Choosing an Engine for the 2023 CX-50

Choosing the best vehicle for your hard-earned dollars is no longer easy with so many good choices available. Considerations like affordability, brand loyalty, past experiences, performance, fuel economy, and, of course, personal style all influence our decisions. Size comparison: Mazda3 Hatchback vs Honda Civic Both these five-door Japanese models compete in the compact passenger car segment. The Mazda is slightly shorter at 175.6 inches versus the Honda at 179 inches, with the Honda marginally wider at 70.9 inches versus the Mazda’s 70.7 inches. In comparison, the Mazda stands taller at 56.9 inches compared to the Honda at 55.7 inches. Powertrain comparison: Mazda3 hatchback vs Honda Civic These two contenders approach engine choices a little differently. The Mazda offers better performance and a more spirited drive with larger displacement and optional turbocharging. In contrast, the latest Honda Civic Hatchback focuses on high-efficiency hybrid powertrains and standard gasoline options. The Mazda’s naturally aspirated 2.5-liter SKYACTIV four-cylinder engine produces 191 horsepower @6,000 rpm and 189 pound-feet of torque @4,000 rpm, and a powerful turbocharged version makes 250 horsepower @5,000 rpm and 320 pound-feet of torque @2500 rpm. Both engines come standard with a SKYACTIV-Drive 6-speed automatic transmission with manual and sport modes across most trims, with FWD or optional Mazda iACTIV AWD. The Honda’s standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder makes 150 horsepower and 133 pound-feet of torque, while the available 2.0-liter Hybrid power unit produces a combined 200 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque. Power goes through a CVT to the front wheels only. Which looks better: the Mazda3 Hatchback or the Honda Civic? Styling is very subjective, and like the powertrain comparison, these two hatchbacks do things differently. The Mazda offers a more traditional hatchback silhouette, while the Honda has distinctly fastback styling. The Mazda3 offers sporty looks with striking curves and angles courtesy of its Kodo design language. The modern exterior features a large front grille, slim horizontal auto on/off LED headlights, and standard LED daytime running lights for safety. The sporty look continues to the rear LED combination taillights, plus a standard black-finished rear roof spoiler and different-style alloy wheels from 16 to 18 inches, depending on trim level. The latest Honda Civic hatchback is also sporty, with an aerodynamic fastback silhouette and an aggressive stance, plus modern touches like LED headlamps and LED taillamps, plus 18-inch alloys across the trims. Interior and cargo space comparison Compact cars are great for city use, with everyday versatility for loading shopping and kids. Both offer seating for five, and the Mazda offers an EPA cargo volume of 20.1 cubic feet, growing to 47.1 cubic feet once the standard 60/40 split-fold-down rear seatback is down. The Honda offers 24.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the 60/40 split-folding rear seats that fold down to expand storage for larger items. Discover the Mazda3 Hatchback at Seacoast Mazda You can test-drive and learn more about the Mazda3 Hatchback range at Seacoast Mazda in Portsmouth. Our dedicated team is ready to help with your next Mazda purchase, whether it's a brand-new vehicle or one of our quality pre-owned vehicles that caught your attention. View Mazda3 Hatchback Inventory

Mazda now gives drivers more ways to combine gasoline and electric power, but “hybrid” and “plug-in hybrid” are not interchangeable. The biggest difference is how the battery is charged and how much driving the vehicle can do on electricity alone. For drivers around Portsmouth, Dover, Exeter, Hampton, Rochester, and Southern Maine, understanding that difference makes choosing between the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid, CX-70 PHEV, and CX-90 PHEV easier. How Does a Mazda Hybrid Work? A traditional hybrid uses a gasoline engine, electric motors, and a small battery. You do not plug it in. Instead, the battery is charged through regenerative braking and the gasoline engine while you drive. The 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid uses a 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain producing 219 horsepower with electronic all-wheel drive. EPA estimates are 39 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 38 mpg combined. For drivers who want better fuel economy without changing their routine, this is the simplest option. Fill the tank as usual and let the hybrid system manage electric assistance automatically. How Is a Plug-In Hybrid Different? A plug-in hybrid, or PHEV, also combines gasoline and electric power, but it uses a larger battery charged from an external power source. That allows the vehicle to travel farther on electricity alone before the gasoline engine is needed. The 2026 Mazda CX-70 PHEV offers up to 32 miles of electric range, while the CX-90 PHEV offers up to 26 miles. Both pair a 2.5-liter gasoline engine with an electric motor and produce up to 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel. Once the battery is depleted, the vehicle can continue using gasoline and hybrid operation. Do You Have to Charge a Plug-In Hybrid? You can keep driving when the battery runs low, but regular charging is how you get the biggest benefit from a PHEV. A full charge takes roughly 11 hours from a standard 120-volt Level 1 outlet, or about 2.5 hours with a Level 2 charger, for both PHEVs. That suits Seacoast drivers who can plug in overnight. If your errands fit within the available electric range, regular charging can let you complete trips using little or no gasoline. A traditional hybrid does not require home charging equipment. Is a Mazda Hybrid or Plug-In Hybrid Better for Your Driving in New Hampshire? Choose a traditional hybrid if you want improved fuel economy with no need to plug in. The CX-50 Hybrid is especially appealing for commuting, road trips, and drivers without convenient home charging. A plug-in hybrid makes more sense if you can charge regularly and want electric power for shorter trips while keeping gasoline flexibility for longer drives. The CX-70 PHEV provides two-row space, while the CX-90 PHEV adds three-row seating. The right choice depends on your commute, charging access, passenger needs, and how often you take longer trips. Where Can You Compare Mazda Hybrid and PHEV Models in Portsmouth, NH? Visit Seacoast Mazda in Portsmouth to compare the 2026 CX-50 Hybrid, CX-70 PHEV, and CX-90 PHEV. Our team can explain charging, fuel economy, electric range, AWD, and everyday ownership so you can choose the Mazda that fits your driving around New Hampshire and Southern Maine. View Mazda Hybrid Inventory

The saying “Different strokes for different folks” is very apt when it comes to choosing the best vehicle for you and your family’s particular transport needs. Fortunately for fans of the Mazda brand, this Japanese automaker offers just about everything in the way of the best SUV choices for buyers commuting along the New Hampshire Seacoast. What do each of Mazda’s SUV models have to offer commuters along the NH Seacoast? Mazda CX-30 Naturally, the smallest Mazda SUV, the CX-30, offers buyers the most agile driving experience with its smaller footprint. The CX-30’s subcompact SUV dimensions make it the best for navigating busy roads and parking spots, especially during crowded holiday periods. And when winter hits, you won't be left stranded in icy conditions thanks to standard i-Activ AWD and commendable ground clearance on slushy winter roads. Mazda CX-5 The perfect all-rounder, the stylish compact CX-5 SUV is not the brand's best-selling model by pure chance. The five-seater CX-5 is seemingly the go-to Mazda SUV, offering owners a spacious interior with useful cargo capacity, refined ride quality, upscale quality cabin construction and materials, plus more than enough infotainment technologies to keep all family members happy while cruising the New Hampshire Seacoast highways and byways. The CX-5, like all Mazda SUV models, features standard all-wheel drive for year-round driving confidence, no matter the road or weather conditions. Plus, the model's comprehensive lineup of safety features across all trims means your travels are safer. CX-50 The CX-50 is a natural fit for those adventurous families who spend their weekends outdoors. Thanks to this more off-road-oriented model's features, owners are not restricted to the well-beaten paths along the NH Seacoast. The CX-50’s rugged capabilities are enhanced with greater ground clearance than the CX-5, rugged protective moldings, its versatile roof rail systems for bikes, kayaks, or cargo carriers, and, of course, its standard all-wheel drive and up to 3,500 pounds of towing capacity with Mazda CX-50 Turbo models when activating the available towing mode on certain trims. CX-70 The CX-70 may just be the best buy for families seeking the ultimate in comfort and space for their everyday and weekend commutes along the NH Seacoast. The CX-70 shares the flagship CX-90’s dimensions but ditches the CX-90’s third-row seat to accommodate up to five passengers, offering plenty of interior and cargo space for those who appreciate enhanced comfort on their travels. Mazda i-Activsense, as found on all Mazda SUVs, keeps you and loved ones safe on your Seacoast commutes by monitoring your surroundings, warning you of hazards, and automatically applying the brakes or steering input to help prevent accidents. CX-90 The Mazda CX-90 is best for larger families or those needing maximum seating capacity, with its three rows of seats accommodating up to 8 passengers. The CX-90’s premium interior and powerful inline six-cylinder engine options offer effortless performance and long-distance comfort for longer trips along the NH Seacoast. Find the best Mazda SUV for you at Seacoast Mazda Discover the full Mazda SUV model lineup at Seacoast Mazda. Buyers will appreciate excellent customer service when shopping from our impressive selection of new Mazda models and quality pre-owned vehicles to meet your NH Seacoast commuting needs. View Mazda SUVs Inventory