The standard Mazda CX-50 has always held a special appeal, particularly for those of us who appreciate a crossover with a driver-centric ethos. It’s the kind of small SUV that speaks to individuals transitioning from sports cars but now require the practicality of more space. However, in a market dominated by mainstream giants like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, the CX-50 has struggled to capture the same broad audience. Its cabin technology and fuel economy, crucial factors for crossover buyers, have lagged behind the competition.
This is why the announcement of the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid sparked considerable optimism. The promise was enticing: retain the beloved sporty chassis, suspension, and steering of the original, but enhance it with an efficient hybrid powertrain. Electrified driving combined with improved fuel economy seemed like a winning formula – what could possibly go wrong?
2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid exterior front view
Nico DeMattia
Unfortunately, the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid, while promising on paper, doesn’t quite translate into driving bliss on the road. While it manages to match its rivals in many aspects, the Toyota RAV4-sourced hybrid powertrain ultimately feels like a misstep, diluting the CX-50’s inherent charm and creating a sense of identity confusion. It’s as if this hybrid version is unsure of its own purpose.
This begs the question: who is the target audience for this vehicle? It’s not a cutting-edge, technologically advanced hybrid crossover, as its powertrain is quite conventional and the cabin tech feels dated. Nor is it still the sporty crossover it once was, as the hybrid system seems to have sapped much of its driving fun. The CX-50 Hybrid ends up in a no-man’s-land, failing to excel in either category, and giving the impression of being a vehicle Mazda felt obligated to produce rather than one driven by genuine passion.
Mazda CX-50 Hybrid interior dashboard and steering wheel
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The Basics: Familiar Looks, Borrowed Heart
For the CX-50 Hybrid, Mazda opted against developing a proprietary hybrid powertrain, instead leveraging its partnership with Toyota and borrowing the proven hardware from the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. This collaboration is evident in the shared production line in Alabama, where the CX-50 is built alongside other Toyota models, including the Corolla Cross Hybrid. Beyond the powertrain, the CX-50 Hybrid remains visually and structurally almost indistinguishable from its gasoline-only counterpart. Subtle “Hybrid” badges and a revised gauge cluster, replacing the tachometer with a battery charge and power meter, are the only external and internal differentiators.
This visual similarity isn’t necessarily a drawback. Since its introduction, the CX-50 has been lauded as one of the most aesthetically pleasing crossovers in its class. Its low-slung, muscular stance projects a sportier image than many of its more pedestrian competitors. All the signature design elements that contribute to its appeal – the robust wheel arches, low ride height, sleek windows, and black body cladding – are retained in the hybrid version, ensuring it remains as visually compelling as ever. While new wheel designs are available, they maintain the overall aesthetic consistency with the rest of the CX-50 range.
Mazda CX-50 Hybrid exterior side profile
Mazda CX-50 Hybrid exterior rear view
Mazda CX-50 Hybrid exterior front quarter view
Nico DeMattia
The interior design philosophy mirrors the exterior – minimal changes for the hybrid variant. This means the CX-50 Hybrid inherits the sporty, driver-focused cabin of the standard model. This is a double-edged sword. On the positive side, the interior is well-constructed and ergonomically sound, creating a comfortable and familiar environment for drivers accustomed to performance-oriented vehicles. However, the downside is the carry-over of the outdated infotainment system. In a segment where technology is a major selling point, the CX-50 Hybrid’s infotainment feels generations behind, which can be a significant disappointment, especially considering its price point aligns with competitors offering far superior technology.
As mentioned, the instrument cluster sees the most notable change, with the traditional tachometer giving way to hybrid-specific gauges. However, the information provided is quite rudimentary, limited to indicating battery power usage and charging status. Unlike the more detailed power flow diagrams found in both the RAV4 and CR-V Hybrids, the CX-50 Hybrid offers a simplified view of its hybrid system. Enthusiasts who appreciate delving into the intricacies of hybrid technology might find the CX-50 Hybrid’s presentation lacking in depth.
Mazda CX-50 Hybrid interior front seats and dashboard
Mazda CX-50 Hybrid interior infotainment screen
Mazda CX-50 Hybrid interior gauge cluster
Mazda CX-50 Hybrid interior steering wheel and paddle shifters
Nico DeMattia
Driving Disappointment: The Hybrid Experience
The Toyota-sourced powertrain, while intended to be a highlight, unfortunately becomes the Achilles’ heel of the CX-50 Hybrid. It utilizes a 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle, naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine working in conjunction with three AC motors – two supporting the engine and one powering the rear axle, effectively providing all-wheel drive. Despite a combined system output of 219 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque, this powertrain configuration results in the weakest performing CX-50 variant to date, and the driving experience reflects this. Regardless of speed or throttle input, the vehicle feels underpowered. The continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), known for its droning characteristics, further exacerbates the lack of driving enjoyment.
While expectations weren’t set for sports car-level acceleration, the sheer lack of responsiveness and the unrefined nature of the powertrain are genuinely disappointing. However, there is a silver lining: fuel efficiency. During the test drive, the CX-50 Hybrid averaged around 37 mpg, closely aligning with Mazda’s claimed 38 mpg combined figure.
Mazda CX-50 Hybrid engine bay
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The standard CX-50 is renowned for its agility, a rare trait in the crossover segment, coupled with exceptional steering and balanced handling. On winding roads, the gasoline-powered CX-50 feels remarkably like a sports car masquerading as an SUV. The Hybrid version retains this cornering prowess. The chassis and suspension tuning are undeniably Mazda hallmarks. However, when attempting to capitalize on this agility and inject some spirited driving, the powertrain simply falls flat. The impressive handling capabilities feel wasted due to the lackluster acceleration.
It’s not all negative, though. Mazda’s suspension expertise shines through in the Hybrid model as well, delivering a ride quality that is just as refined and comfortable as its gasoline-only siblings. The brakes are commendable, offering a responsive pedal feel with immediate bite. Visibility is also good, making it easy to maneuver the vehicle, despite its substantial front end. If you appreciate the driving dynamics of the standard CX-50, you’ll find aspects to like in the Hybrid version – until you demand more power.
Mazda CX-50 Hybrid driving on a winding road
Nico DeMattia
Highs and Lows: What Works and What Doesn’t
For driving enthusiasts, the standard CX-50 stands out for its exceptional steering feel, finely tuned suspension, and overall handling balance, elements that clearly link it to Mazda’s MX-5 roadster heritage. The main gauges, while not technologically advanced, are simple, clear, and easy to read. The seats strike a good balance between lateral support for spirited driving and long-distance comfort. However, these positives are equally applicable to the gasoline-powered CX-50.
Beyond the hybrid-specific shortcomings, the CX-50, in general, is not without its flaws. The infotainment screen is a significant weak point, feeling decidedly outdated by current standards. While the inclusion of wireless Apple CarPlay is appreciated, its usability with Mazda’s rotary scroll wheel is cumbersome. While rotary controllers were once a favored interface in luxury brands like BMW and Audi, those systems were designed from the ground up around rotary input. Apple CarPlay, designed primarily for touchscreens, feels clunky and unintuitive when navigated solely with the rotary dial in the CX-50.
Mazda CX-50 Hybrid interior with infotainment system in use
Nico DeMattia
Mazda CX-50 Hybrid Features, Options, and Competition
A notable advantage of the Hybrid model is the standard inclusion of all-wheel drive. Interestingly, the two standard paint options, typically white and black, are blue and black for the CX-50 Hybrid, a quirky deviation from the norm.
The test vehicle was the top-tier Premium Plus trim, carrying a significant price premium of nearly $7,000 over the base model. This trim level adds desirable features such as a panoramic sunroof, 19-inch wheels, a respectable 12-speaker Bose audio system, heated leather seats, and a heated steering wheel. While the as-tested price of $41,920 seems steep, particularly considering the CX-50 Hybrid’s performance limitations, the Premium Plus trim is comprehensively equipped.
Mazda CX-50 Hybrid interior panoramic sunroof
Mazda CX-50 Hybrid exterior wheels
Mazda CX-50 Hybrid interior Bose speaker
Mazda CX-50 Hybrid interior leather seats
Nico DeMattia
The most direct competitor is undoubtedly the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, sharing the same powertrain and occupying a similar price bracket. However, the RAV4 lineup also includes the plug-in RAV4 Prime, although it’s pricier, it offers significantly enhanced performance and a superior plug-in hybrid system. The Honda CR-V Hybrid is another strong contender, boasting a more responsive powertrain and more modern technology, albeit sacrificing some of the CX-50’s cornering prowess. The Hyundai Tucson Hybrid also exists as a viable option in this competitive segment.
Fuel Economy
Fuel efficiency is, after all, the primary rationale behind choosing a hybrid. The Mazda CX-50 Hybrid isn’t designed for outright speed or aggressive canyon carving, despite its chassis capabilities. Its core purpose is fuel sipping. Official EPA fuel economy figures were not available at the time of testing, but the observed 37 mpg in mixed driving conditions is commendable. Mazda’s estimates of 39 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 38 mpg combined appear to be accurate based on real-world driving.
These figures position the CX-50 Hybrid competitively within its class, aligning with hybrid versions of the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson, and Ford Escape.
Mazda CX-50 Hybrid EPA fuel economy estimate
The EPA’s online comparison tool doesn’t have the CX-50 Hybrid yet but Mazda estimates 39 mpg city, 37 highway, 38 combined. EPA
Value and Verdict
Despite a relatively modest $3,630 price increase over the standard gasoline CX-50, the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid doesn’t present itself as a particularly compelling value proposition. While it undeniably offers improved fuel efficiency compared to its non-hybrid sibling, the market offers other hybrid crossovers in a similar price range that deliver both better fuel economy and more advanced technology. If a hybrid powertrain is the primary objective, there are arguably more compelling alternatives available, including one that shares the very same powertrain.
Mazda CX-50 Hybrid rear quarter view
Nico DeMattia
While some buyers might be drawn to the idea of combining the CX-50’s engaging driving dynamics with hybrid efficiency, the hybrid system ultimately compromises too much of the CX-50’s inherent character to justify the trade-off. The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid feels like a vehicle caught between two worlds, failing to fully capitalize on either its sporty heritage or the potential of hybrid technology.
| 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid Specs |
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Mazda CX-50 Hybrid interior infotainment screen
Mazda CX-50 Hybrid driving in snow
Mazda CX-50 Hybrid side badge
Mazda CX-50 Hybrid front view in snow
Nico DeMattia
