While electric vehicles (EVs) are capturing headlines, the unsung heroes of automotive efficiency, Small Suv Hybrids, are making significant strides for the 2025 model year. These gas-electric marvels offer impressive fuel economy without the need for plugging in, relying on regenerative braking and smart engine management to maximize mileage.
This technology, pioneered 25 years ago with the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight, has matured considerably, offering enhanced transmissions and sophisticated computer controls. For drivers who navigate city streets frequently and lack convenient overnight charging, a small SUV hybrid presents an ideal entry point into vehicle electrification. They aren’t emissions-free, but they represent a substantial leap towards sustainability compared to traditional gasoline vehicles.
These urban-friendly crossovers – or small SUVs, or compact utility vehicles (CUVs) – are perfect for those seeking a balance of fuel savings and practicality. Let’s explore some of the top contenders in the small SUV hybrid market for 2025.
Mazda CX-50 Hybrid: Efficiency Prioritized Over Performance
The Mazda CX-50, already known for its rugged styling and adventurous spirit, introduces an all-new hybrid variant for 2025: the CX-50 Hybrid. This model swaps Mazda’s signature “zoom-zoom” driving dynamics for enhanced fuel efficiency by incorporating Toyota’s highly regarded hybrid powertrain. Sharing its DNA with the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, the CX-50 Hybrid boasts the same 2.5-liter inline-four engine producing 219 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque. This power is delivered through a continuously variable transmission (CVT) to three electric motors and a standard electric all-wheel-drive system.
Compared to the standard gasoline CX-50, the hybrid version offers more horsepower but less torque. It significantly dials back the power compared to the CX-50 Turbo, underscoring its focus on fuel economy rather than outright performance. This contrasts with competitors like the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, which offers a sportier N-Line trim.
The Mazda CX-50 Hybrid achieves an EPA-estimated 38 mpg combined, a slight step down from the RAV4 Hybrid’s 39 mpg. Integrating Toyota’s Hybrid System (THS) into the Mazda platform required considerable engineering adjustments, resulting in subtle styling revisions beyond just “Hybrid” badging. The CX-50 Hybrid features extended body cladding and a slightly taller roof to maintain a 7.6-inch ground clearance despite housing the traction battery beneath the rear seats. While longer than many rivals, the CX-50 Hybrid’s cargo space is slightly reduced to 29.2 cubic feet compared to other CX-50 models (31.4 cu-ft) and notably smaller than the RAV4 Hybrid and Tucson Hybrid (38.7 cu-ft).
The CX-50 Hybrid truly excels in interior refinement. Mazda’s signature upscale ambiance is evident, especially in higher trims, which boast a generous array of luxury features. The Premium Plus trim, for instance, features striking two-tone leather seats with camel-colored stitching echoed throughout the black accent stripes, doors, and dashboard.
A rotary controller, a feature often found in luxury vehicles, is standard across all CX-50 models, minimizing fingerprints on the touchscreen. Steering wheel controls offer another convenient way to navigate infotainment. Additional buttons near the steering column control memory seats, a camera for tight maneuvers, and parking sensor deactivation for car washes.
While the panoramic sunroof (standard on all but the base model) adds to the airy feel, the CX-50 Hybrid retains a touch of traditional charm. Analog gauges, a lack of interior LED accent lighting, and a relatively simple monochromatic infotainment screen (unless using wireless CarPlay or Android Auto) create a somewhat classic feel.
This blend of near-luxury and user-friendly tech, with physical buttons complementing the touchscreen, sets the CX-50 Hybrid apart. The ride quality and cabin quietness also feel more refined than many Toyota hybrids. Overall, the CX-50 Hybrid embodies a more sophisticated and fuel-conscious Mazda, leaving sportier driving dynamics to other CX-50 trims.
Priced between $34,000 and just over $40,000, the CX-50 Hybrid occupies a mid-range position in the CX-50 lineup, positioned above gasoline models but below the Turbo variants. This contrasts with the Hyundai Tucson, which offers a broader spectrum of hybrid options at similar price points, encompassing both efficiency and performance.
Hyundai Tucson Hybrid: A Versatile Hybrid for Every Taste
Hyundai takes a more expansive approach with its popular Tucson model, offering a range of hybrid options alongside traditional gasoline versions. The Tucson Hybrid lineup includes fuel-efficient, sporty, and luxury-focused trims, as well as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant. The Tucson PHEV caters to those seeking maximum electric driving range – offering 33 miles (53 km) on electric power – while retaining the security of a gasoline engine for longer journeys.
The Tucson Hybrid N Line model, tested here, distinguishes itself with unique 19-inch wheels, black side mirrors, and twin-tip exhaust, in addition to N Line badging. For 2025, all Tucson models receive a refreshed front fascia with new LED lighting and updated wheel designs. The Tucson’s overall design language features sharper lines compared to the softer, rounded aesthetics of many competitors in the small SUV hybrid segment.
Inside, the Tucson Hybrid N Line boasts a modern, all-digital twin-screen display, a departure from traditional analog gauges. Red stitching accents adorn the supportive seats, doors, center armrest, and steering wheel, complemented by sporty pedals and an N-branded steering wheel, clearly signaling its performance intentions.
This sporty aesthetic is backed by a responsive 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, delivering a combined 231 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque when using premium fuel (regular fuel is also compatible). Paddle shifters provide manual control over the six-speed automatic transmission, offering a more engaging driving experience compared to the CVTs found in the Mazda and Lexus.
While not the most fuel-efficient compact hybrid SUV at 35 mpg combined, the Tucson Hybrid N Line offers a compelling balance of performance and efficiency, providing significantly more driving enjoyment (and a safety margin for quick acceleration) than its rivals. The powertrain also exhibits a level of refinement that surpasses both the Mazda and, surprisingly, even the Lexus.
Despite its sporty N Line designation, the Tucson Hybrid N Line maintains a comfortable ride, similar to the 2025 Tucson XRT, a new soft-roading trim available across the Hyundai lineup. Interestingly, even with its sporty cues, the Hybrid N Line includes “Baby Mode,” a driver-selectable feature that softens initial acceleration, designed to help babies sleep or alleviate motion sickness.
The Tucson Hybrid also scores high on practicality, offering more rear-seat room and cargo space than the Mazda, and significantly more space in all dimensions than the subcompact Lexus. The Hyundai Tucson Hybrid N Line emerges as the “cool dad” of the group – offering a blend of performance, family-friendly practicality, and a touch of parental sensibility.
Lexus UX300h: Luxury in a Smaller, Urban Package
The Lexus UX300h, updated for 2025 (formerly UX250h), presents a different proposition in the small SUV hybrid category. It feels noticeably smaller, less powerful, and surprisingly, less refined than the mainstream competitors in this comparison, despite its similar price point. While the name has changed, the updates for 2025 are subtle yet meaningful. The UX300h continues to be available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations.
However, is the UX300h truly a CUV or SUV? The official fueleconomy.gov website classifies it as a compact car, while the Mazda and Hyundai are categorized as Small SUV 4WD. The UX300h arguably leans more towards a subcompact crossover or even a hatchback in terms of size, feeling more compact than its rivals when parked side-by-side. While not direct competitors in market segmentation, the UX300h’s price overlaps with the Tucson, CX-50, and its corporate cousin, the RAV4 Hybrid, making cross-shopping common.
The Lexus UX300h’s smaller footprint can be an advantage in dense urban environments, offering superior parking maneuverability. Its styling is arguably attractive, particularly in the higher-end F Sport trim, which enhances the base UX’s appearance with unique wheels, grille, a black roof, and dark roof rails. However, the oversized Lexus grille on the relatively small body might not appeal to all tastes.
The UX300h’s interior materials, design, driver comfort, and infotainment system are commendable, especially for drivers under six feet tall, as front passenger space is comparable to the others. However, rear-seat passenger and cargo space are where the UX300h suffers due to its smaller dimensions. The cargo area offers a mere 17.2 cubic feet of space, less than half of the Tucson’s capacity.
The UX300h’s gauges appear somewhat dated in a largely digital automotive landscape, although it does offer a color head-up display, a feature absent in the Mazda and Hyundai. A larger 12.3-inch infotainment screen is now standard on all but base models, modernizing the interior somewhat. However, the abundance of physical buttons throughout the cabin reflects a design from a pre-dominantly digital era, which some may find comforting.
Significant powertrain updates include a shift-by-wire CVT in this fifth-generation hybrid system, making the UX the first Lexus to utilize a lithium-ion traction battery, unlike the nickel-metal hydride batteries in the Mazda and most Toyota hybrids. Power has increased to 196 horsepower, and the all-wheel-drive models achieve 42 mpg combined, nearly matching the front-wheel-drive model’s 43 mpg. However, the engine’s noise and harshness, uncharacteristic of Lexus, remain a notable drawback, perhaps amplified by the larger battery which allows for longer periods of quieter electric driving.
The Lexus UX300h’s primary strength lies in its pricing. With a starting MSRP of $37,515 for the front-drive model and $43,035 for the F Sport AWD version (before destination charges and taxes), it offers a relatively accessible entry point into the luxury small SUV hybrid market. The upscale interior materials and design come at the cost of reduced interior space.
Choosing the Right Compact Hybrid Crossover
Ultimately, each of these hybrid crossovers presents a unique blend of strengths and weaknesses. While both the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid and Lexus UX300h offer compelling features, the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid emerges as a standout overall package.
The Tucson Hybrid masterfully combines practicality, sporty appeal, and a modern design both inside and out, ensuring it will remain stylish for years to come. Its well-rounded nature positions it as the most future-proof choice as the automotive landscape increasingly shifts towards electrification.
*All mileage claims are EPA estimated.
