UX300h’s price is a significant advantage. Starting at $37,515 for the front-drive model and $43,035 for the F Sport AWD version, it offers luxury at a relatively accessible price point within the hybrid small SUV market. While you gain upscale materials and design, interior space is compromised.
Hybrid Small SUVs: The Verdict
Each of these hybrid crossovers presents a unique blend of strengths and weaknesses. However, the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid stands out as a compelling all-around package in the hybrid small SUV category.
It masterfully combines practicality with sporty appeal, all wrapped in a modern and stylish design that promises to age gracefully. The Tucson Hybrid’s balanced approach positions it as a top contender, well-suited for a future where electric vehicles become increasingly prevalent.
*All mileage claims are EPA estimated.
