<p class="ingestion featured-caption"> A 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid Premium Plus compact SUV.Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider</p><ul class="summary-list"><li>The Mazda CX-50 Hybrid is the latest entrant to the hyper-competitive compact SUV market.</li><li>I was impressed by the CX-50's peppy hybrid powertrain, athletic looks, and smartly designed cabin.</li></ul><p>With one out of every five cars sold in the US this year being a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/honda-crv-hybrid-vs-hyundai-tucson-hybrid-reviews-compared-2024-10">compact SUV</a>, an automaker's ability to compete in the segment is crucial to its success.</p><p>Unlike most brands, <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/humanized-growth-through-purpose-is-still-a-priority-for-mazda-says-brad-audet-north-american-cmo-2024-6">Mazda</a> is taking on the competition with a two-headed monster consisting of its <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mazda-cx-5-turbo-suv-review-2019-photos-2019-5">long-serving CX-5</a> and the recently introduced CX-50.</p><p>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 <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/toyota-rav4-hybrid-prime-plug-in-review-xse-2022-7">Toyota RAV4 Hybrid</a>, <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/honda-crv-hybrid-suv-review-safety-tech-comfort-photos-2024-8">Honda CR-V Hybrid</a>, and <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/hyundai-tucson-hybrid-review-stylish-suv-cool-tech-fuel-efficiency-2024-5">Hyundai Tucson Hybrid</a>.</p>