Mazda CX-50 vs Toyota bZ

The 2026 Toyota bZ was available in XLE and Limited trims, offering both single-motor front-wheel drive (FWD) and dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations, with two battery size options. The larger battery, which was standard on the Limited trim, provided enhanced power, performance, and range, albeit at a higher cost. Prices ranged from $36,495 to $46,895, including the destination charge. The XLE test vehicle featured FWD and the optional larger battery, transforming it into the XLE Plus for an additional $3,000. The vehicle's exterior design was improved with body-color trim, although some colors retained the black overfender trim. Inside, the dashboard and center console were redesigned for a cleaner look, and the fabric seats featured an upscale pattern. The 14-inch center touchscreen integrated climate controls, and while the digital driver display was criticized for its placement and readability, the overall interior quality was elevated.

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 offered a range of models, including the 2.5 S, 2.5 Turbo, and Hybrid, with various trim levels. Prices ranged from $31,495 to $44,495, including the destination charge. The test vehicle was a top-spec 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus, featuring new white leather seats and a retractable cargo cover, bringing the MSRP to $44,920. The CX-50's design was wide and squat, resembling a lifted wagon with 8.6 inches of ground clearance. The body cladding, sporty styling cues, and appealing paint colors contributed to its attractive appearance. The interior featured white leather contrasting with the black dashboard, metallic accents, and quality materials, creating an upscale look. However, the gloss-black plastic on the center console was prone to dust and scratches, and the center air vent was poorly integrated. The partially digital gauges were clear, and most controls were user-friendly, though the Mazda Connect infotainment system required a learning curve.

The 2026 Toyota bZ offered a range of power and efficiency options. The XLE with FWD and a 57.7-kilowatt-hour battery delivered 165 horsepower and 198 pound-feet of torque, with an EPA-estimated range of 236 miles and an efficiency rating of 26 kWh/100 miles. Upgrading to the 74.7-kWh battery increased power to 224 hp and extended the range to 314 miles, though the Limited trim's range dropped to 299 miles with slightly reduced efficiency. Dual-motor models, equipped with the 74.7-kWh battery, produced 338 hp and offered varying ranges and efficiency ratings. The bZ could be recharged using a DC fast charger or a Level 2 home charger, with charging times varying based on battery size. Efficiency tests showed the bZ exceeded EPA estimates in Eco mode but fell slightly short in Normal mode. The bZ's handling was generally agreeable, though it struggled on winding roads due to its tires and steering.

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 featured a 2.5-liter gasoline engine with AWD, available in naturally aspirated, turbocharged, and hybrid forms. The base 2.5 S produced 187 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque, with a six-speed automatic transmission and multiple driving modes. It had an EPA fuel economy rating of 26 mpg combined and a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds. The turbocharged version offered up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft with premium fuel, though its fuel economy was lower than expected during testing. The hybrid model, with 219 hp, provided better fuel economy at 38 mpg combined but lacked mid-range passing power. The CX-50's steering was crisp, and the suspension offered excellent body control, though the ride was firm. The Meridian Edition was best suited for off-roading, but the CX-50 excelled in on-road driving and inclement weather conditions.

The 2026 Toyota bZ, built on a skateboard-style EV platform, offered 8.1 inches of ground clearance, making entry and exit easy. The front seats featured standard height adjustment, with eight-way power adjustment available in both trims. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, with ventilated seats in the Limited trim. The bZ lacked a traditional glove compartment but compensated with ample storage options, including a large bin under the center armrest and a sizable tray beneath the console. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed generous legroom, though foot space was limited. The cargo area offered 27.7 cubic feet of space, expandable to 56.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 provided easier access than a sedan but sat lower than many crossovers. Visibility was adequate, aided by large side mirrors. The front seats were firm, with power adjustments, heating, and ventilation. Dual-zone climate control was standard, though the air conditioning struggled in hot weather. Rear-seat legroom was acceptable, with generous foot room and comfortable seating. Storage space was decent, though Mazda prioritized aesthetics over practicality. The cargo area offered 31.4 cubic feet of space, expandable to 56.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2026 Toyota bZ featured a 7-inch digital driver display and a new 14-inch touchscreen infotainment display. The driver display was criticized for its placement and readability, while the infotainment system was generally user-friendly. However, it lacked a home screen for simultaneous data display and had low-contrast colors in daytime mode. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with various connected service plans available. The Drive Connect system powered navigation and voice assistance, which performed well during testing.

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 boasted clear gauge displays and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen with sophisticated graphics. The screen offered touchscreen functionality only for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the native Mazda Connect system was operated via a control knob. Alexa built-in was available for voice assistance, though the Mazda Connect voice assistant was less reliable. Wireless smartphone charging was standard, and higher trims featured a 12-speaker Bose sound system. A head-up display was standard on certain trims, and the test vehicle included a surround-view camera system.

The 2026 Toyota bZ came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which included high-beam assist, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, lane-centering assist, and adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist provided additional safety, and the Limited trim added Traffic Jam Assist and other advanced features. The bZ's adaptive cruise control response was inconsistent, and the driver monitoring system was overly sensitive. The IIHS rated the bZ's front-crash avoidance tech as Good, but the headlights received a Poor rating, and frontal-impact crash tests earned Acceptable ratings.

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 was equipped with the i-Activesense suite, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, and more. Higher trims added features like traffic-sign recognition and an adaptive front lighting system. The test vehicle included a surround-view camera system and other advanced safety features. During testing, false forward collision warnings and lane-departure warnings were observed. The NHTSA awarded the CX-50 a five-star overall rating, while the IIHS gave it a Top Safety Pick+ award, though it received a Poor rating in a new whiplash prevention test.