Toyota Venza is hybrid and Toyota has been making hybrid and cvt for a very long time now and they've basically perfected it. The Mazdas you are considering going from memory almost all of them have cylinder deactivation and I am not a fan of this system. I would go with the Venza; just keep up with the basic maintenance and it will last you a long time.

My recommendation would be the Venza for longevity and projected lower cost maintenance, but my personal choice would be the CX50. I just like what Mazda is doing with their cars inside and out. 

Just looked at a Venza a couple weeks ago with my wife. They definitely have a premium feel, but they are not cheap and are smaller than they look. If I was looking for a small crossover for myself for daily driver it’s what I would get. But not sure it’s the most bang for the buck.