Our Thoughts Exactly: 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid

The Mazda CX-50 has become a familiar steed around V&R since the first one we worked with. We did a video on our first one. Then, tried off-roading in the Meridian Edition. Followed by a spin on the Rental Car Roulette by George, who scored a non-turbo version. 

This makes it four. Not that we like counting them, but we should be familiar with the newest SUV/crossover from Mazda. 

However, this one is different. It’s got an electrified driveline. To be exact, a parallel hybrid system. 

This is not the first electrified Mazda. The CX-90 and CX-70 offered a plug-in hybrid system – we drove both of them already. There was another vehicle that Mazda tried to sell that was a battery-electric model. It disappeared as soon as it arrived. 

The CX-50 Hybrid in question was a result of the joint venture between Mazda and Toyota. They share the same assembly plant in Huntsville, Alabama where the CX-50 is built alongside the Corolla Cross. These are two separate vehicles, mind you. Which means they get their own hybrid drivelines.

In the case of the CX-50, it is a Toyota one. One different than in the Corolla Cross Hybrid. 

What powers the CX-50 is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Not one of the Skyactiv-Gs found on other CX-50 variants. It is one found on such Toyota models as the Camry, Sienna, Highlander, Venza, Crown and Crown Signia. It is coupled to an electric motor, a continuously variable transmission and standard all-wheel drive.

There are two trains of thought when it comes to dropping this driveline onto the CX-50 Hybrid. One, this is a compliance vehicle that help in meeting fuel efficiency and green credibility targets. It will satisfy those who want a hybrid option to the other two engine choices on the CX-50.

The other is from a Mazda owner perspective. They would assume that the hybrid driveline should be coupled to the Skyactiv-G engine, as in the CX-70 and CX-90. The expectation that it should perform like a Mazda should, even with an electric motor attached to it. 

The Toyota hybrid system in the CX-50 still propels the SUV with 219 total system horsepower. It did the job getting from point A to point B adequately. Yet, the Mazda owner (and enthusiast) would feel that something is missing in the equation. There is a noticeable lack of refinement in the driveline overall. We noticed some concern about the transition between the two motors and the lower speed threshold by using the EV button on the center console. 

Fuel economy-wise, we can report that we averaged 34.3 MPG. We observed several trips that earned over 40 MPGduring our time with it.

While this is a new driveline for Mazda, we have to understand that some components may not be of the standard expected by Mazda owners and enthusiasts. However, the world of business and this industry might see it as perhaps bringing new customers to the brand. 

Let’s talk about the rest of the CX-50 Hybrid, shall we?

For one, the design is familiar to us. There is a lot of continuity in the exterior, which is a good thing. You will notice the Hybrid badges on the front fenders and rear tailgate. The Premium Plus Hybrid wears 19-inch tires and wheels instead of the 20-inch sets on the non-hybrid versions of the same trim level. 

Inside, it also the same as in other CX-50 models. Hybrid models get a power/charge meter on the left dial instead of a tachometer. The center dial area is digital while the rest of the instrument cluster is analog. The only other noticeable difference is the aforementioned EV button. Everything else is what you expect in a CX-50 – tactile controls, sizeable shifter, and a thick-rimmed steering wheel. 

That includes the 10.25-inch Mazda Connect infotainment screen sitting on top of the dashboard. That also includes wireless smartphone integration as one playback source. Bose offers 12 speakers throughout the cabin. However, you still operate the system through the knob and associated buttons on the center console. 

The red leather seating is an exclusive offering to the CX-50 Hybrid Premium Plus model. Even with the red upholstery, the seats remain the same. The bolstering exists, yet the seats were mostly firm. Rear seat room is pretty good, however, one must mind the door sill, as it can be a challenge for some people. 

Cargo space is where the CX-50 Hybrid shines. There is 29.2 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. Fold them down, and you have up to 56.3 cubic feet available for loading up. 

Once you settle in, then you will find that the ride quality is a bit on the firm side. It becomes smooth on better stretches of road. On rougher surfaces, you can certainly feel those imperfections. We also found the CX-50 Hybrid quieter thanks to the tires on this tester. We also felt the extra weight from the battery installed below the cabin, which helped in balancing the driving experience overall. Handling was fine, which is something Mazda is well known for.

There was some heavier effort coming from the steering wheel. Still, it took a number of turns to get out of tight situations. Despite all of this, the on-center feel was fine. For the brakes, we felt the regenerative system kick in every time we depress the pedal. The pedal itself was fine, as were normal and panic stops. 

There are ten CX-50 trim levels available for 2025. Three of which are Hybrids. The entire lineup starts at $30,300 with Hybrid models starting at $33,970. Our Hybrid Premium Plus tester came with a sticker price of $42,065. 

Let us go back to the two trains of thought regarding the 2025 CX-50 Hybrid. Yes, we get that electrification is the way towards meeting fuel economy and emissions targets. We also understand that it takes collaboration to help make these goals. If you just want a hybrid SUV and like the CX-50’s design, perhaps that is worth looking at. 

However, there’s us Mazda folks. The brand loyalists, the enthusiasts, and very satisfied owners. We bought a Mazda because it drove like one. There is a driving signature that brings us back to the brand time and time again. It is why we have concerns about the driveline installed onto the CX-50 Hybrid. No offense to Toyota, but it doesn’t that “move…and be moved” feel to it. 

The 2025 CX-50 Hybrid is not a bad vehicle. Far from it. It is an alternative to the other two Skyactiv-G drivelines for those who want to get improved fuel economy and want some green credibility. Is it your choice? We’ll leave up to you.

DISCLAIMER: Vehicle provided by Mazda North American Operations – Our opinions are of our own

All photos by George Torline