The Mazda hybrid that uses Toyota’s RAV4 hybrid powertrain without the markup

New 2026 toyota rav4Which is available as a full hybrid, is a hot commodity, and, like every hot commodity, this vehicle is subject to substantial dealer markups. This incident is not even real. An old sales tactic that infamously became popular during the COVID-19 pandemic, dealer markups have now become the norm for vehicles where demand exceeds supply. This is why Tesla’s direct sales model has challenged this retail norm.

But what if you don’t want a Tesla, and you really want an SUV with Toyota’s hybrid drivetrain, yet without the markup? Well, for that, you can go to your nearest Mazda dealer, because that is what you will get. Now the question is, is this Mazda hybrid just a second-best option, or does it have real strengths over the RAV4?

Toyota and Mazda’s long-term relationship

Mazda and Toyota’s relationship is not new news. The story dates back to August 2017, when Toyota acquired a 5.1 percent stake in Mazda, with Mazda taking a reciprocal 0.25 percent stake in Toyota. Since then, the two companies have frequently worked together, and one result of that collaboration is the Mazda hybrid SUV that is the subject of this article.

Platform and drivetrain sharing

This partnership has resulted in interesting decisions with the Mazda 2 and Toyota Yaris. As for the Mazda 2, this vehicle was never sold as a Mazda in North America. Instead, from 2015 to 2020, the Mazda 2 was sold as the Scion iA, Toyota Yaris iA, or simply Toyota Yaris. Toyota’s youth-oriented Scion brand was discontinued in 2016, necessitating the rebranding of the vehicle as the Toyota Yaris iA. By 2019, it was simply called Yaris. In Europe, the situation is currently second for Mazda. The Mazda 2 is now a European-spec Yaris hybrid, as the gas-powered Mazda 2 has already been discontinued in order to reduce the brand’s average emissions in the region.

This partnership extends beyond the Mazda2 and Toyota Yaris, as the two brands are also rumored to be collaborating on a future sports car. Then, this rumor comes from a Japanese automotive website best carOne who is overly optimistic about his predictions or claims. Take this news with a grain of salt.

manufacturing partnership

In addition to the cars, Mazda and Toyota have established a joint venture in the United States called Mazda Toyota Manufacturing USA (MTMUS). The project was initially announced in 2018, while production began in 2021. With 4,000 employees, MTMUS produces the Toyota Corolla Cross and Mazda CX-50. The joint venture goes beyond the production of these two cars, which you’ll immediately notice with their color options.

Mazda’s Soul Red Crystal is a very vibrant but deep red, and due to the joint venture partnership, the Corolla Cross can be painted in this color. In turn, the cool Cyprus Green shade of the Corolla Cross is also available on the CX-50. This is the type of paint mixture you’d least expect in the industry, but it results in unique vehicle specifications that are not available in other markets where these vehicles are sold.

A Mazda with the RAV4’s hybrid heart

It leads us to clarity Mazda CX-50 Hybrid-An SUV designed from the ground up by Mazda, but powered by a strong Toyota hybrid system from the RAV4. Spoiler alert: the CX-50 Hybrid isn’t necessarily the second-best option to the RAV4. here’s why.

Mazda Attitude, Toyota Hybrid Ingenuity

in the middle of CX-50 Hybrid New to the current RAV4 is not the fifth-generation Toyota Hybrid System (THS V), but the fourth-generation THS IV found in the previous RAV4. That’s because the CX-50 came out when Toyota was still selling the previous RAV4. Anyway, with the 2.5-liter THS IV hybrid system, the system output is 219 horsepower versus the current RAV4’s 236 horsepower. Where it lacks power due to using the previous generation’s hybrid system, Mazda makes up for it with the brand’s signature sporty driving dynamics.

If you want your hybrid crossover to feel sporty to drive, the CX-50 Hybrid is the ideal model for you. Our team reviewed the CX-50 Hybrid, and yes, it still has the droning engine note that Toyota hybrids are known for, but the electric motors are strong enough to offer a quiet drive during normal commutes. As far as steering is concerned, it retains the Mazda’s direct and rich steering feel with the right amount of weight and resistance. The suspension is firm but tamed enough to maintain the Mazda’s excellent body control while remaining comfortable. This is the case even though the CX-50 Hybrid omits Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC+) torque vectoring, as this handling aid is not compatible with Toyota drivetrains. Furthermore, to non-enthusiasts, the GVC+ won’t be too noticeable.

The CX-50 has a higher base price, but…

On paper, the base price of the 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid is higher at $34,750 compared to the new RAV4’s $31,900. As for spec, however, the CX-50 Hybrid starts with the mid-level Preferred trim, which already includes a panoramic sunroof, a powered tailgate, a power-adjusted driver’s seat, synthetic leather upholstery, and a 10.25-inch Mazda Connect infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. More importantly, the CX-50 Hybrid is not subject to dealer markup. In fact, Mazda also has offers for the CX-50 Hybrid, including a customer cash offer that reduces its total price by $2,500.

On the other hand, good luck finding a discount or promo with the 2026 Toyota RAV4. Dealers are not naturally forced to offer discounts and incentives on vehicles that are extremely popular – that’s just how supply and demand works. What’s unfortunate is that the RAV4 faces dealer markups, especially as gas prices soar due to the global energy crisis.

Why is the CX-50 Hybrid a worthy option?

Although the 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid isn’t the newest vehicle in the segment, there are other areas where this hybrid crossover SUV still stands out among the newer and more popular RAV4.

More premium interior despite less space

Most people would agree that the interior of the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid feels significantly more premium than that of the RAV4 – even in the redesigned model. OK, so we can immediately give the RAV4 a technological advantage, as its Arene OS brings the RAV4 into the software-defined vehicle (SDV) era. However, in terms of interior opulence, the CX-50 has more soft-touch materials and leather surfaces than the RAV4’s more modern but more utilitarian interior.

Plus, it’s not like the CX-50 Hybrid is lacking in the tech department. With a seven-inch partially digital gauge cluster and a standard 10.25-inch Mazda Connect infotainment screen with Amazon Alexa, the CX-50 is still modern enough for most people. Whether you like fresh and new technology or prefer interiors that feel crafted and artisanal, it’s up to you. A well-crafted interior will generally triumph over a more modern but utilitarian interior feel. However, if there is any minor flaw in its interior, it would be its location. The hybrid battery does reduce rear legroom somewhat, but overall, the CX-50 Hybrid and the RAV4 aren’t too far apart.

rugged yet beautiful exterior

Styling is always subjective, whether you like it RAV4 Or CX-50 Hybrid, up to you. If you’re considering the CX-50 Hybrid anyway, you may be attracted by its strong yet elegant exterior design. The CX-50 was designed with the North American market in mind. Due to North American consumers’ insatiable demand for rugged crossover SUVs, the CX-50 was designed primarily for this market. Kodo design focuses mostly around the reduction of visual noise, and in the CX-50, they have clearly achieved this with simple and taut curves.

Instead of aggressive lines, gentle curves in the panels give the CX-50 its distinctive visual identity. Pair this with exclusive color options like Soul Red Crystal or Polymetal Grey, and the result is a strong crossover SUV that looks as at home on the road as it does in a hotel lobby. Wheel sizes ranging from 17 to 19 inches are offered, depending on which of the three trims you choose.

Source: Toyota, Mazda, CarEdge