Mazda CX-50 vs Toyota bZ

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 was a standout in the compact SUV segment, borrowing styling cues from the CX-5 but enhancing them with more pronounced fender flares and a wider grille. This gave the CX-50 a sportier and more athletic appearance while maintaining an elegant presence. Inside, the vehicle featured a traditional layout with a horizontal dashboard, using high-quality materials that surpassed many rivals. Soft-touch surfaces were strategically placed, and the cabin was adorned with distinct stitching and red leather upholstery in the hybrid model, adding a touch of flair. However, the decorative stripe running down the middle of the seats was a point of contention for some, as its placement could feel awkward.

The 2026 Toyota bZ, available in XLE and Limited trims, offered a more refined look compared to its predecessor, the bZ4X. The restyled exterior, especially with body-color trim, was more appealing, and the interior boasted a cleaner dashboard and center console design. The XLE’s fabric seats featured an upscale pattern, and the 14-inch center touchscreen integrated climate controls, which, despite initial concerns, proved user-friendly. However, the digital driver display was criticized for its placement and readability. Overall, the bZ presented a more modern and organized interior, with thoughtful storage solutions and a focus on quality.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid introduced a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with three electric motors, delivering 219 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque. This setup provided all-wheel drive, although it wasn't intended for serious off-road adventures. The hybrid powertrain, borrowed from the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, was a strategic choice, offering reliable performance. Acceleration was comparable to the RAV4 Hybrid, with an expected 0-60 mph time between 7.5 and 8 seconds. The CX-50's sportier suspension tuning allowed for engaging handling, with minimal body roll and a firm yet comfortable ride.

The 2026 Toyota bZ offered various powertrain options, starting with a single electric motor and a 57.7-kWh battery pack, producing 165 horsepower and 198 lb-ft of torque. This configuration provided an EPA-estimated range of 236 miles. Upgrading to the 74.7-kWh battery increased power to 224 hp and extended the range to 314 miles. Dual-motor models delivered 338 hp, with a range of up to 288 miles. The bZ's recharging capabilities were impressive, with a DC fast charger bringing the battery from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes. However, the bZ's handling was less engaging, with a somewhat choppy ride on undulating pavement and limited cornering prowess due to its tires and steering.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 offered a comfortable driving experience but fell short in terms of practicality and space compared to competitors. While front seat space was ample, rear seat accommodations were less generous, especially for taller passengers. Personal storage was adequate, but cargo capacity was limited to 29.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats, which was below the class average. Despite these limitations, the CX-50 featured a standard power liftgate and convenient storage solutions.

The 2026 Toyota bZ, built on a skateboard-style EV platform, provided easy access with 8.1 inches of ground clearance. The front seats offered eight-way power adjustment, and the Limited trim added ventilated front seats. Although the bZ lacked a traditional glove compartment, it compensated with ample storage options, including a large bin under the center armrest. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed generous legroom, but foot space was somewhat restricted. Cargo space measured 27.7 cubic feet, with an underfloor storage well adding extra room. Folding the rear seats expanded cargo capacity to 56.9 cubic feet.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 featured a 10.25-inch infotainment system controlled by a center console dial, a nod to earlier infotainment designs. While some users appreciated this setup for its reduced distraction, others might have preferred a more modern touchscreen interface. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a wireless charging pad available on higher trims. The audio system ranged from a basic eight-speaker setup to a 12-speaker Bose premium system on the Premium trim.

The 2026 Toyota bZ came equipped with a 7-inch digital driver display and a new 14-inch touchscreen infotainment display. While the driver display's placement and readability were criticized, the infotainment system was generally user-friendly. However, the lack of a home screen and low-contrast colors in daytime mode were drawbacks. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with SiriusXM satellite radio and various connected service plans. The Drive Connect feature powered the native navigation system and voice assistant, which performed well in testing.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid earned high marks in safety, receiving five stars in most NHTSA crash tests and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for the non-hybrid model. Standard safety features included frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. The systems performed reliably, with smooth adaptive cruise control operation.

The 2026 Toyota bZ featured Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which included a comprehensive suite of safety features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist added subtle braking and steering inputs for enhanced safety. The Limited trim offered additional features like Traffic Jam Assist and Advanced Park Assist. However, the bZ's IIHS ratings were mixed, with high marks for front-crash avoidance but lower ratings for headlights and frontal-impact crash tests.