The Mazda CX-50 has always appealed to those of us who appreciate a crossover with a bit of driving spirit. It’s the kind of small SUV that feels like it understands enthusiasts who are trading in sports cars for something more practical. However, in a crowded market dominated by the likes of the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, the standard CX-50 has struggled to gain mainstream traction, often cited for its less impressive cabin technology and fuel economy – areas where crossover buyers prioritize highly.
When Mazda announced a CX-50 Hybrid, promising to retain the beloved driving dynamics while addressing the fuel economy concerns with an electrified powertrain, it sounded like a perfect match. The vision of a sporty chassis, engaging suspension, and precise steering, now enhanced with hybrid efficiency, was genuinely exciting.
Front view of the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid on a paved road
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 retains many of the qualities that make the standard CX-50 appealing, the Toyota RAV4-sourced hybrid powertrain feels like a misstep, ultimately diluting the CX-50’s inherent character and leaving it feeling somewhat confused about its identity.
So, who exactly is this Mazda CX-50 Hybrid for? It’s not a cutting-edge hybrid marvel, sporting a conventional hybrid system and infotainment tech that feels dated compared to modern rivals. Nor is it the sporty crossover it once was, as the hybrid powertrain significantly diminishes its fun factor. It lands in an awkward middle ground, failing to excel in either category, and gives the impression of being a vehicle Mazda felt obligated to produce rather than one driven by genuine passion.
Interior view of the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid dashboard and steering wheel
Nico DeMattia
Mazda CX-50 Hybrid: The Basics
Instead of developing a bespoke hybrid system, Mazda opted to integrate the proven hybrid technology from the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid into the CX-50. This collaboration is part of a broader partnership between the two automakers, with the CX-50 sharing its production line in Alabama with other Toyota vehicles, including the Corolla Cross Hybrid. Beyond the powertrain, the CX-50 Hybrid mirrors the standard model in nearly every aspect. Visual distinctions are limited to subtle “Hybrid” badging and a revised instrument cluster where the tachometer is replaced by a hybrid system gauge indicating battery charge and power usage.
If you were to miss the “Hybrid” badges, distinguishing it from the regular CX-50 would be challenging, which is arguably a positive attribute. Since its introduction, the CX-50 has stood out as one of the most visually appealing crossovers in its class. Its low-slung, muscular stance conveys a sportiness that surpasses its functional needs. The signature design elements, including the robust wheel arches, low ride height, sleek windows, and black body cladding, remain, ensuring it retains its aesthetic appeal. While new wheel designs are introduced, they maintain a similar style to the existing CX-50 wheel options.
Side profile of the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid showcasing its sporty design
Rear three-quarter view of the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid highlighting taillights and badging
Front three-quarter view of the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid emphasizing grille and headlights
Nico DeMattia
The interior design also carries over almost unchanged for the Hybrid version. Mazda has preserved the driver-centric cabin of the standard CX-50, which presents both advantages and disadvantages. On the positive side, the interior is well-constructed and ergonomically sound, feeling naturally comfortable for drivers accustomed to performance-oriented vehicles. However, the downside is the aging infotainment system, which feels noticeably behind the times, particularly when considering the price point aligns with competitors offering significantly more advanced technology.
As previously mentioned, the tachometer is replaced with hybrid-specific gauges. However, the information provided is quite rudimentary, simply indicating when the vehicle is drawing power from the battery or when it’s recharging. It lacks the detailed power flow diagrams found in rivals like the RAV4 and CR-V Hybrids. Therefore, for those interested in delving into the intricacies of hybrid vehicle technology, the CX-50 Hybrid’s instrumentation may prove underwhelming.
Close-up of the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid instrument cluster showing hybrid gauges
Detailed view of the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid interior door panel and controls
Center console and gear selector of the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid interior
Dashboard and infotainment screen of the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid interior
Nico DeMattia
Driving Dynamics of the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid
The Toyota-sourced hybrid powertrain takes center stage in the CX-50 Hybrid, for better and, mostly, for worse. It consists of a 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle, naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine coupled with three AC motors—two supporting the engine and one driving the rear axle. The combined system output of 219 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque makes it the least powerful CX-50 variant available, and this is evident in its performance. Regardless of speed or throttle input, the powertrain feels sluggish, and the continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) with its characteristic drone does little to improve the experience.
While expectations weren’t for sports car-level acceleration in the CX-50 Hybrid, the powertrain is disappointingly bland, coarse, and uninspiring, detracting from the driving experience on every occasion. The silver lining is its impressive fuel efficiency. During the test drive, an average of around 37 mpg was achieved, just one mpg short of Mazda’s official claim.
Front driver-side view of the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid on a winding road
Nico DeMattia
Few crossovers in the market can match the agility of the standard CX-50, and even fewer boast such refined steering and balanced handling. When faced with curves, the standard Mazda feels surprisingly nimble, almost like a sports car disguised as an SUV. The Hybrid version retains this cornering prowess. However, when you press the accelerator to capitalize on this agility and inject some excitement into the drive, the powertrain response falls dramatically short. It’s akin to having exceptional footwork but lacking the speed to make it truly effective.
However, it’s not all negative. Mazda’s renowned suspension engineering extends to the Hybrid model, ensuring a ride quality that’s just as refined as its gasoline-only counterparts. The brakes are commendable, offering excellent pedal feel and immediate bite. Visibility is also good, making it easy to position the car precisely. If you appreciate the driving feel of the standard CX-50, you’ll likely find the Hybrid similar, until you demand any real acceleration.
Front view of the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid parked on a scenic overlook
Nico DeMattia
Highs and Lows of the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid
For driving enthusiasts, the standard Mazda CX-50 stands out for its exceptional steering feel, suspension tuning, and overall handling balance, rare qualities in the crossover segment. It clearly reflects the DNA of the company behind the MX-5 Miata. The main gauges are also a highlight, praised for their simplicity and readability, even if they appear somewhat basic compared to the industry’s latest digital displays. While the hybrid-specific gauge is less impressive, the standard gauges are well-executed. The seats are comfortable and supportive, striking a good balance between lateral support for spirited driving and long-distance comfort. However, these positives are shared with the non-hybrid CX-50 models.
Beyond the hybrid powertrain issues, the CX-50 is not without other flaws. The infotainment screen is a significant drawback, feeling outdated in today’s market. While standard wireless Apple CarPlay is a welcome feature, its usability with Mazda’s rotary scroll wheel is cumbersome. Although rotary controllers were once favored in systems like older BMW and Audi infotainment setups, those systems were designed around this input method. Apple CarPlay, however, is not optimized for rotary control, leading to a frustrating user experience in the CX-50.
Close-up of the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid infotainment screen and rotary dial control
Nico DeMattia
Features, Options, and Competition for the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid
One notable advantage of the Hybrid model is the inclusion of all-wheel drive as standard equipment. Interestingly, the standard paint options are not the typical white and black often offered at no extra cost. Instead, the CX-50 Hybrid’s standard colors are blue and black, a somewhat unusual choice that suggests a product planning decision with a unique twist.
The test vehicle was a fully equipped Premium Plus trim, which carries a roughly $7,000 price premium over the base model. However, it includes 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 may seem steep given the CX-50 Hybrid’s power and performance limitations, the vehicle is comprehensively equipped.
Interior view of the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid panoramic sunroof
Close-up of the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid 19-inch wheels
Interior view of the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid heated leather seats
Rear seat and cargo area of the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid
Nico DeMattia
The most direct competitor is the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, given their shared powertrain and similar price range. However, the RAV4 lineup also includes the plug-in RAV4 Prime, which, while more expensive at a starting price over $44,000, offers a significantly more potent plug-in hybrid powertrain. The Honda CR-V Hybrid is another strong contender, and arguably the benchmark in the segment. Despite having a slightly lower horsepower rating of 204 hp on paper, its innovative two-motor hybrid system feels responsive and not underpowered. While it may not match the Mazda in cornering agility, it compensates with a superior powertrain and more modern technology.
The Hyundai Tucson Hybrid is also a presence in this competitive landscape, offering another alternative for buyers in this segment.
Fuel Efficiency of the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid
Fuel economy is arguably the primary motivation for choosing a hybrid. The Mazda CX-50 Hybrid is not designed for outright speed or aggressive driving, despite its chassis capabilities. Instead, its focus is on fuel conservation. Official EPA fuel economy ratings for the CX-50 Hybrid were not yet available at the time of review, but the observed 37 mpg average is commendable. Mazda estimates figures of 39 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 38 mpg combined, aligning closely with the real-world test results.
These figures place the CX-50 Hybrid squarely in competition with hybrid versions of the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson, and Ford Escape in terms of fuel efficiency.
Screenshot of EPA fuel economy comparison tool
EPA
Value and Final Verdict on the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid
The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid doesn’t present itself as a particularly compelling value proposition, even with a starting price just $3,630 higher than the standard non-hybrid model. While it offers improved fuel efficiency compared to the standard CX-50, there are other hybrid crossovers in the same price bracket that deliver both better fuel economy and more advanced technology. If a hybrid powertrain is a priority, there are arguably more appealing options available, including one that shares the same powertrain.
Front three-quarter view of the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid in a natural outdoor setting
Nico DeMattia
It’s understandable that some buyers may seek a blend of the CX-50’s engaging driving dynamics and the efficiency of a hybrid system. However, in the CX-50 Hybrid, the hybrid powertrain compromises too much of the vehicle’s inherent charm to make it a worthwhile trade-off.
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Detailed view of the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid interior door panel and controls
Side view of the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid driving on a paved road
Front view of the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid parked in a studio setting
Front view of the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid parked outdoors with foliage
Nico DeMattia
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