The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid might not light a fire in the hearts of driving enthusiasts or create any intense thrill for those who crave exhilarating performance and spirited drives. Still, it stands out within the Mazda lineup as the most practical option, particularly for those seeking value and efficiency in their daily rides. Its hybrid powertrain promises better fuel economy compared to its non-hybrid counterparts, making it an appealing choice for city commuters and weekend wanderers alike. However, the package has its shortcomings, especially regarding seating comfort and certain refinement issues that could leave you feeling a bit frustrated.
After spending a week with the CX-50 Hybrid, which included a family road trip, here are the highs and lows that I discovered.
Pro: The Hybrid is the Most Efficient Option
Let’s get straight to the point: the CX-50 Hybrid is designed to be more fuel-efficient than any of its siblings. It utilizes a Toyota-sourced powertrain derived straight from the well-regarded RAV4 Hybrid. This system combines a 2.5-liter inline-4 engine with a hybrid system featuring two electric motors, and it includes an extra 54-hp motor that powers the rear wheels. The hybrid sports a 1.59-kWh nickel-metal-hydride battery pack and yields a combined total of 219 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque. With official EPA ratings of 39 mp in the city, 37 mpg on the highway, and 38 mpg combined, it dramatically outperforms the regular CX-50 models, which max out at 28 mpg combined for the non-turbo versions. In my week of mixed suburban driving, I averaged about 34.0 mpg, while highway excursions saw that number drop to approximately 31.2 mpg when cruising above 70 mph. It’s not quite what Mazda claims, but it’s still a solid showing.
Con: Powertrain Refinement Can’t Compete with Toyota
Despite its efficiency prowess, the driving experience doesn’t quite match the smoothness expected from a hybrid. At a standstill, there’s an irritating vibration that resonates through the steering wheel and seat, an unwelcome sensation that lingers during acceleration—especially when pushing down the accelerator more than halfway. This unsettling driveline shake can be invasive, leading to an overall feeling that something’s just not right in the drivetrain. It’s a stark contrast to the seamless delivery you’ll find in a Toyota RAV4, underlining why I’ve come to trust Toyota’s engineering for hybrids.
Pro: Sleek and Stealthy, an Unassuming Hybrid
A refreshing aspect about the CX-50 Hybrid is its discretion. Unless you spot that small “Hybrid” badge on the fender or tailgate, most people won’t even know you’re driving a hybrid. It avoids the typical visual quirks of hybrids that often call for attention or make a statement about fuel efficiency. This subtlety can feel liberating—after all, who wants to always display their eco-conscious choices like a badge of honor?
Con: Compromised Packaging for the Hybrid Version
While the CX-50 was already battling with rear-seat space issues compared to its CX-5 sibling, the hybrid model takes it a notch lower. The battery pack’s position under the rear seat leads to awkward seating arrangements. Despite the intended benefit of a higher driving position for those in the back, rear passengers will find that legroom has diminished. And if you’re in the front, good luck gracefully entering and exiting the car; the raised seat position makes it feel more like a booster seat, which didn’t sit right with my dad and friends. They struggled to get in without knocking their heads on the ceiling, resulting in a chorus of awkward grunts and groans.
Pro: Premium Feel with Top-Notch Materials
One thing that does shine in the CX-50 Hybrid is the interior quality. Mazda has gone above and beyond here, offering a cabin filled with soft-touch materials, intricate stitching on the dashboard, and thoughtfully designed seating that surpasses competitors like the RAV4 and Kia Sportage—certainly worth applause. You won’t just want to sit in it; you’ll want to show it off.
Con: Noise Levels Could Use Improvement
Realistically, you expect hybrids to provide a quiet, serene ride, right? The CX-50 Hybrid starts off well, keeping the intrusive gas engine at bay during casual city driving. But get up to speed on the highway, and suddenly, you’re faced with a disappointing reality. Wind noise seems to funnel in through the side mirrors and around the A-pillar, creating a cacophony that feels excessive. Above 55 mph, it can be downright loud, affecting the overall driving experience where peace and quiet should reign.
As for the price, the 2025 CX-50 Hybrid starts at a respectable $35,390 (which includes a $1,420 destination charge). The Premium Plus trim, which I tested, comes in at $41,920 and adds features like a head-up display, a sophisticated Bose audio system, and those coveted ventilated front seats. It even manages to undercut competitors like Honda’s CR-V Hybrid by over $1,000. Still, the compromises in packaging do hang in the air like an unresolved question mark.
Overall, the CX-50 Hybrid offers a viable hybrid option within Mazda’s lineup but leaves much to be desired in execution. Here’s hoping that Mazda’s forthcoming proprietary hybrid system for the next-generation CX-5 can address these lingering issues, providing a solution that meets both performance expectations and the needs of everyday drivers.
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