2025 MAZDA CX-50 Hybrid

We already like the regular CX-50 for the way it drives — engaging, but still comfortable — the high quality of the cabin, and that special Mazda style that makes each of the company’s vehicles a standout in their respective classes. Now there’s this, the new CX-50 Hybrid.

Mazda is still relatively new to this hybrid game, but has done the smart thing by sourcing drivetrains from the acknowledged hybrid master — Toyota. The combination of Mazda and Toyota attributes, each bringing their A-games, brings to mind that famous question: What’s not to love?

The non-hybrid Mazda CX-50 is reviewed separately.

The CX-50 Hybrid is a new variant this year, capable of a competitive 38 mpg combined.

The Preferred trim is a popular choice among buyers of the non-hybrid CX-50, and it has enough equipment for us to recommend it here as well.

The big players in this corner of the compact SUV world are the Honda CR-V Hybrid, Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Kia Sportage Hybrid, and Hyundai Tucson Hybrid. The Mazda’s starting price is in line with that of the CR-V Hybrid, toward the top of the range.

Before buying a new Mazda CX-50 Hybrid compact SUV, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should really pay. We expect resale values to be around average for the class. Remember, recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

With 219 horsepower, the CX-50 Hybrid compares well against the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and Kia Sportage Hybrid. We think the torque figure of 163 lb-ft is a little disappointing against the Kia’s 258 lb-ft, however. Does this matter much? Maybe not. We’ve driven the regular CX-50 and enjoyed every mile, not necessarily because of engine power (which is absolutely fine in the real world) but definitely because of the way this compact SUV goes about its business. Whether cruising highways or slugging it out in heavy city traffic, we’ve found the CX-50 adapts well, delivering smooth, consistent performance. Much of this results from multiple driving modes engineered to deliver consistency over a range of conditions.

Fuel Economy

In the efficiency stakes, the 2025 CX-50 Hybrid is right up there with its 38 mpg in combined city/highway driving. That’s only a couple of miles per gallon shy of the Honda CR-V Hybrid and the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. Compared with the non-hybrid CX-50’s best figure of 27 mpg combined, the CX-50 Hybrid can save in the ballpark of $50 per month in fuel costs.

Mazda designs some of the swisher interiors among mainstream marques. Despite its uptown vibe, the CX-50 Hybrid’s cabin furthers the impression that this is no wallflower. Although the CX-50 Hybrid’s rear legroom is more than adequate, its cargo space is below average for this compact SUV class. That said, we doubt many owners will ever actually run out of room.

There’s no mistaking a Mazda for anything else. The longish hood and short overhangs provide the CX-50 with a rakish, sporty look. We always contend that Mazda styling would be totally appropriate with a luxury badge.

All-wheel drive
The CX-50 Hybrid’s all-wheel-drive system is different than its gasoline-only counterpart’s, with an electric motor driving the rear wheels. That said, it’s still standard.

Driving modes
This hybrid drivetrain also has bespoke driving modes, like Power and Trail.

Dual-zone automatic climate control
A set-it-and-forget-it system, dividing the CX-50 Hybrid into left and right regions, each with separate temperature settings. Once set, the system maintains the preset temperatures automatically.

Driver assistance technologies
Mazda includes an array of safety tech like emergency forward braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and a driver attention monitor.

Head-up display
This color display projects vital information onto the windshield just below the driver’s line of sight, to help keep eyes on the road. This feature is more common in luxury vehicles, so we’re pleased to see it in a mainstream model. It comes in the Premium Plus trim of the CX-50 Hybrid.

Bose audio
Available in Premium and Premium Plus trims, this 12-speaker system features Bose Centerpoint and AudioPilot technologies for an immersive listening experience.

The new CX-50 Hybrid uses a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine and three electric motors to create a total output of 219 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque. This goes to all four wheels through an automatic transmission. Maximum towing ability is 1,500 pounds, which should work for a couple of personal watercraft on a trailer.

3-Year/36,000-Mile Warranty

Mazda’s new-vehicle warranty is for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever happens first. Powertrains are covered for five years or 60,000 miles. This is all typical for mainstream manufacturers, although Hyundai and Kia do better. Hybrid batteries have an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty.

Safety Ratings

Regardless of drivetrain, this generation of CX-50 has taken the highest accolade of Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and earned the maximum 5-Star overall score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).