Hybrid Power Boosts 2025 Mazda CX-50

The 2025 CX-50 Hybrid marks Mazda's entry into the hybrid compact SUV segment, blending fuel efficiency with the brand's signature driving dynamics.

Under the hood, the CX-50 Hybrid features a 2.5L 4-cyl. paired with three electric motors, delivering a combined output of 219 hp. The gasoline engine produces 176 hp and 163 lb.-ft. (231 Nm) of torque, while the front e-motors are rated at 118 hp and 149 lb.-ft. (160 Nm and 202 Nm) and the rear e-axle at 54 hp and 89 lb.-ft. (121 Nm). Combined torque output is not specified.

The powertrain offers responsive acceleration and smooth power delivery when we went into the passing lane or accelerated onto the highway from an on-ramp despite the hybrid setup that is optimized to produce maximum efficiency rather than peppy performance.

The powertrain is sourced from Toyota, which owns a stake in Mazda and shares tech. This configuration is like the one found in the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. Both vehicles get a combined 39 mpg (6.0 L/100 km). This represents a significant improvement over the non-hybrid CX-50s, which are rated at 28 mpg (8.4 L/100 km) combined for non-turbo models and 25 mpg (9.4L/100 km) combined for turbo versions.

The integration of an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission and an electronic all-wheel drive system provides responsive handling and stability across both suburban streets and country twisties. We found no hesitations, and the side-to-side stiffness when taking on curves on the backroads of Michigan makes for pleasant driving.

The exterior design of the CX-50 Hybrid exudes a rugged yet refined aesthetic, with features like a wide grille and pronounced fenders. Inside, the cabin on our Premium Plus trim offers an up-market  feel, with a panoramic moonroof enhancing the driving experience.

Cargo storage is ample for a vehicle in the compact CUV category: Behind the second row: 29.2 cu.-ft. (827 L) and 56.3 cu.-ft. (1,594 L) with the second row folded down. We appreciated the latter number when loading up boxes we were moving from one house to another. The interior is roomier than it would appear from the exterior.

Premium materials and clean-looking layout.

The vehicle comes equipped with a 10.25-in. (26-cm) infotainment display controllable via a rotary dial, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, along with standard Alexa built-in functionality. The Alexa interface worked nicely without incident or failure. Wireless charging is standard on all hybrids. Our upper-trim model included Bose Audio with 12 speakers.

The telematics system works in tandem with Mazda's i-Activsense safety suite: traffic jam assist, semi-autonomous driving support in congested traffic, 360-degree camera and active driving display (head-up display), which projects speed, navigation and safety alerts directly onto the windshield.

The CX-50 Hybrid is available in three trims: Hybrid Preferred, Hybrid Premium and Hybrid Premium Plus. Pricing starts at $33,970 for the Hybrid Preferred trim; our Premium Plus tester checked in at $41,920 (including $1,420 for freight and dealer prep. That price stands up well against rivals such as the Ford Escape Hybrid, Honda CR-V Hybrid and Hyundai Tucson Hybrid.

The interior is replete with high-quality materials. The seats are well-contoured and supportive, with leather-trimmed upholstery. Soft-touch surfaces, stitching accents and a minimalist dashboard layout make a statement.

There is spacious seating for five with more than adequate headroom and legroom, even in the rear row. A versatile cargo area with a flat load floor and expandable storage options makes it a useful daily driver. Ambient lighting options provide customized mood lighting during nighttime drives.

The telematics system, integrated via the MyMazda app, offers a range of remote features, including remote engine start/stop, vehicle status reports, find my car, navigation updates, real-time traffic alerts and over-the-air updates for maps.

The CX-50 Hybrid successfully combines fuel efficiency with Mazda’s hallmark driving dynamics, ample cargo space and a well-appointed interior, all of which makes it a compelling choice for those seeking a versatile and efficient compact CUV.