Mazda CX-50 Hybrid Review

Attention to detail and value pricing separate the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid from competitors, but hybridization missed the Mazda zoom-zoom

Jump To Special Features

CX-50 or CX-5?
Hybridization: It’s Complicated
Standard Features per Dollar
Mazda Dependability Rises
A Missing Link for Greatness
CX-50 Hybrid Powertrain and Fuel Economy Ratings
CX-50 Special Assets and Considerations
EV Mode
Why Buy the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid?
Specifications

BY MARK MAYNARD

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 is a good, honest SUV crossover engineered for long-term ownership. The compact-class CX-50 has many endearing details, making it an ideal family or adventure SUV. Of special interest to car shoppers will be the new Mazda CX-50 Hybrid, with claimed fuel-sipping highway mileage of 37 mpg.

The Mazda CX-50 is a milestone joint venture with Toyota. The two Japanese car companies shook hands on a partnership deal in 2015. It gives vital support to Mazda Motor Corp., which is still the sole owner of the Mazda brand. Vehicle development is costly, and both manufacturers have found synergies for growth. The comprehensive plan is to develop electric vehicles, connected car innovations, and advanced safety technologies jointly.

The alliance has provided Mazda with Toyota’s hybrid system for the 2025 CX-50. And the two companies built the new Mazda Toyota Manufacturing plant in Huntsville, Ala.   Construction began in 2018 and was completed in 2021. So far,  the Mazda CX-50 and Toyota Corolla Cross have been built there. Other cost savings will be met by supplying each other with components and shared technologies.

CX-50 or CX-5?

Based on the front-wheel-drive Mazda3 and the CX-30, the CX-50 is sold alongside the slightly smaller CX-5. When the bigger and more refined CX-50 debuted for 2022, it was expected that the CX-5 would be phased out. However, that has not occurred. The less expensive CX-5 is still racking up big sales (popular in rental fleets), making it the brand’s top-selling model. As a separator, marketing for the larger CX-50 presents it as an off-road adventure vehicle.

Competitors to the Mazda CX-50 include the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Nissan Rogue, Subaru Forester, Kia Sportage, and Toyota RAV4.

The CX-50 Hybrid, however, has fewer competitors, which include the Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, and Mitsubishi Outlander. And like Subaru, all Mazda CX-50 models are all-wheel drive.

It’s Complicated

Mazda offers a variety of hybrid and plug-in vehicles in the U.S., including the CX-30, CX-70, and CX-90. However, the CX-50 Hybrid was complicated. Creating an affordable family-class small SUV with Mazda Zoom and great fuel economy is not easy. One of those factors got pinched in adapting Toyota’s hybrid system.

I like Mazda’s philosophy of engineering vehicles for a horse-and-rider bond of control. It is flank-slapping enjoyable in the CX-50 2.5 Turbo model, but the horse escaped the barn for the CX-50 Hybrid. It is more of a workhorse for fuel economy than spirited driving.

Most buyers shopping for a small, hybrid SUV look for styling, features per dollar, and fuel economy. They might not notice or care about this hybrid’s dutiful driving attitude. However, there are a few other compromises to the CX-50 Hybrid that don’t make horse sense, especially for its near-$40,000 starting price.

The CX-50 has the styling. The CX-50 Hybrid is packed with desirable features. However, I was not able to achieve the official fuel economy ratings.

But above all, there is no denying Mazda reliability.

Mazda Dependability Rises

Mazda USA has risen to the No.2 position in the latest J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study. The brand earned notable recognition for several models.

With a score of 161 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100), Mazda has improved by 24 PP100 from the previous year. Mazda has advanced by four positions in the mass market segment.

The 2022 Mazda CX-9 has been recognized as one of the top three vehicles in the Upper Midsize SUV category. The 2022 Mazda CX-5 earned a top 3 spot in the Compact SUV category.

“We’re pleased to see Mazda’s commitment to quality and reliability reflected in our strong performance in this year’s J.D. Power study,” said Mazda North American Operations President and CEO Tom Donnelly. “This recognition, coupled with the improved ranking across the brand, speaks to the dedication of our engineers and our focus on delivering the best driving and owner experience for our customers.”

This achievement highlights the brand’s ongoing commitment to delivering vehicles that offer long-term reliability and exceptional quality for owners.

The 2025 dependability study evaluates 2022 model-year vehicles after three years of ownership. The study measures 184 potential problem areas across nine categories, including infotainment, driving assistance, and powertrain. Mazda’s strong performance in this year’s study is a testament to the continued reliability of the brand’s vehicles,

Mazda’s improvement is notable despite the industry’s ongoing challenges with software complexity and supply chain disruptions.

Mazda Awarded IIHS Top Safety Picks

In the annual presentation of awards by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Mazda received eight Top Safety Pick+ awards. The awarded vehicles include the 2025 Mazda3, CX-30, CX-50 and CX-50 Hybrid, CX-70 and CX-70 PHEV, CX-90 and CX-90 PHEV.

To earn the awards, vehicles must achieve top ratings in IIHS’s front and side crash tests and pedestrian front crash prevention assessments and come with standard acceptable- or good-rated headlights.

IIHS strengthens the award criteria each year, making the 2025 awards program the toughest yet, said IIHS President David Harkey.

“The success of our awards program depends on automakers’ commitment to safety,” he said. “Kudos to Mazda for meeting this challenge with eight top safety pick+ winners, the most of any brand.”

2025 Mazda CX-50 Pricing

Shoppers can choose from 10 trim levels for the 2025 Mazda CX-50 between gas and hybrid powertrains. There are seven choices for the gasoline-powered CX-50 and three trims for the CX-50 Hybrid.

Starting prices for the CX-50 gasoline range from $31,720 to $44,720, in turbocharged or non-turbo four-cylinder engines.

The CX-50 Hybrid is available in Preferred, Premium, and Premium Plus trim levels. Hybrid starting prices range from $35,390 to $41,470. The suggested manufacturer’s retail pricing includes the $1,420 freight charge from Huntsville, Ala., a joint Mazda Toyota manufacturing plant.

Today’s tester is a 2025 CX-50 Hybrid Premium Plus with no added packages or accessories for $41,470. Buyers might also want to consider such accessories as a carpet cargo mat ($125), a retractable cargo cover ($225), or a cargo net ($60).

Adventure travelers will want the black crossbars ($350) for lashing gear to the roof. There’s also the Outdoor Adventure Backpack Kit, $225. It is packed with a bungee cord, water reservoir (for hiker’s hydration), cable ties, folding shovel, and waterproof matches.

The CX-50 Hybrid has a max towing capacity of 1,500 pounds, with the factory tow hitch and wiring harness ($589).

Another useful Mazda accessory is the Weather Package, $390, adding a cargo liner with seatback protection and all-weather floor mats. A  roadside assistance kit ($90) adds a folding reflective triangle, flashlight, tire pressure gauge, emergency blanket, and rain poncho.

And there are several pet accessories including a ramp ($300), back seat protector ($225), and dog restraint ($40).

Check current Mazda CX-50 pricing here.
And check for special incentives and offers here.

Standard Features per Dollar

Base hybrid models are well equipped with desirable features, including:

• Keyless entry and push button start
• Electric parking brake
• Heated front seats with 3-level adjustment
• Half leatherette-trimmed seats
• LED headlights (auto on/off)
• Rear power liftgate with programmable height adjustment
• Mazda Connect Infotainment System with a 10.25-inch center display, with voice command and multifunction Commander control
• Rearview camera monitor with guiding lines
• Alexa Built-In
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Wireless phone charger
• Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio capability
• 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support
• 4-way manual adjustable front passenger seat
• 17-inch alloy wheels with P225/65 R17 all-season tires
• Power (heated) side mirrors with LED turn signal indicators
• Windshield wiper de-icer
• 8-speaker audio system with automatic level control
• Dual front USB (Type C) audio inputs and dual rear USB (Type C) charging ports

CX-50 Hybrid Premium Plus features include:

• Automatic power-folding side mirrors
• Panoramic sunroof
• 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels, machine cut with black metallic finish
  P225/55 R19 all-season tires
• Heated and ventilated front seats (3 levels)
• Heads-up windshield-projected Active Driving Display
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink
• Black metallic interior trim and contrast stitching
• Aluminum roof rails in satin chrome finish
• Dual exhaust outlets with chrome tips
• Mazda CX-50 Safety Features

Standard safety features on all Mazda CX-50 models include:

• 10 air bags
• Radar cruise control with stop-and-go
• Lane Departure Warning with Lane-keep Assist
• Emergency Lane Keeping
• Blind spot monitoring
• Rear cross traffic alert

A Missing Link for Greatness

As complete as the safety technologies appear, one crucial link is missing: Cruising and Traffic. That piece of technology connects the other driver-assistance features to allow semi-autonomous, Level 2 hands-on-the-wheel driving. The CX-50 Hybrid is an excellent commuting vehicle, and Level 2 assist would be a welcome safeguard. A complete package of advanced driving technologies is expected on a $40,000 vehicle.

Unfortunately, Cruising & Traffic Support is only available on the 2.5T Premium and Premium Plus models, not the hybrid ones.

Adding Level 2 drivability bumps into Mazda’s philosophy that the driver should always be in control of the vehicle. It is also a price point dilemma, a spokesperson said.

“Mazda’s initial data showed that hybrid customers and Mazda customers interested in hybrid vehicles were also more budget conscious than [CX-50] 2.5T buyers, who want all the toys. Hence, there were some tough decisions in terms of what features were in or out for the vehicle,” he said. “We are always evaluating and looking into what our customers want and expect from their vehicles.”

CX-50 Special Assets and Considerations

• Side mirrors power fold on shutoff
• A spare tire (temporary) is when most electrified vehicles only have an inflator system.
• All doors open to nearly 90 degrees, easing entry and exit.
• Back seat release levers in the cargo area, a detail not all makers provide.
• Analog gauges are bold and bright, with white numerals on a black background.
• Spray-arm wipers keep the fluid where it is needed.
• Large side mirrors provide excellent visibility range on the highway.

CX-50 Considerations

• Large side mirrors can block cornering views of pedestrians in crosswalks and turning vehicles
• Wide turning circle of 39 feet
• Narrow back window for visibility
• Short back-seat legroom
• No interior tailgate release, only at the tailgate and the key fob.
• No heated steering wheel.
• No Cruising and Traffic support for semi-autonomous driving
• No 360-degree-view monitor

Hybrid Powertrain and Fuel Economy Ratings

Mazda’s CX-50 hybrid powertrain is the same one used in the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid but with some specific Mazda re-engineering. The Toyota Hybrid System integrates a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, a nickel-metal hydride EV battery, and three electric motors.

Two electric motor generators are on the front transaxle. One motor starts the engine and charges the hybrid battery. Motor-generator two drives the front wheels and provides regeneration during braking. When tire slippage is detected, a smaller rear motor drives the rear axle for eAWD.  (More powertrain details are highlighted in the specifications chart at the end of the review.)

The transmission is a continuously variable automatic (eCVT), with electric AWD (eAWD).

This setup is good for 219 horsepower and 163 foot-pounds of torque on regular 87-octane fuel. EPA estimated mileage ratings are 39 mpg city, 37 highway, and 38 mpg combined. Mazda says that is a boost of 40 percent above the base CX-50 2.5 S. The 14.5-gallon tank could provide around 477 to 536 miles of range.

I, however, could only work up to 32.9 mpg while on two 80-mile highway runs with the cruise set at 67 mph. Perhaps my mileage results are forgivable with all-wheel drive, a raised ride height, and a curb weight of 4,008 pounds.

Intelligent Drive Select

Mazda’s Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) has driving modes of Normal, Power, and Trail. I switched up to Power for its more direct hookup from a stop. Trail mode works through the AWD system to prevent wheelspin on rough roads. It felt like a traditional Eco mode with reduced acceleration force. Mazda says to use Trail mode only on rough roads.

EV Mode

I appreciate how the hybrid system allows a useable amount of low-speed battery driving. The small 1.6 kWh battery pack does not need to be plugged in for recharging. EV mode allows full battery driving up to about 25 miles per hour, depending on the battery’s state of charge. A small bar graphic in the gauge array’s center shows the battery reserve’s rise and fall. It is entertaining to observe but has no significance for driving.

“Off-throttle coasting, brake regen, and the engine charge the [battery] pack in normal operation,” Mazda says. “In the right driving conditions, you can squeeze maybe 2-3 miles of low-speed EV range out of it.”

CX-50 Hybrid Ride and Handling

The CX-50 cabin is reasonably calmed from wind noise, but it is not the quietest ride at highway speeds. At low speeds there is a tire-drumming sound.

In my test of the 2025 CX-50 Hybrid, the highway ride was on glide control. It rode solid and steady with little variance, whether along California’s grooved concrete or blacktop. The ride is less compliant on back roads where I noticed un-Mazdalike body lean in cornering.

Mazda’s G-Vectoring traction-control system uses the center and rear differentials to control weight transfer, which is helpful on-road or off.

As comfortably as the CX-50 rolls on the interstate, the ride is less svelte around town. The suspension is firm, even hard. I expect Mazda strapped down the CX-50 for sporty handling, but the ride can be jarring over bad pavement and potholes. The rear torsion beam rear suspension could be the culprit for the hard jolts. Torsion beams are flat in design, which benefits cargo space, but the rear ride quality can feel clunky over bumps.

Mazda also stepped up and gave the CX-50 four-wheel disc brakes a millimeter or three larger than the competition. There are 12.8-inch ventilated rotors in front and 12.8-inch solid rotors rear.

i-Activ AWD

Mazda’s i-Activ all-wheel-drive system is masterful at anticipating wheel slip before barely an inch of traction is lost. Mazda says it is a predictive system that monitors 27 sensors more than 200 times a second.

Rather than moving power “from the wheels that slip to the wheels that grip,” the i-Active system directs engine torque to the necessary wheel to maintain forward momentum.

It is a reassuring AWD system whether in snow, rain, or dirt.

CX-50 Interior Function

The CX-50 interior layout is ergonomically designed and straightforward to use. There are buttons and switches for commonly used cabin functions, such as audio volume and tuning, temp, and air.

More detailed functions lie in Mazda’s Connect Infotainment System with a 10.25-inch center display. A multifunction Commander control gives dial-and-click access for audio selections, phone, navigation, and vehicle settings and preferences.

Front headroom of 38.6 inches, with the panoramic sunroof, is about an inch less than in CX-50 competitors.

Sightlines are open across the hood and over the shoulder. The liftgate glass, however, has narrow visibility, which is complicated by the back seat center head restraint.

The rearview camera with guidelines has a wide view in the 10.25-inch center display. Unfortunately, Mazda’s 360-degree-view monitor, which would assist in tight parking situations, is not offered for the CX-50 Hybrid. The camera’s see-through view is an asset when trailering or when the cargo space is adventure-packed to the headliner.

Also not offered for the CX-50 Hybrid is a heated steering wheel, but it is available on 2.5T trim levels.

Large side mirrors provide excellent visibility range on the highway. Around town, however, the expansive mirrors can block side views of pedestrians in crosswalks and turning vehicles.

Interior textures and colors enhance a premium appearance. The tester’s black leather upholstery, with perforated centers, is handsomely set off with copper-colored baseball-type stitching. The stitching also spans the dashboard face and upper door panels.

Not so enjoyable are the nagging and insistent alerts to buckle up or when using left-foot braking with the accelerator. I got busted by the “Pedal Abuse Alert” when the brake and accelerator are used at the same time. I’d not heard of such a warning before.

Back Seat and Cargo Space

Space throughout the back seat feels more subcompact than compact. The space is nicely finished amid a lot of black plastic but with an appealing appearance and textures. The door grab handles are uniquely styled with finger ridges. Leave it to Mazda to focus on the human interface.

Despite wide-opening doors, fitting big feet through the door opening can be clumsy, for good reason. Integrating the battery pack below the cargo space shortened back seat legroom by 2 inches, now at 37.8 inches.

Raise the liftgate, and the cargo space looks square and spacious. That’s 29.2 cubic feet (stacked to the headliner) or 56.3 cu.ft. with the back seat folded.  But try stacking crates in the space and you’ll see the angle of the fifth door crops the height.

However, fold the 60/40 seatback for 6 feet in length. Seatback release levers on each cargo side give a quick fold to the seats.

Even by locating the battery under the cargo floor, Mazda found a way to include a temporary spare tire. That is an uncommon feature in any vehicle today.

Why Buy the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid?

Attention to detail and value pricing enhance ownership of the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid. Using Toyota’s hybrid system is smart, especially with the nickel-metal hydride battery pack. I’ve experienced that same basic system in my 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid, which functioned without fault until 140,000 miles. A replacement was around $4,400 in 2021 from Green Tec Auto, with a 3-year warranty.

The CX-50 Hybrid does not overachieve but emphasizes value and simplicity. It is mainstream with finesse.

2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid Specifications

Body style: Compact 5-seat, 5-door SUV crossover with standard all-wheel drive

Engine: 219-hp, Atkinson cycle 2.5-liter gasoline-electric hybrid with direct and port injection; 163 lb.-ft. torque from 3,600 to 5,200 rpm

Electric motors: Permanent magnet, 650 volts; 118-hp front, 54 hp rear

Battery: Nickel-metal hydride, 244.8 volts; 1.59 kWh

Transmission: eCVT with EV mode and Mazda Intelligent Drive Select for Normal, Power, and Trail modes

Fuel economy: 39/37/38 city/hwy/combined; 87 octane recommended

Emissions rating: LEV 3 SULEV 30/T3 Bin 30

BY THE NUMBERS

Towing capacity: 1,500 pounds

Fuel tank: 14.5 gallons

Cargo space: 29.2 to 56.3 cubic feet

Cargo dimensions: 29.6 inches floor to headliner; 29.8 inches ground to cargo floor; 41.7 inches wide tailgate entry; 55.6 inches across, and 40.3 inches between wheel housings

Front head/leg room: 38.6*/41.7 inches *with panoramic moonroof

Rear head/leg room: 36.7/37.8 inches

Length/wheelbase: 186.1/110.8 inches

Width/height: 72.9*/65.8  *mirror to mirror

Curb weight: 4,008 pounds

Turning circle: 38.8 feet

FEATURES

Standard equipment includes: Keyless entry with push-button ignition, leather-trimmed upholstery with camel stitching, 8-way power driver’s seat with 2 memory presets, wireless phone charging pad, 6-way power front passenger seat, 7-inch LCD gauge display, head-up driving display, Bose 12-speaker audio system, Bluetooth hands-free phone and streaming music, heated front seats (w/3 settings), ventilated front seats, power liftgate, extendable sun visors with vanity mirrors, 4 USB-C charging ports (2 front, 2 rear)

Safety features include: 8 air bags, ABS with electronic brake force distribution, traction control, hill launch assist, dynamic stability control

Advanced safety technologies include: Driver attention alert, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear seat reminder alert, vehicle exit warning, radar cruise control with stop and go, lane departure warning with lane-keep assist, emergency lane keeping with road-keep assist, smart brake support forward with head-on collision mitigation, secondary collision reduction

CHASSIS COMPONENTS

Brakes: 4-wheel discs with diagonal hydraulic distribution (front axle, rear axle); front ventilated discs with 12.8-inch rotors, solid rear discs with 12.8-inch rotors

Steering: electric rack and pinion; turning circle 38.8 feet

Tires-wheels: 19-inch Goodyear Eagle Touring tires (225/55), electric vehicle tuned. Machine-cut aluminum alloy wheels with black metallic finish

Suspension: 4-wheel independent; front MacPherson struts with stabilizer bar; rear torsion beam

PRICING

Base price: $41,470, including $1,420 freight charge; price as tested $41,470

Options on test vehicle: none

Where assembled: Huntsville (Madison), Ala.

Warranties: 3-years/36,000-miles bumper to bumper with roadside assistance; hybrid components 8-years/100,000-miles; powertrain 5-years/60,000-miles