2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid review: A new challenger emerges

Yahoo

29-01-2025

The Mazda CX-50 has already proved to be a reliable family hauler, but the Japanese automaker is upping the ante with a new hybrid variant for the 2025 model year. For its introductory year, the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid delivers acceptable performance while returning excellent fuel economy.
Starting at $33,970, the all-new Mazda CX-50 Hybrid is more than just a pretty face. Its sleek curves and bold grille give way to an interior stuffed with amenities that provide passengers with a taste of the finer side of life.
The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid comes in three trim levels: Preferred, Premium, and Premium Plus. When it comes to styling, the hybrid models feature several aesthetic differences from the standard CX-50 model. Unique wheel designs, a different front bumper, and an available red leather interior are just a few subtle differences.Like all Mazda vehicles, the CX-50 Hybrid features an interior focused on passenger comfort with premium amenities that put it on par with luxury models, all for a lower price.
All models come equipped with a rear power liftgate and heated front seats. In terms of tech, a 10.25-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless phone charging pad are standard.
At its base, the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid Preferred rolls out on 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels in a black finish. Upgrading to the top-spec Premium Plus trim nets you 19-inch machine-cut wheels that add a touch of aggression to the SUV. Dual exhaust outlets and aluminum roof rails add to the athletic aesthetic that the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid brings to the road.
Inside, the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid taps into the finer things in life to create a premium interior worthy of a luxury marque. While the base model offers half leatherette-trimmed seats, leather upholstery comes standard on upper trims. Upgrading beyond the base trim also adds a standard Bose 12-speaker surround sound system that creates a genuine listening experience.
Designed for drivers with active lifestyles, the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid features a cargo area that works around the hybrid battery located in the rear section of the floor. As a result, the storage area is able to fit large objects, such as bicycles, inside with relative ease. Several 12V power outlets and 7.8 inches of ground clearance complete the CX-50 Hybrid's utility-driven design.
As expected, the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid rolls out with a pretty sweet set of standard safety systems. The Japanese automaker made a few changes to the driver assistance and vehicle safety tech for the 2025 model year, including adding rear seat alerts and vehicle exit warnings. Standard safety systems include Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Smart Brake Support with pedestrian detection.The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid comes equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and three electric motors. Combined, that hybrid powertrain delivers 219 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive and a CVT come standard, the latter of which might be a point of contention for some drivers. A refined, smooth drive comes paired with little noise and vibration thanks to a rigid chassis paired with nimble handling.
If that powertrain setup sounds familiar, that's because Mazda leveraged its relationship with Toyota to nab it from the RAV4 Hybrid. That's not a bad thing by any means, but it does make for a rather mixed bag.
The Mazda CX-50 Hybrid weighs 4,008 lbs, nearly 300 lbs more than the standard CX-50 SUV. That extra weight makes a significant difference, especially considering the standard CX-50 has a 187-horsepower engine and an available 256-horsepower turbocharged engine.
While the standard Mazda CX-50 comes with much more exhilarating performance, the hybrid model lacks enthusiasm in comparison. To make up for it, the CX-50 Hybrid sees fuel economy worthy of its segment.The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid earns up to an EPA-estimated 39 city mpg and 37 highway mpg. That's a good deal more than the standard CX-50, in which the base engine earns up to 25 city mpg and 31 highway mpg. The more powerful turbocharged four-cylinder nets just 23 city mpg and 29 highway mpg. All in all, the hybrid powertrain is a major upgrade in that respect.
Mazda Intelligent Drive Select comes standard and includes several different drive modes. Power mode increases acceleration response, while trail mode improves performance on unpaved terrain.
When it comes to towing, the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid is capable of pulling up to 1,500 lbs. When properly equipped. That's up to 2,000 lbs. less than the standard CX-50, which isn't surprising given the lower performance.
The Mazda CX-50 Hybrid might not be the peppiest of the bunch, but it offers fuel economy that can compete with the best hybrid SUVs on the market. With a comparable starting price to boot, the CX-50 Hybrid is a solid, efficient SUV capable of hauling the whole family to a campground for the weekend.
The standard Mazda CX-50 is quite the looker, so the fact the CX-50 Hybrid is nearly identical is a plus. While the hybrid powertrain leaves a bit of performance to be desired, it's tough to beat 38 combined mpg. Add in a premium interior with some of the industry's best tech, and you've got a solid SUV that's a good pick for everything from family road trips to a weekend in the great outdoors.