
Driving in Columbia can feel like switching between two different experiences. On one hand, there are the historic neighborhoods near the State House and the university campus, where tight streets, traffic lights, and plenty of pedestrians call for careful maneuvering. On the other hand, the highways stretching toward Lake Murray, Charleston, or the upstate open up wide and demand stability, comfort, and endurance. The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid manages to handle both sides of Columbia’s driving reality with a blend of capability and composure that comes from its standard.