Latest news with #CX-50
Perth Now
11-07-2025
- Automotive
- Perth Now
Mazda CX-5 ditching punchy turbo engine for 'comparable' hybrid
The third-generation Mazda CX-5 – revealed this week and expected to arrive in Australia in the second half of 2026 – will come with a carryover powertrain. Unfortunately, it's not the punchy turbo four that makes Mazda's popular mid-size SUV rather unique among its rivals. In a segment dominated by small-displacement turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engines and larger naturally aspirated ones, the beefy 170kW/420Nm 2.5-litre turbo-petrol engine that powers G35 variants has made the current CX-5 one of this market's sportier medium SUVs. The new-generation model, however, will carry over only the CX-5's naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four, which will also bring a slight reduction in power and torque to 132kW and 242Nm. So, what can buyers looking for a more powerful Mazda SUV do? Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Supplied Credit: CarExpert According to Mazda, the answer is to wait for the hybrid version of the new CX-5, which is confirmed for a US launch in 2027, and a local launch at an unspecified time. 'The hybrid system will have performance that is comparable to or exceeding the turbo powertrain,' Stefan Meisterfeld, VP of strategic planning for Mazda North American Operations, told CarBuzz in a statement. Mazda hasn't confirmed outputs for the electrified CX-5, which will employ the Japanese brand's new Skyactiv-Z 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine in conjunction with a hybrid system developed in-house. This new engine, which will share components with the brand's existing 2.5-litre mill, will offer greater performance and fuel economy than before, while also meeting strict Euro 7 emissions regulations in Europe, and both LEV4 and Tier 4 regulations in North America. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Mazda claims the Skyactiv-Z engine achieves lower emissions without any drops in output, as opposed to conventional engines which it says would result in a 30 per cent output reduction. The Skyactiv-G Turbo will live on in other Mazda SUVs… but unfortunately they aren't sold here. 'We will continue to offer the turbo engine in models such as the CX-50 and CX-30,' Mr Meisterfeld confirmed. 'We will see what our customers want, and provide them the right vehicles.' The CX-50 is a mid-size Mazda SUV offered only in left-hand drive markets, while the CX-30 2.5T is produced only in Mexico in left-hand drive – alongside Mazda 3s equipped with the same engine, which are also forbidden fruit for our market. Supplied Credit: CarExpert The 2.5-litre turbo was previously offered in the CX-9, in which it debuted in 2016, and the Mazda 6, both of which have been discontinued. Mazda Australia says there'll be healthy supply of the outgoing CX-5 range up until the new model's launch, but beyond that buyers after a powerful turbocharged mid-size SUV in Australia will need to look at rivals like the Volkswagen Tiguan. They could also look to Mazda's own CX-60 (pictured above), with its available 3.3-litre inline six-cylinder turbo engine producing more power and torque (209kW and 450Nm) while also achieving superior fuel economy (7.4L/100km versus 8.2L/100km). While the new CX-5 will no longer have a turbocharged flagship engine, the introduction of a hybrid powertrain will allow it to directly take on popular rivals like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and Nissan X-Trail e-Power, among a flood of other electrified mid-size crossover SUVs. Supplied Credit: CarExpert At 4690mm long, 1860mm wide and 1695mm tall, the new CX-5 is 115mm longer, 15mm wider than the existing model, which remains Australia's second most popular medium SUV despite dating back to 2016. It also rides on a wheelbase that's 115mm longer at 2815mm, and continues to incorporate MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension. Styling is evolutionary outside but somewhat more revolutionary inside, where many physical controls have been removed and there's a central multimedia touchscreen measuring a whopping 15.6 inches. MORE: 2026 Mazda CX-5 brings fresher styling, familiar engine but no hybrid… yet MORE: Explore the Mazda CX-5 showroom
7NEWS
11-07-2025
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
Mazda CX-5 ditching punchy turbo engine for 'comparable' hybrid
The third-generation Mazda CX-5 – revealed this week and expected to arrive in Australia in the second half of 2026 – will come with a carryover powertrain. Unfortunately, it's not the punchy turbo four that makes Mazda's popular mid-size SUV rather unique among its rivals. In a segment dominated by small-displacement turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engines and larger naturally aspirated ones, the beefy 170kW/420Nm 2.5-litre turbo-petrol engine that powers G35 variants has made the current CX-5 one of this market's sportier medium SUVs. The new-generation model, however, will carry over only the CX-5's naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four, which will also bring a slight reduction in power and torque to 132kW and 242Nm. So, what can buyers looking for a more powerful Mazda SUV do? Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. According to Mazda, the answer is to wait for the hybrid version of the new CX-5, which is confirmed for a US launch in 2027, and a local launch at an unspecified time. 'The hybrid system will have performance that is comparable to or exceeding the turbo powertrain,' Stefan Meisterfeld, VP of strategic planning for Mazda North American Operations, told CarBuzz in a statement. Mazda hasn't confirmed outputs for the electrified CX-5, which will employ the Japanese brand's new Skyactiv-Z 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine in conjunction with a hybrid system developed in-house. This new engine, which will share components with the brand's existing 2.5-litre mill, will offer greater performance and fuel economy than before, while also meeting strict Euro 7 emissions regulations in Europe, and both LEV4 and Tier 4 regulations in North America. Mazda claims the Skyactiv-Z engine achieves lower emissions without any drops in output, as opposed to conventional engines which it says would result in a 30 per cent output reduction. The Skyactiv-G Turbo will live on in other Mazda SUVs… but unfortunately they aren't sold here. 'We will continue to offer the turbo engine in models such as the CX-50 and CX-30,' Mr Meisterfeld confirmed. 'We will see what our customers want, and provide them the right vehicles.' The CX-50 is a mid-size Mazda SUV offered only in left-hand drive markets, while the CX-30 2.5T is produced only in Mexico in left-hand drive – alongside Mazda 3s equipped with the same engine, which are also forbidden fruit for our market. The 2.5-litre turbo was previously offered in the CX-9, in which it debuted in 2016, and the Mazda 6, both of which have been discontinued. Mazda Australia says there'll be healthy supply of the outgoing CX-5 range up until the new model's launch, but beyond that buyers after a powerful turbocharged mid-size SUV in Australia will need to look at rivals like the Volkswagen Tiguan. They could also look to Mazda's own CX-60 (pictured above), with its available 3.3-litre inline six-cylinder turbo engine producing more power and torque (209kW and 450Nm) while also achieving superior fuel economy (7.4L/100km versus 8.2L/100km). While the new CX-5 will no longer have a turbocharged flagship engine, the introduction of a hybrid powertrain will allow it to directly take on popular rivals like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and Nissan X-Trail e-Power, among a flood of other electrified mid-size crossover SUVs. At 4690mm long, 1860mm wide and 1695mm tall, the new CX-5 is 115mm longer, 15mm wider than the existing model, which remains Australia's second most popular medium SUV despite dating back to 2016. It also rides on a wheelbase that's 115mm longer at 2815mm, and continues to incorporate MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension. Styling is evolutionary outside but somewhat more revolutionary inside, where many physical controls have been removed and there's a central multimedia touchscreen measuring a whopping 15.6 inches.
The Advertiser
11-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
Mazda CX-5 ditching punchy turbo engine for 'comparable' hybrid
The third-generation Mazda CX-5 – revealed this week and expected to arrive in Australia in the second half of 2026 – will come with a carryover powertrain. Unfortunately, it's not the punchy turbo four that makes Mazda's popular mid-size SUV rather unique among its rivals. In a segment dominated by small-displacement turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engines and larger naturally aspirated ones, the beefy 170kW/420Nm 2.5-litre turbo-petrol engine that powers G35 variants has made the current CX-5 one of this market's sportier medium SUVs. The new-generation model, however, will carry over only the CX-5's naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four, which will also bring a slight reduction in power and torque to 132kW and 242Nm. So, what can buyers looking for a more powerful Mazda SUV do? Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. According to Mazda, the answer is to wait for the hybrid version of the new CX-5, which is confirmed for a US launch in 2027, and a local launch at an unspecified time. "The hybrid system will have performance that is comparable to or exceeding the turbo powertrain," Stefan Meisterfeld, VP of strategic planning for Mazda North American Operations, told CarBuzz in a statement. Mazda hasn't confirmed outputs for the electrified CX-5, which will employ the Japanese brand's new Skyactiv-Z 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine in conjunction with a hybrid system developed in-house. This new engine, which will share components with the brand's existing 2.5-litre mill, will offer greater performance and fuel economy than before, while also meeting strict Euro 7 emissions regulations in Europe, and both LEV4 and Tier 4 regulations in North America. Mazda claims the Skyactiv-Z engine achieves lower emissions without any drops in output, as opposed to conventional engines which it says would result in a 30 per cent output reduction. The Skyactiv-G Turbo will live on in other Mazda SUVs… but unfortunately they aren't sold here. "We will continue to offer the turbo engine in models such as the CX-50 and CX-30," Mr Meisterfeld confirmed. "We will see what our customers want, and provide them the right vehicles." The CX-50 is a mid-size Mazda SUV offered only in left-hand drive markets, while the CX-30 2.5T is produced only in Mexico in left-hand drive – alongside Mazda 3s equipped with the same engine, which are also forbidden fruit for our market. The 2.5-litre turbo was previously offered in the CX-9, in which it debuted in 2016, and the Mazda 6, both of which have been discontinued. Mazda Australia says there'll be healthy supply of the outgoing CX-5 range up until the new model's launch, but beyond that buyers after a powerful turbocharged mid-size SUV in Australia will need to look at rivals like the Volkswagen Tiguan. They could also look to Mazda's own CX-60 (pictured above), with its available 3.3-litre inline six-cylinder turbo engine producing more power and torque (209kW and 450Nm) while also achieving superior fuel economy (7.4L/100km versus 8.2L/100km). While the new CX-5 will no longer have a turbocharged flagship engine, the introduction of a hybrid powertrain will allow it to directly take on popular rivals like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and Nissan X-Trail e-Power, among a flood of other electrified mid-size crossover SUVs. At 4690mm long, 1860mm wide and 1695mm tall, the new CX-5 is 115mm longer, 15mm wider than the existing model, which remains Australia's second most popular medium SUV despite dating back to 2016. It also rides on a wheelbase that's 115mm longer at 2815mm, and continues to incorporate MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension. Styling is evolutionary outside but somewhat more revolutionary inside, where many physical controls have been removed and there's a central multimedia touchscreen measuring a whopping 15.6 inches. MORE: 2026 Mazda CX-5 brings fresher styling, familiar engine but no hybrid… yet MORE: Explore the Mazda CX-5 showroom Content originally sourced from: The third-generation Mazda CX-5 – revealed this week and expected to arrive in Australia in the second half of 2026 – will come with a carryover powertrain. Unfortunately, it's not the punchy turbo four that makes Mazda's popular mid-size SUV rather unique among its rivals. In a segment dominated by small-displacement turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engines and larger naturally aspirated ones, the beefy 170kW/420Nm 2.5-litre turbo-petrol engine that powers G35 variants has made the current CX-5 one of this market's sportier medium SUVs. The new-generation model, however, will carry over only the CX-5's naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four, which will also bring a slight reduction in power and torque to 132kW and 242Nm. So, what can buyers looking for a more powerful Mazda SUV do? Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. According to Mazda, the answer is to wait for the hybrid version of the new CX-5, which is confirmed for a US launch in 2027, and a local launch at an unspecified time. "The hybrid system will have performance that is comparable to or exceeding the turbo powertrain," Stefan Meisterfeld, VP of strategic planning for Mazda North American Operations, told CarBuzz in a statement. Mazda hasn't confirmed outputs for the electrified CX-5, which will employ the Japanese brand's new Skyactiv-Z 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine in conjunction with a hybrid system developed in-house. This new engine, which will share components with the brand's existing 2.5-litre mill, will offer greater performance and fuel economy than before, while also meeting strict Euro 7 emissions regulations in Europe, and both LEV4 and Tier 4 regulations in North America. Mazda claims the Skyactiv-Z engine achieves lower emissions without any drops in output, as opposed to conventional engines which it says would result in a 30 per cent output reduction. The Skyactiv-G Turbo will live on in other Mazda SUVs… but unfortunately they aren't sold here. "We will continue to offer the turbo engine in models such as the CX-50 and CX-30," Mr Meisterfeld confirmed. "We will see what our customers want, and provide them the right vehicles." The CX-50 is a mid-size Mazda SUV offered only in left-hand drive markets, while the CX-30 2.5T is produced only in Mexico in left-hand drive – alongside Mazda 3s equipped with the same engine, which are also forbidden fruit for our market. The 2.5-litre turbo was previously offered in the CX-9, in which it debuted in 2016, and the Mazda 6, both of which have been discontinued. Mazda Australia says there'll be healthy supply of the outgoing CX-5 range up until the new model's launch, but beyond that buyers after a powerful turbocharged mid-size SUV in Australia will need to look at rivals like the Volkswagen Tiguan. They could also look to Mazda's own CX-60 (pictured above), with its available 3.3-litre inline six-cylinder turbo engine producing more power and torque (209kW and 450Nm) while also achieving superior fuel economy (7.4L/100km versus 8.2L/100km). While the new CX-5 will no longer have a turbocharged flagship engine, the introduction of a hybrid powertrain will allow it to directly take on popular rivals like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and Nissan X-Trail e-Power, among a flood of other electrified mid-size crossover SUVs. At 4690mm long, 1860mm wide and 1695mm tall, the new CX-5 is 115mm longer, 15mm wider than the existing model, which remains Australia's second most popular medium SUV despite dating back to 2016. It also rides on a wheelbase that's 115mm longer at 2815mm, and continues to incorporate MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension. Styling is evolutionary outside but somewhat more revolutionary inside, where many physical controls have been removed and there's a central multimedia touchscreen measuring a whopping 15.6 inches. MORE: 2026 Mazda CX-5 brings fresher styling, familiar engine but no hybrid… yet MORE: Explore the Mazda CX-5 showroom Content originally sourced from: The third-generation Mazda CX-5 – revealed this week and expected to arrive in Australia in the second half of 2026 – will come with a carryover powertrain. Unfortunately, it's not the punchy turbo four that makes Mazda's popular mid-size SUV rather unique among its rivals. In a segment dominated by small-displacement turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engines and larger naturally aspirated ones, the beefy 170kW/420Nm 2.5-litre turbo-petrol engine that powers G35 variants has made the current CX-5 one of this market's sportier medium SUVs. The new-generation model, however, will carry over only the CX-5's naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four, which will also bring a slight reduction in power and torque to 132kW and 242Nm. So, what can buyers looking for a more powerful Mazda SUV do? Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. According to Mazda, the answer is to wait for the hybrid version of the new CX-5, which is confirmed for a US launch in 2027, and a local launch at an unspecified time. "The hybrid system will have performance that is comparable to or exceeding the turbo powertrain," Stefan Meisterfeld, VP of strategic planning for Mazda North American Operations, told CarBuzz in a statement. Mazda hasn't confirmed outputs for the electrified CX-5, which will employ the Japanese brand's new Skyactiv-Z 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine in conjunction with a hybrid system developed in-house. This new engine, which will share components with the brand's existing 2.5-litre mill, will offer greater performance and fuel economy than before, while also meeting strict Euro 7 emissions regulations in Europe, and both LEV4 and Tier 4 regulations in North America. Mazda claims the Skyactiv-Z engine achieves lower emissions without any drops in output, as opposed to conventional engines which it says would result in a 30 per cent output reduction. The Skyactiv-G Turbo will live on in other Mazda SUVs… but unfortunately they aren't sold here. "We will continue to offer the turbo engine in models such as the CX-50 and CX-30," Mr Meisterfeld confirmed. "We will see what our customers want, and provide them the right vehicles." The CX-50 is a mid-size Mazda SUV offered only in left-hand drive markets, while the CX-30 2.5T is produced only in Mexico in left-hand drive – alongside Mazda 3s equipped with the same engine, which are also forbidden fruit for our market. The 2.5-litre turbo was previously offered in the CX-9, in which it debuted in 2016, and the Mazda 6, both of which have been discontinued. Mazda Australia says there'll be healthy supply of the outgoing CX-5 range up until the new model's launch, but beyond that buyers after a powerful turbocharged mid-size SUV in Australia will need to look at rivals like the Volkswagen Tiguan. They could also look to Mazda's own CX-60 (pictured above), with its available 3.3-litre inline six-cylinder turbo engine producing more power and torque (209kW and 450Nm) while also achieving superior fuel economy (7.4L/100km versus 8.2L/100km). While the new CX-5 will no longer have a turbocharged flagship engine, the introduction of a hybrid powertrain will allow it to directly take on popular rivals like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and Nissan X-Trail e-Power, among a flood of other electrified mid-size crossover SUVs. At 4690mm long, 1860mm wide and 1695mm tall, the new CX-5 is 115mm longer, 15mm wider than the existing model, which remains Australia's second most popular medium SUV despite dating back to 2016. It also rides on a wheelbase that's 115mm longer at 2815mm, and continues to incorporate MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension. Styling is evolutionary outside but somewhat more revolutionary inside, where many physical controls have been removed and there's a central multimedia touchscreen measuring a whopping 15.6 inches. MORE: 2026 Mazda CX-5 brings fresher styling, familiar engine but no hybrid… yet MORE: Explore the Mazda CX-5 showroom Content originally sourced from: The third-generation Mazda CX-5 – revealed this week and expected to arrive in Australia in the second half of 2026 – will come with a carryover powertrain. Unfortunately, it's not the punchy turbo four that makes Mazda's popular mid-size SUV rather unique among its rivals. In a segment dominated by small-displacement turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engines and larger naturally aspirated ones, the beefy 170kW/420Nm 2.5-litre turbo-petrol engine that powers G35 variants has made the current CX-5 one of this market's sportier medium SUVs. The new-generation model, however, will carry over only the CX-5's naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four, which will also bring a slight reduction in power and torque to 132kW and 242Nm. So, what can buyers looking for a more powerful Mazda SUV do? Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. According to Mazda, the answer is to wait for the hybrid version of the new CX-5, which is confirmed for a US launch in 2027, and a local launch at an unspecified time. "The hybrid system will have performance that is comparable to or exceeding the turbo powertrain," Stefan Meisterfeld, VP of strategic planning for Mazda North American Operations, told CarBuzz in a statement. Mazda hasn't confirmed outputs for the electrified CX-5, which will employ the Japanese brand's new Skyactiv-Z 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine in conjunction with a hybrid system developed in-house. This new engine, which will share components with the brand's existing 2.5-litre mill, will offer greater performance and fuel economy than before, while also meeting strict Euro 7 emissions regulations in Europe, and both LEV4 and Tier 4 regulations in North America. Mazda claims the Skyactiv-Z engine achieves lower emissions without any drops in output, as opposed to conventional engines which it says would result in a 30 per cent output reduction. The Skyactiv-G Turbo will live on in other Mazda SUVs… but unfortunately they aren't sold here. "We will continue to offer the turbo engine in models such as the CX-50 and CX-30," Mr Meisterfeld confirmed. "We will see what our customers want, and provide them the right vehicles." The CX-50 is a mid-size Mazda SUV offered only in left-hand drive markets, while the CX-30 2.5T is produced only in Mexico in left-hand drive – alongside Mazda 3s equipped with the same engine, which are also forbidden fruit for our market. The 2.5-litre turbo was previously offered in the CX-9, in which it debuted in 2016, and the Mazda 6, both of which have been discontinued. Mazda Australia says there'll be healthy supply of the outgoing CX-5 range up until the new model's launch, but beyond that buyers after a powerful turbocharged mid-size SUV in Australia will need to look at rivals like the Volkswagen Tiguan. They could also look to Mazda's own CX-60 (pictured above), with its available 3.3-litre inline six-cylinder turbo engine producing more power and torque (209kW and 450Nm) while also achieving superior fuel economy (7.4L/100km versus 8.2L/100km). While the new CX-5 will no longer have a turbocharged flagship engine, the introduction of a hybrid powertrain will allow it to directly take on popular rivals like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and Nissan X-Trail e-Power, among a flood of other electrified mid-size crossover SUVs. At 4690mm long, 1860mm wide and 1695mm tall, the new CX-5 is 115mm longer, 15mm wider than the existing model, which remains Australia's second most popular medium SUV despite dating back to 2016. It also rides on a wheelbase that's 115mm longer at 2815mm, and continues to incorporate MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension. Styling is evolutionary outside but somewhat more revolutionary inside, where many physical controls have been removed and there's a central multimedia touchscreen measuring a whopping 15.6 inches. MORE: 2026 Mazda CX-5 brings fresher styling, familiar engine but no hybrid… yet MORE: Explore the Mazda CX-5 showroom Content originally sourced from:
Miami Herald
06-07-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Honda Isn't Going to Like the Mazda CX-50's Superb Steering
Steering is one of the aspects of the driving experience that doesn't get prioritized in mainstream car buying the way ride quality, comfort, power, technology, and safety do. Nevertheless, great steering can be a driving game-changer by offering great feedback, precision, responsiveness, effort, and corner weight build-up. Most vehicles outside of sports cars fail to deliver great steering, but the Mazda CX-50 is shockingly good. I recall driving it for the first time shortly after its debut, and I was gobsmacked at how good it was. Of course, Mazda has focused on the driving experience for a long time, but the CX-50 raises the bar even higher than the MX-5 Miata. When contrasted with Honda, another brand famous for infusing its cars and SUVs with great steering, the Mazda CX-50 should make them nervous. For years, Honda has earned praise for producing vehicles that blend precision steering with engaging driving dynamics. For numerous reasons, models like the Civic and CR-V are benchmarks in their segments and have been for some time. They offer sharp, predictable steering and handling that connect drivers to the road. Even a model like the efficient Civic Hybrid is surprisingly connected and rewarding to drive. The CX-50's closest competitor from Honda in terms of output, size, and style is the CR-V. The current CR-V's steering is deftly tuned for both precise and compliant handling, while the ride remains smooth, instilling the driving experience with composure and confidence. While it's unlikely that the CX-50 will ever sell in the same numbers as the CR-V, there's reason for Honda to take notice. The Honda CR-V is one of the best-selling crossovers in North America, and for good reason: it offers excellent space efficiency, comfort, and driving dynamics that surpass most rivals. The CR-V's dual-pinion electric power steering setup (with a variable ratio of about 12.3:1 near the center) provides quick responses and relatively light effort - traits Honda fans have come to expect. The Mazda CX-50 utilizes an electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) system, a technology prevalent in the industry, but this one stands out thanks to careful tuning by Mazda engineers that delivers a remarkably linear and communicative feel. The steering ratio is quick enough to provide a near-immediate response to driver inputs without feeling twitchy on the highway. It also has impressive steering feedback, a characteristic that's absent in even sporty vehicles. Feedback is where the steering wheel communicates road forces and road surfaces between the front tires and the driver's hands. Knowing how the tires are gripping the road and what that surface feels like equates to a good steering rack. The CX-50 excels at this. Another contributor to the CX-50's great steering is the weight, or how heavy the steering feels when turning. The CX-50's steering weight is quite heavy, and some might not like that, but it's paired with excellent corner weight build-up, the part where effort progressively builds as both corner entry speed and front tire load increase. Good sports cars have this, and the CX-50 feels just like that. Mazda engineers focused on minimizing friction and unnecessary damping within the steering system to reduce artificial heaviness. A vehicle can have weighty steering, but it can sometimes feel overboosted and artificial. The feeling is otherworldly for a mainstream, affordable crossover, and it exists in every CX-50 trim level, regardless of the engine choice. The CX-50's torsionally rigid chassis also deserves mention. The use of ultra-high-strength steel in key areas, particularly around the cowl and floor, enhances the body's resistance to flex, allowing the suspension and steering to work more predictably under load. While the CX-50 features MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension, neither of which is exceptional in the industry, Mazda has calibrated the setup so well that it provides exceptional stability and great turn-in precision. You can go over undulating pavement without upsetting it and then point and shoot it into and out of a corner with aplomb. On top of that, Mazda's G-Vectoring Control Plus further aids cornering by subtly adjusting engine torque to shift weight properly. The 2024 Mazda CX-50 sits on Mazda's Small Product Group platform, which it shares with the Mazda3 and CX-30, both with excellent steering and handling. But the CX-50 isn't just a lifted hatchback in disguise. It's been designed with a wider track than the CX-5, a longer wheelbase, and reinforced body structures to handle both on-road dynamics and light off-road use. With its muscular fenders, low roofline, and purposeful stance, the CX-50 looks athletic, and the experience from behind the wheel is even more rewarding than the CX-50's appearance communicates. Under the hood, buyers can choose between two versions of Mazda's 2.5-liter inline-four engine: a naturally aspirated variant producing 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque or the preferred 2.5-liter turbocharged engine that churns out up to 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque on 93-octane fuel (or 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft on regular 87-octane). Both pair with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard i-Activ all-wheel drive. While those numbers are solid, it's the steering that truly defines the CX-50's dynamic character. The CR-V is one of the better compact crossovers to drive, but the CX-50 feels more natural, sportier, and more rewarding. Where the CR-V's steering is accurate, it can feel isolated and overly boosted at times, filtering out feedback. It also lacks the excellent corner weight build-up of the CX-50. The CX-50's system keeps drivers more informed, letting them feel small adjustments in grip levels without intrusive kickback. On winding backroads, the Mazda simply feels more alive and confidence-inspiring, even though both vehicles are similarly sized and weighted. This unique trait of the CX-50 appeals to car buyers who want practicality without sacrificing driver engagement. The CX-50 is just that much better at it than every other competitor at its price and better than some sporty coupes, sedans, and premium fare. Honda's reputation for driver-focused engineering in mainstream vehicles faces a legitimate challenge from the CX-50, a smaller automaker punching well above its weight. The CX-50 isn't going to threaten the CR-V in terms of sales volume (400,000+ for the CR-V in 2024), but the CX-50 increased by more than 64% in sales in 2024 compared to the year before. The CR-V is great in so many ways, but it's also ubiquitous. The CX-50 isn't just different in its appearance inside and out, but it's also better to drive than the CR-V, thanks to some of the best, most communicative steering in the automotive industry. Mazda's commitment to delivering a more authentic, connected steering experience in a segment dominated by numbness and over-assist is refreshing. While the CR-V will undoubtedly continue to sell in huge numbers, it's clear that enthusiasts looking for more tactile feedback and engagement will increasingly see the CX-50 as the better driver's crossover. It's the one we'd put in our own garage. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Miami Herald
01-07-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid vs Mazda CX-50 Hybrid: Which Makes Better Use of Toyota's Hybrid Tech?
Recently released for the 2025 model year, both Mazda and Subaru have teamed up with Toyota to optimize their hybrid battery technology for some of the two automakers' hottest crossovers–the CX-50 and the Forester. Although both play in the same competitive sandbox with one another and both use Toyota's battery tech, the similarities mostly end there. If you're shopping for a compact, hybrid crossover and want something different from the bread-and-butter segment offerings like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and the Honda CR-V Hybrid, the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid and Subaru Forester Hybrid offer similarly excellent convenience, comfort, resale value, and style, albeit with more rugged appearances and more versatile capabilities. With all that being said, however, it might seem difficult to distinguish between the Mazda and the Subaru, so we're here to break down the differences for you. Although Subaru offers four unique trim levels of the hybrid Forester crossover compared to the three available trim levels of Mazda's CX-50 Hybrid, the most basic CX-50 Hybrid can be had for significantly less money than the most basic Forester Hybrid. Opt for the $33,970 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid Preferred, and you'll save yourself $2,625 compared to what the Forester Premium Hybrid would cost you. Even if you're not pinching pennies, the top-trim CX-50 Hybrid Premium Plus starts at just $40,050, whereas the Forester Touring Hybrid will cost you upwards of $43,295. Both top-trim choices offer upgraded sound systems, panoramic moonroofs, heated and ventilated front seats, leather upholstery, active safety systems, and standard all-wheel drive. Although both crossovers pair 2.5-liter four-cylinder engines (the Subaru's being a flat-four, and the Mazda's being an inline-four) with Toyota's well-proven hybrid battery system, the Mazda is the more powerful of the duo, with a combined 219 horsepower, versus the Subaru's 194 horsepower. What's more, the Mazda benefits from superior fuel economy, with an EPA-rated 39 mpg in the city, 37 mpg on the highway, and 38 mpg combined, versus the Subaru's EPA-rated 35 mpg in the city, 34 mpg on the highway, with a 35 mpg combined rating. The CX-50 even has slightly more cargo volume than the Forester, unless the rear seats are folded down, in which case the Subaru wins. Things look even better for the Mazda when you look into the manufacturer's financing programs. Although individual finance rates vary from person to person based on credit rating and history, Mazda's website advertises a 3.9% (APR) rate over a 48-month term as their lowest available rate, whereas Subaru advertises a lowest rate of 5.9% (APR) over the same term length. When we compare the Mazda and Subaru's hybrid variants to the non-hybrid variants with the same trim offerings, we can also see that Subaru charges noticeably more money just for the added benefit of a hybrid system, even despite having inferior fuel efficiency ratings compared to the Mazda. While a non-hybrid Subaru Forester Premium will cost you $3,210 less than the Hybrid Premium, a non-hybrid Mazda CX-50 Preferred will only save you $1,120 over the Hybrid Preferred, arguably making the upgrade to the CX-50 somewhat of a no-brainer if you're already set on the Mazda. There's really no other way to put this: the Subaru Forester Hybrid has the highest starting price point of any hybrid crossover in its class at $36,595. The second most expensive offering is the $35,630 Honda CR-V Sport Hybrid, followed by the $33,970 Mazda CX-50 Preferred Hybrid, the $33,465 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Blue, the $32,490 Ford Escape ST-Line Hybrid, the $32,300 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid LE, and the $30,290 Kia Sportage Hybrid LX. It is important to note, however, that both the Ford Escape Hybrid and Kia Sportage Hybrid do not come equipped with all-wheel drive as a standard feature, thus crowning the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid LE as the least expensive all-wheel drive hybrid crossover in its class. If you opt for all-wheel drive on the Kia Sportage Hybrid EX, its MSRP increases to $33,590. Do the same with the Ford Escape Hybrid ST-Line Select, and its MSRP increases to $34,190, making it more expensive than the CX-50 Preferred Hybrid by a slim margin. Essentially, the CX-50 Hybrid's price tag places it relatively in the middle of its classmates, whereas the Forester Hybrid commands a notably greater cost than every other option. The Forester Hybrid does, however, come with a standard panoramic moonroof and power tailgate, in case you're really picky about those sorts of things. Obviously, at the end of the day, the choice is ultimately up to you. There isn't really a "wrong" decision when you're comparing vehicles in this class. The compact crossover segment is one of, if not the most competitive, in the automotive industry right now, and every manufacturer with an offering has shown up ready to play some serious ball. It's important to do your research and to understand that if you do opt for the Subaru Forester Hybrid over the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid, it's going to cost you more money, it'll be slightly down on power, and not quite as fuel efficient. More importantly, however, is taking the time to get behind the wheel of each model you're most seriously considering and getting a feel for how well it suits your driving style and daily lifestyle needs. After all your research is said and done, you might come to find that once you've actually driven your top choice, you might not even like it. To quote Cillian Murphy in the film Oppenheimer, "theory will only take you so far," and this rings true even with deciding on which car to purchase. So, arm yourself with the information you need to whittle your choices down to three or four models, get yourself in the driver's seat, and see how far your local dealerships are willing to go to earn your business. Best of luck with your search. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
