I’ve been around the block in a few different Mazda CX-50 models. But I just spent a week with the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid for the first time. While the hybrid engine saves fuel, it does come with one sacrifice to consider. Power.
How does the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid drive?
The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid is engaging, athletic, and comfortable. The engine, which has been borrowed from the Toyota RAV4 is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder unit that’s paired with two electric motors.
It cranks out 219 hp and 163 lb-ft of torque while saving fuel. The CX-50 Hybrid gets an EPA-estimated 37 mpg in the city and up to 39 mpg on the highway.
After spending hours in this car, traveling from Charlotte, NC to Asheville, NC, running errands in the city, and even off-roading, I can confirm that this estimate is spot on. There’s even an EV mode that allows you to peacefully drive without using a drop of gas.
It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 8.2 seconds, which is fine. That’s plenty of power for merging into traffic and passing others.
However, I’ve tasted the other engines that the Mazda CX-50 has to offer. The available turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine provides up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 6.4 seconds.
The difference between the turbo engine and the hybrid is very noticeable. In fact, my hybrid model didn’t have steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters. It feels less muscular overall as the hybrid engine doesn’t roar like the turbo.
Although, the turbo engine only gets an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and up to 29 mpg on the highway. So, when picking between the engines you must decide if you seek hybrid fuel savings or a little extra juice upon mashing the accelerator pedal.
Otherwise, the hybrid engine doesn’t take away from the charm and personality of the spacious and capable CX-50. It’s the first Mazda SUV specifically designed for the American market and the chiseled, attractive blocky style makes it stand out from the rest of the lineup.
It has more cargo space than the CX-5 with 31.4 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 56.3 cubes total. The hybrid model can tow up to 1,500 lbs while the gas-powered models can tow up to 3,500 lbs. Also, there is an available roof rack if you need extra storage.
The front and back rows have spacious, well-padded seats. There is space for four adults to scratch out without feeling cramped. However, small-item storage can be improved.
While the CX-50 even has serious off-roading chops for adventuring, it remains smooth, and comfortable on the pavement with confident brakes and responsive steering.
The biggest change I’d like to see during its mid-cycle refresh is related to the tech. Mazda has an elegant interior that leads to minimal distractions while driving. Even the wireless phone charging pad is tucked away to deter drivers from using it.
However, the CX-50 only has touchscreen functionality if you use Apple CarPlay. The infotainment screen sits back in the dash, making it hard to reach, so it’s not that big of a deal.
Some touch commands were slow to respond, encouraging me to use the rotary dial system to adjust my settings. It can be distracting.
Also, while the 10.25-inch infotainment system is vibrant and attractive, it smushes the Apple CarPlay menus together and the camera displays are a bit small. But the head-up display is on point and the safety features aren’t too sensitive.
Overall the CX-50 hybrid is well-rounded, with a comfortable ride, quiet interior, ample passenger space, and plenty of fuel savings.
