The CX-50 might be the best-looking SUV in the segment. It features the latest derivative of Mazda's signature Kodo design language, marrying its traditional curves with a more rugged, squared-off athletic look.

The CX-50 Hybrid is powered by a 2.5-liter, 176-horsepower, naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine paired with a 118-horsepower electric motor up front, a 54-horsepower unit on the rear axle, and a 1.59-kWh battery pack.

The total output is 219 horsepower.

The engine and hybrid system are sourced from Toyota. It's the exact same powertrain found under the hood of the rival RAV4 Hybrid.

As with all Mazda SUVs, the CX-50 Hybrid comes standard with all-wheel drive. It is equipped with an e-AWD system that uses a rear-axle electric motor instead of a traditional physical linkage.

My test car's EPA fuel economy figures are 39 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 38 mpg combined.

That's 10mpg better in combined fuel economy than the most efficient ICE CX-50.

Compact hybrid SUVs are generally designed to be sensible, fuel-efficient transportation for the masses.

The CX-50 Hybrid is certainly that, but it also brings a good dose of Mazda zoom-zoom to the party. It's the most fun I've had driving a small hybrid SUV.

The steering felt well-weighted and offered a decent amount of feedback for a vehicle of its type. The Mazda's suspension is a bit stiffer than most of its rivals, which helps it approach corners with great composure, but it does compromise ride comfort a tad.

The hybrid powertrain delivers peppy performance, especially in Power mode, thanks to the ample torque from its electric motors.

As in other applications of the Toyota Hybrid system, intrusive engine noise can be problematic, especially under hard acceleration.

The CX-50's cabin is simply terrific. Material and build quality are top-notch, while its overall design exudes a truly premium feel.

The smartly located audio controls on the center console are easy to reach for both the driver and passengers.

My CX-50 Premium Plus test car featured beautiful red leather upholstered seats with black accent stitching.

The CX-50 comes standard with a crisp-looking 10.25-inch touchscreen.

The screen is only a touchscreen when Apple CarPlay or Android Auto are initiated. In all other instances, the system requires the use of the cumbersome rotary controller on the center console.

Fortunately, Carplay and Android Auto are standard on all trim levels.

The CX-50 Hybrid is equipped with a standard backup camera.

In front of the driver is an advanced cockpit with a stylish heated leather-wrapped steering wheel. The CX-50's instrument cluster features a pair of analog gauges flanking a configurable central 7-inch LCD display that's designed to mimic a circular gauge.

My test car also came with an optional color head-up display.

Premium and Premium Plus trim CX-50 Hybrids can be had with this large power sliding panoramic glass moonroof.

With 37.8 inches of legroom, the CX-50 doesn't have the most spacious rear cabin. However, the leather rear bench seat offers ample room for two adults.

Rear seat passengers have dedicated AC vents and USB sockets.

The CX-50 is one of the rare hybrid SUVs in this segment with a spare tire. In many cases, the underfloor space traditionally occupied by the spare tire is repurposed for batteries or left empty to save costs or weight.

The spare tire shares the storage compartment with the subwoofer for the CX-50's stellar 12-speaker Bose audio system.

Open the power liftgate, and you'll find 29.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. Fold the down rear seats, and cargo capacity expands to 56.3 cubic feet

Even the entry-level CX-50 comes standard with important assistance tech, such as adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, and rear cross-traffic alert.