Mazda’s 2025 CX-50 Goes Hybrid

Mazda, for the 2025 model year, is expanding its electrified offerings with a hybrid version of the CX-50 compact SUV with a powertrain courtesy of Toyota, which owns 5.1% of its Japanese competitor.

The CX-50 Hybrid platform is designed around the Toyota Hybrid System, which comprises a 2.5L naturally aspirated 4-cyl., EV battery, three electric motors, an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (eCVT) and electric all-wheel drive. Towing capacity for the HEV is 1,500 lbs. (680 kg).

Mazda CX-50 Hybrid returns a combined EPA-estimated 38 mpg (6.2 L/100 km), putting fuel economy on par with the Ford Escape and Hyundai Tucson hybrids, but lower than the 40 mpg (5.9 L/100 km) the Toyota RAV-4 and Honda CR-V hybrids achieve.

Pricing for the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid starts at $33,970 for the Preferred trim and tops out at $40,050 for the Hybrid Premium Plus.

The Preferred includes unique 17-in. hybrid wheels finished in black, 10.25-in. (26-cm) infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, an 8-speaker audio system, four USB-C ports, wireless phone charging, Alexa built-in integration, power rear liftgate and heated front seats.

The Premium Plus trim includes 19-in. wheels in a split black and machine-polished finish that feature an aerodynamic turbine-inspired design, bright roof rails and exhaust pipes, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink, 6-way power passenger seat and 2-position memory setting for the power driver’s seat, black metal-painted interior trim inserts with available camel stitching on the black interior, ventilated front seats and a full-color Active Driving Display that is projected onto the windshield.

Several styling cues set the CX-50 Hybrid apart from the internal-combustion-powered CX-50, including unique wheel designs, a unique lower front bumper and the availability of a red leather interior option. The cargo area is optimized around the hybrid battery in the rear section of the floor, maximizing available storage volume.

Mazda already markets the CX-90 and CX-70 plug-in hybrids, making the CX-50 its third hybrid. The company also plans to bring out a CX-5 standard hybrid. It sells the Japanese-made low-range MX-30 BEV in small numbers in California.

All CX-50 models for 2025, including the ICE trims, receive enhancements to Mazda i-ACTIVSENSE safety features and driver assistance technology.

The 2025 CX-50 is available in 10 packages across ICE and hybrid versions with three powertrain choices with standard all-wheel drive.  The CUV is manufactured at the Mazda Toyota Mfg. USA plant in Huntsville, AL.

Mazda’s overall sales are on the upswing. In full-year 2023, Mazda increased sales in the U.S. by 23% to 363,000, per Wards Intelligence, with the CX-5 the most popular utility vehicle and the Mazda 3 the top-selling car. Sales of SUVs and CUVs increased by 24% to 260,635 vehicles while sedan car sales rose by a more modest 15% to 34,273.

Year-to-date sales totaled 202,486 vehicles sold; an increase of 10.2 percent compared to the same time last year.