New Compact Crossover—the Most Efficient Mazda
The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid is the third iteration of this compact crossover utility vehicle (CUV), following turbocharged and non-turbocharged gasoline-only models. The significance of the CX-50 Hybrid is pretty clear. Mazda has been late to electrification, only in the past year or so offering a hybrid and plug-in hybrid in the CX-70 and CX-90. Now with three hybrids in its line-up, Mazda is catching-up fast. Expect more soon.
The CX-50 Hybrid is part of Mazda’s SUV/CUV quiver, smallest to largest, of the CX-30, CX-5, CX-50, CX-70 and CX-90.
Hybrid vs. Other Models
Going hybrid enters Mazda into the conversation of now having a more efficient compact CUV that will fill the needs of owners looking to drive cleaner and go further on a tank of gasoline.
The CX-50 Hybrid has a 2.5-liter non-turbo engine mated to three electric motors. That package produces 219 horsepower (hp) and 163 pound-feet (lb.-ft.) of torque. The fuel economy is rated at 39 mpg city/37 highway/38 combined. The base price is $33,970.
In 242 miles driving in California’s Orange and San Diego counties we averaged 39.9 mpg. Fuel economy numbers reported by Clean Fleet Report are non-scientific and represent the reviewer’s driving experience using the dash gauge computer. Your numbers may differ.
For comparison, Clean Fleet Report has reviewed the previously-released CX-50 models with these engines, performance and fuel economy numbers, and base trim price.
- Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter twin scroll turbocharged 4-cylinder engine
- Up-to 310 hp and 320 lb.-ft. of torque
- Fuel economy: 23 city/29/highway/25 combined
- Base trim price: $40,800
- 2.5-liter non-turbo engine
- 187 hp and 185 lb.-ft. of torque
- Fuel economy: 25 city/31 highway/28 combined
- Base trim price: $31,650
The fuel economy increase in the hybrid is significant, and the price difference between the 2.5-liter gasoline-only model and the hybrid is reasonable at $2,320. Compare the fuel economy between these models, and then calculate the number of miles driven annually to see how many months it would take to match the price premium for the hybrid.
The Mazda CX-50 Hybrid comes standard with an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (eCVT) and electronic all-wheel drive (e-AWD). The Mi-Drive has driver-selectable modes of Normal, Power and Trail, combined with a manual shift mode. The CX-50 Hybrid’s tow rating is 1,500 pounds.
The smooth shifting e-CVT instantaneously uses driving data, based on the selected drive mode, to deliver the best fuel economy as it seamlessly moves between running on electricity or the efficient hybrid engine. A helpful green EV light appears whenever it is running solely on electricity.
Drive Time
Mazda consistently produces the best-handling cars and SUVs that are not sold as a sport or performance model. Its engineers know how to design a chassis that produces high quality driving dynamics. The CX-50 Hybrid continues this long tradition as the ride was smooth and confident at highway speeds while agile when cornering. This is not surprising coming from a company that makes the fantastic handling MX-5 Miata.
Adapting the gasoline CX-50 to a hybrid began with Mazda utilizing the Toyota Hybrid System that includes a gasoline engine, three motors, the e-CVT and standard e-AWD. The gasoline engine powers the front wheels while there are two electric motors in the front (a starter motor and a limited drive motor) joined by the more powerful traction motor on the rear axle. To accommodate the front motors, the transaxle was widened and the rear had to be redesigned to accommodate the e-axle. The 105-pound nickel-metal hydride hybrid battery, positioned beneath the rear seats, improved the front-to-rear weight distribution and lowered the center of gravity, which is always a plus for handling.
The suspension and chassis technology from the gasoline CX-50 models have not changed, which means the G-Vectoring Control system is carried over. Mazda’s G-Vectoring system adjusts engine torque, shifts weight to the front wheels in response to the steering wheel motion, increases steering response and applies a bit of the anti-lock brakes to ease cornering. The 4,008-pound curb weight felt solid, safe and confident in all driving conditions.
The feedback between the driver’s input and the car’s response is what makes a Mazda so easy to drive. When diving into a tight corner the CX-50 Hybrid dug in nicely with control by the dynamic stability and traction controls, G-Vectoring, and the 225/55 Goodyear Eagle Touring all-season tires on 19-inch machined alloy wheels with black metallic paint. On a continuing arc radius or a double apex, there was little steering input needed to correct and stay planted. The power-assisted ventilated front disc and rear solid disc brakes stopped well, but could have a bit more feel to them.
Jay Chen, powertrain performance manager, told us: “(With the) CX-50 Hybrid focusing on responsiveness, directness and liveliness, we feel it provides a harmonious driving experience.”
Soul of Motion Exterior Design
In the past few years, Mazda has been positioning itself to be more upscale, hoping to become a near-premium brand. Employing its Kodo: Soul of Motion design theme, the CX-50 Hybrid has a slim front grille, narrow LED head and daytime running lights that take up as little real estate as possible on the front fenders. The turn signals are mere slits sitting just above the body-color lower fascia.
The long hood, laid-back windshield, short front and rear overhangs and the wide rear fenders give a commanding look. The black body cladding wraps completely around the CX-50 Hybrid, but can be a bit much, so it looks better against dark paint. Our tester was painted in Machine Gray Metallic that carried a $595 premium.
The body-color shark fin antenna, bright roof rails, panoramic moonroof, integrated spoiler over the raked power lift gate, bright twin exhaust ports and LED tail lights finish off the design. Had the rear wiper been tucked under the spoiler, it would have taken Mazda a step closer to near-premium.
Subtle “HYBRID” badges are found on the front fenders and lift gate.
Class-Above Interior
The interior is driver-centric with a bit higher seating position than the gasoline CX-50 due to the 35mm lift in body height. The CX-50 Hybrid Premium Plus, which we drove, was fully loaded with the hybrid-exclusive red leather interior that included front seats with top stitching. The driver gets 8-way power adjustments with lumbar and memory and the passenger 6-way power adjustments; both are heated and ventilated.
The rear seat comfortably holds two adults, three for short distances, and comes with a center folding armrest with cup holders and two USB-C ports.
The CX-50 Hybrid has ample leg and head room, with the cargo area measuring 43.1-cublic inches with the rear 60:40 seat upright; 75.4 inches when lowered. Mazda has targeted the CX-50 Hybrid, with seating for five, for people with active and outdoor lifestyles.
The dash has a simple and clean, logical layout with plenty of soft touch materials. Three easy-to-read round gauges with black faces and white letters are part of a 7-inch TFT (Thin Film Transfer) LCD multi-information display for the speedometer, odometer, tachometer, average fuel economy, and exclusive to the hybrid, a power meter showing when the battery is charging or the amount of electricity or gasoline being used when running.
The center display, which is not a touch screen, measures 10.25-inches for the 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint premium sound system with AM/FM HD radio, SiriusXM, Bluetooth hands-free telephone and audio controls, Alexa Built-in, and wireless Apple Car Play and Android Auto. On some trims the Mazda sound system has eight speakers, but still comes with the same size screen.
The Commander wheel located on the center console controls the system. Alternately, you can use the controls on the leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel. The Mazda controller system has improved greatly over the years, but is still unique to those we find on other cars. With repetition, the Mazda system becomes comfortable to use, and you can negotiate most tasks without removing your eyes from the road.
Safety and Warranties
The 2025 CX-50 Hybrid comes with i-Activesense that offers an extensive list of standard and optional safety features including front, side, and air curtain airbags, four-wheel power disc ABS braking system, dynamic stability control, traction control, adaptive cruise control, rear view camera, tire pressure monitoring system, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning and lane keep assist, rear cross traffic alert, rear parking sensors, and an anti-theft alarm and engine immobilizer.
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, NHTSA, gave the 2025 CX-50 Hybrid a Five Star overall safety rating, its highest score. The 2024 CX-50 was safety rated as a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, IIHS, so the 2025 should also be the same.
The 2025 CX-50 Hybrid comes with these warranties:
- Hybrid/Electric Battery – Eight years/100,000 miles
- Powertrain – Five years/60,000 miles
- Basic – Three years/36,000 miles
- Roadside Assistance – Three years/Unlimited miles
- Corrosion – Five years/Unlimited miles
Pricing
The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid comes in three trims with these prices, including the $1,420 delivery, processing and handling fee.
Preferred $35,390
Premium $38,820
Premium Plus $41,470
Observations: 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid
Zoom-Zoom may no longer be the company slogan, but fun-to-drive is the DNA that comes with the Mazda name. The CX-50 Hybrid is not marketed as a sport compact crossover, but is being positioned to families for errands, commuting and the occasional weekend adventure.
John Leverett, launch strategy manager, said: “The CX-50 Hybrid offers customers an option between the two gasoline-only CX-50 models with greater fuel efficiency and driving range. It is for customers that want a capable CUV with an efficient hybrid powertrain.”
Assembled in Huntsville, Alabama, Tom Donnelly, president and CEO of Mazda North America, told us the “CX-50 Hybrid comes at the right time as customers are looking for hybrid powertrains. We have seen strong demand for our CX-70 and CX-90 hybrid models.” Donnelly went on, saying: “We know the CX-50 Hybrid has the qualities to encourage owners to go on more road trips and engage in more outdoor activities.”
Mazda wants you to strap into the car seats and have fun with the kids on a family vacation, or grab your friends and take off for a few days to the mountains or beach. Visit your local Mazda dealer and take an extended test drive to see for yourself.
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Story by John Faulkner. Photos by John Faulkner and Mazda.
Disclosure
Clean Fleet Report is loaned free test vehicles from automakers to evaluate, typically for a week at a time. Our road tests are based on this one-week drive of a new vehicle. Because of this we don’t address issues such as long-term reliability or total cost of ownership. In addition, we are often invited to manufacturer events highlighting new vehicles or technology. As part of these events we may be offered free transportation, lodging or meals. We do our best to present our unvarnished evaluations of vehicles and news irrespective of these inducements.
Our focus is on vehicles that offer the best fuel economy in their class, which leads us to emphasize electric cars, plug-in hybrids, hybrids and other efficient powertrains. We also feature those efficient gas-powered vehicles that are among the top mpg vehicles in their class. In addition, we aim to offer reviews and news on advanced technology and the alternative fuel vehicle market. We welcome any feedback from vehicle owners and are dedicated to providing a forum for alternative viewpoints. Please let us know your views at [email protected].