2025 Mazda CX50 hybrid
By Dave Boe
Two years ago, Mazda introduced the all-new CX-50 crossover. This newbie sells side-by-side with the well-established, slightly smaller compact CX-5, one of the automaker's most popular models. Both play in the uber popular compact crossover category and Mazda's corporate crystal ball remains confident room exists for both to grow sales with the introduction of high volume 'electrified' vehicle choices to its catalog.
The 2025 Mazda lineup consists largely of crossovers of varying degrees and sizes. The lone exceptions: the compact, Mazda3 (liftback and sedan models) and its halo vehicle, the iconic MX-5 two-door, two-seat roadster. All fall with pricing in reach of middle-class budgets while equipped with driving characteristics a tinge spunkier than many similar-cylindered rivals. One key ingredient to Mazda's success; its commitment to Midwest-friendly all-wheel drive. Corporate sales in the U.S. during the 2024 calendar year reached 424,382, up 16 percent from the previous 12-month cycle.
Mazda's CX-50 measures six inches longer than its CX-5 sibling with a wheelbase (distance between front and rear axle) stretching by four inches with a lowered stance. The CX-50 borrows a stretched version from the relatively new CX-30 platform creating a large compact-sized interior or mini mid-sizer depending upon how one views the perspective.
Two years after its debut, CX-50 adds a much-anticipated gas-electric hybrid (also known as a Hybrid Electric Vehicle, or HEV) powertrain to its lineup already consisting of a naturally-aspirated four cylinder and turbocharged four cylinder. This elevates the number of CX-50 trims to 10 circa 2025. Hybrid electric vehicles such as the CX-50 HEV don't require a nightly wall socket plug-in since the system 'self-charges.'
This dovetails with the recent introduction of Mazda's larger, mid-size, CX-70 crossover featuring a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) version requiring a nightly plug socket, but delivering 26 miles of pure electric driving range before an onboard hybrid engine kicks into gear and continues propulsion duties.
Back in 2017 Toyota Motor Corp., the world's largest automaker, bought a 5.1 percent stake in its smaller Japanese rival Mazda. The two now co-own an assembly facility near Huntsville, Alabama (MTM or Mazda Toyota Manufacturing) churning out a number of HEVs, including the CX-50 hybrid. Mazda also benefits from shared hybrid technology as the electric motors, DC battery pack and hybrid underpinnings mimic those found in Toyota's RAV-4 compact HEV crossover. It's not the first time Mazda's two-stepped as a dance partner with another larger automaker. From 1979 to 2008, Ford Motor Company owned various degrees of stake in Mazda reaching a high of 33.4 percent in 1996.
Both the RAV-4 and CX-50 qualify as 'full' hybrids, an important distinction from the growing number of 'mild' hybrids offered up within today's 'electrified' marketplace. All too often manufacturers fail to mention the differences during the purchase process that informed consumers need to know. Full hybrid electric vehicles (or FHEVs) provide superior fuel economy numbers with Mazda's CX-50 reaching close to 40 miles per gallon in city travel, an impressive feat while digesting regular, 87-octane fuel. The full hybrid (FHEV) employes electric motors directly powering the wheels in pure electric mode for short distances at low speeds.
Mild hybrid electric vehicles (MHEVs) place a small assist-like electric motor/generator between the engine and transmission not directly powering vehicle and not providing as high a return within fuel economy readouts. Both self-charge with no need for a nightly wall socket charge thanks to the dynamics or regenerative braking, where kinetic energy/friction created during the braking process captures and stores in the DC battery pack for reuse as electricity. Mild hybrids employ a smaller DC battery (usually 48-volts) with pricing less than a full hybrid.
Three five-passenger CX-50 HEV trims include Preferred, Premium and Premium Plus with each adding a bit more standard content as one travels up the trim level ladder. Few factory options offer up with the exception of color choices inside and out helping speed along the dealership buying process.
Preferred trims come very well equipped for a base package although Satellite radio doesn't make the cut while standard in the two top hybrid trims. Our Premium Plus tester added as exclusive standard content, larger 19-inch wheels (replacing 17-inch varieties), automatic power-folding side-view mirrors and ventilated front seats. All thee hybrid trims include a power liftgate standard.
Our Wind Chill Pearl white HEV tester included a starting of $40,050. Ironically, the only extra was the exterior paint itself (a relatively scant $450 as some luxury automakers tack on $5,000 for a glittering hue) bringing the bottom line to $41,920 when serving up the $1,420 destination charge. A CX-50 hybrid preferred checks in at $33,970, $3,640 higher than a Select base trim, gas-exclusive (non-hybrid) CX-50 with the naturally-aspirated 2.5-liter four cylinder.
A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine works with three electric motors and a battery pack providing a very workable 219 horsepower, By comparison the base naturally-aspirated (non-turbocharged) four-cylinder engine in the non-hybrid cranks out 187 horses.
Like many early and current Toyota HEVs, the CX-50's direct current (DC) 1.59 kilowatt-hour battery pack constructs from sturdy nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH) that fits snuggly under second row seats. Twenty years ago, these Ni-MH packs weighed more with greater girth many times encroaching into the cargo region. Two decades of advancements go a long way with the CX-50 hybrid boasting a flat cargo floor region and second-row seatbacks easily folding flat onto cushions.
For those hearty souls calling the upper Midwest home, Ni-MW batteries maintain longer charges during extended cold snaps compared to lithium-ion DC battery packs popular within pure electric EVs. Although Ni-MH batteries add additional weight, HEVs don't need as much kilowatt hour storage as pure EVs require (thus, requiring smaller-sized DC battery packs).
The standard electric continuously variable transmission (e-CVT) improves fuel economy with minimal upshift/downshift gear hunting felt sometimes within traditional six or seven-speed automatics. It's a smoother experience employed by a majority of hybrids (both full and mild) and Electric Vehicles. A traditional CVT found in gas-exclusive vehicles generally relies upon a belt and pulley system. The eCVT doesn't deliver quite the same driving dynamics as the traditional six-speed automatic found in the non-hybrid CX-50 but city fuel economy jumps to 39 compared to the turbo 2.4's 23 mpg.
Toyota's been producing gas-electric hybrids with great fanfare since the arrival of Prius in the U.S. nearly a quarter century ago. It's a great partner if introducing hybrid electric vehicles so kudos to Mazda for its marriage partner selection.
The 2025 CX-50's HEV electric all-wheel drive (e-AWD) differs in construction from the iACTIV AWD available in the gas-powered CX-50 and most other Mazdas. The hybrid version utilizes the onboard electric motors for power delivery to all four wheels during inclement weather or when tooling around gravel or mud. Its rear-wheel biased so when front wheel traction diminishes, the back wheels provide most of the work. During testing with two significant snow events, e-AWD worked as advertised with solid gripping.
Inside, differences remain minimal when stacked up against the ICE exclusive CX-50 of the past two years. One exception; the easy view at-a-glance instrument panel with three circular orbs detailed with chrome like framing. The traditional left-side tachometer analog orb gets reworked with a single needled gauge specifying when the battery charges during coasting/braking or when power requirements summon (during acceleration). The right-side analog orb includes two gauges each with their own white needle: a half-moon fuel gauge and similar-sized temperature gauge. The larger, all-digital center gauge features a speedometer layout with remaining fuel mileage and outside temperature readouts. Our Premium Plus trim was the sole hybrid offering speed limit information digitally displayed near the speedometer circle.
The two top trim offer the choice of black (our selection with brown stitching) or hybrid-unique red faux leather seats.
Two manually-adjusting air vents, visually resembling a capital letter 'D' adorn the dashboards far right end and just right of the instrument panel. A reverse capital 'D' occupies the dashboard's far left side flanking the IP's west side while a small rectangular shape snuggles under the multi-function touch screen. Buttons releasing the power liftback and fuel release door reside left of the steering column and under the reverse capital D.
The flat, multi-function screen situates upon the dashboard's center top in a recessed dug out too far from comfortable touch-sensitive interaction (after several stretching exercises, the screen seems of the non-touch-friendly variety anyway). Instead, the 10.25-inch color vertical screen operates via the 'Mazda Connect Infotainment System' steered by a large chrome rotary-style 'Commander Knob' located between front buckets just aft of the easily greppable, stubby-like vertically sliding CVT transmission shifter. The large tactile twist knob motivates an in-screen curser. Find the desired command within the screen and push down the knob's top to select.
A second smaller twist column to the right controls volume and on/off/mute functions. Four quick select push buttons surround the Commander Knob to summon audio, map, home and back. The home screen features five sub menus from which to select. It's relatively easy to master with dedicated practice even for this old curmudgeon and utilized within most other Mazda products. That said, some desired outcomes require more than one direct click.
Temperature settings completely separate from screen activities with a rectangular section just to the right of the lower dashboard's electronic push stop/start ignition circle with an uncanny resemblance to a 1970's in-dash AM/FM radio. Two end twist dials operate dual front temperature zones while a half-dozen push tabs in between handle fan speed, direction, heated seats and defrosting, both front and back.
A long storage bin/armrest between front buckets hinged at both sides opens up a-la side-by-side vertical style refrigerator door concept. Below the front region, a flat table for storing and wireless charging of Smartphones comes standard in all hybrid trims. For those connecting with USB plugs, four newer, Type C versions intersperse within the cabin. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wireless connectivity also arrives with the price of admission. Less techy but within easy reach fore of the transmission shifter, two side-by-side beverage holders.
Also nearby, Mazda's 'MI' (think Mazda Intelligence) a thin, switchlike tab for selection one of three drive modes available in hybrid editions. Power, Trail Mode and Normal reflect the choices each updating computer controlled aspects including engine, braking and suspension. The power selection also adds red highlights the digital center speedometer. Trail mode optimizes power delivery to wheels with the most traction.
From the outside, the HEV version shares similar dimensions and optics with the conventional CX-50, although the HEV packs on a few more hard-to-detect pounds. The HEV version adds a 'Hybrid' badge along front fenders. Generous composite black cladding creates a rectangular effect draping the four wheel wells with the cladding continuing along side-door bottoms. The front grille with a wide, grin-like smile outline includes black, chain-link-fence filling with Mazda's winged logo front and center. A pair of diminutive three-quarter circle headlights flank the grille with non-wrap-around housing.
Mazda's CX-50's full-hybrid chops extend full economy substantially with no concerns surrounding nightly plug ins all for a minimal price upgrade. While not quite as exhilarating a drive as the non-hybrid version, its exterior shape remains twin-like and nearly impossible to detect from the original. The luxury-esque, comfortable interior welcomes drivers and four passengers alike.
2025 Mazda CX-50 hybrid
Price as tested: $41,920
Engine: 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine
Combined Horsepower: 219
Wheelbase: 110,8 inches
Overall Length: 186.1 inches
Overall Width: 75.6 inches
Overall Height: 65.8 inches
Curb Weight: 4,008 pounds
Hybrid Fuel Economy: 39 mpg city 37 /highway
Powertrain Warranty: Five years/60,000 miles
Hybrid Component Warranty: Eight years/100,000 miles
Assembly: Huntsville, Alabama
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