-
The Mazda CX-50 Hybrid uses the powertrain of the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
-
The CX-50 Hybrid lives with compromised packaging
-
The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid costs $35,390; Undercuts the Honda CR-V Hybrid
The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid is what happens when you take the unexciting spirit of a Toyota and shove it into an already somewhat compromised Mazda.
Consider us disappointed.
the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid 2025 It will not ignite an enthusiast’s heart or raise anyone’s pulse. However, it’s probably the most practical and value-focused model in Mazda’s lineup. With a more fuel-efficient powertrain, the CX-50 Hybrid will deliver better fuel economy than the rest of the lineup while still having enough power for everyday driving. But the packaging — especially the seating arrangement — remains as flawed as it is in the non-hybrid CX-50, and the powertrain itself adds unexpected refinement issues.
Here are the pros and cons Mazda CX-50 Hybrid 2025 After spending a week moving around the city and then adding a short weekend road trip with the family.
Mazda CX-50 Hybrid 2025
Pro: The hybrid is the most efficient model of the 2025 Mazda CX-50
Really that’s the point, isn’t it? the Powertrain sourced from Toyota Directly from RAV4 Hybrid The 2.5-liter four-cylinder is paired with a planetary torque split hybrid system that features two electric motors, plus an additional 54-hp motor at the rear wheels. It has a 1.59 kWh nickel-metal hydride battery, and the system produces 219 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque. EPA ratings are clocked at 39 mpg city, 37 highway, and 38 combined. That’s much better than the CX-50’s 25/31/28 ratings, and especially the turbo model’s 23/29/25 ratings. My real-world mileage was lower than the trip computer’s ratings of 34.0 mpg over 190 miles of mixed suburban driving. Then over the course of about 120 miles of highway driving at speeds greater than 70 mph, the CX-50 Hybrid averaged 31.2 mpg.
Mazda CX-50 Hybrid 2025
Cons: The Mazda CX-50 hybrid powertrain is less refined than the Toyota RAV4
At idle, there is an on-off again quiver that comes and goes through the steering column, steering wheel and even the front seat. This is only while sitting still. While cruising, regardless of speed, accelerating with the throttle about three-quarters of the way to the floor would produce a lash in the driveline that sounded like a vibration, almost like a lockup problem with something not engaging properly, which was felt throughout the entire car. These issues were consistent throughout the week and are things I’ve never encountered before in a Toyota RAV4.
Mazda CX-50 Hybrid 2025
Pro: Mazda CX-50 Hybrid sleeper
No one will know the CX-50 is a hybrid unless they notice the discreet little hybrid badge on the front fender or tailgate. Or they’re eccentric Mazda experts and know which models get which wheel designs. Nothing about this screams “I bought the product that works.” Kind of cute.
Mazda CX-50 Hybrid 2025
Mazda CX-50 Hybrid 2025
Cons: The CX-50 Hybrid compromises packaging
The CX-50 already exists worst Back seat packaging Of its CX-5 sibling, the hybrid model makes things (slightly) worse. The stadium’s second-row seating arrangement that places rear-seat passengers looking at front-seat passengers has been modified for hybrid service. You are now sitting close to the ground, but higher off the ground because the battery pack is located under the back seat. This results in less legroom than the non-hybrid, but the CX-50’s back seat is actually less comfortable due to the seat-bottom position than the CX-5, so what’s a little more compromise in the name of fuel economy, right?
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the fact that the front seats sit on brackets to position them higher—resulting in a booster seat impression that several editors on our editorial team found unnatural relative to the rest of the package. Once into this setup, it’s livable, but my parents and my boyfriend struggled to twist their torsos and backs to slide into the front passenger seat without hitting their heads. This was followed by murmurs and groans.
Mazda CX-50 Hybrid 2025
Pro: The CX-50 Hybrid offers a premium look and feel
Just like the CX-5 and other Mazdas, the CX-50 Hybrid outshines its competitors with soft-touch materials throughout the cabin, beautiful stitching on the dashboard, contrast piping on the seats, and knurled buttons for the climate and audio functions. It’s nicer than any Toyota RAV4, and it certainly beats the Kia Sportage on the inside.
Mazda CX-50 Hybrid 2025
Cons: The CX-50 Hybrid is loud
Hybrids are supposed to be quiet. Around town, the CX-50 is fine as long as the throttle isn’t stuck to the floor. The gas engine is kept to a minimum with background ruckus. But on the highway there’s what can only be described as a surprising amount of wind noise coming from the side mirrors and A-pillar area. Above 55 mph, the CX-50 Hybrid is loud inside.
The 2025 CX-50 Hybrid costs a Reasonable $35,390 Including the $1,420 destination charge. The My Premium Plus equipped model costs $41,920 plus additional niceties like a head-up display, 19-inch alloy wheels, a Bose sound system and ventilated front seats. Mazda undercuts loaded Honda CR-V Hybrid The Sport Touring model is $1,025 with the CX-50 Hybrid I was driving, but the CX-50’s compromised packaging continues.
The CX-50 Hybrid gives Mazda buyers a hybrid in this segment, but it only gives us pause — until, perhaps, Mazda’s in-house developed hybrid system for the next-generation CX-5.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Mazda CX-50 Hybrid Premium Plus 2025
Base price: $35,390 including $1,420 destination charge
Price as tested: $41,920
Powertrain: Hybrid system with 219 horsepower, four-wheel drive
EPA fuel economy: 39/37/38 mpg
Hits: Sleepy hybrid status, precise styling, and premium materials undercut the CR-V Hybrid’s pricing and best fuel economy of any CX-50.
Lost and Found: Powertrain optimization issues, compromised seats, loud interior
