New Compact Crossover—the Most Environment friendly Mazda
The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid is the third iteration of this compact crossover utility car (CUV), following turbocharged and non-turbocharged gasoline-only fashions. The importance of the CX-50 Hybrid is fairly clear. Mazda has been late to electrification, solely prior to now yr or so providing a hybrid and plug-in hybrid within the CX-70 and CX-90. Now with three hybrids in its line-up, Mazda is catching-up quick. Count on extra quickly.
The CX-50 Hybrid is a part of Mazda’s SUV/CUV quiver, smallest to largest, of the CX-30, CX-5, CX-50, CX-70 and CX-90.
Hybrid vs. Different Fashions
Going hybrid enters Mazda into the dialog of now having a extra environment friendly compact CUV that may fill the wants of householders seeking to drive cleaner and go additional on a tank of gasoline.
The CX-50 Hybrid has a 2.5-liter non-turbo engine mated to a few electrical motors. That package deal produces 219 horsepower (hp) and 163 pound-feet (lb.-ft.) of torque. The gasoline financial system is rated at 39 mpg metropolis/37 freeway/38 mixed. The bottom value is $33,970.
In 242 miles driving in California’s Orange and San Diego counties we averaged 39.9 mpg. Gasoline financial system numbers reported by Clear Fleet Report are non-scientific and signify the reviewer’s driving expertise utilizing the sprint gauge laptop. Your numbers could differ.
For comparability, Clear Fleet Report has reviewed the previously-released CX-50 fashions with these engines, efficiency and gasoline financial system numbers, and base trim value.
- Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter twin scroll turbocharged 4-cylinder engine
- Up-to 310 hp and 320 lb.-ft. of torque
- Gasoline financial system: 23 metropolis/29/freeway/25 mixed
- Base trim value: $40,800
- 2.5-liter non-turbo engine
- 187 hp and 185 lb.-ft. of torque
- Gasoline financial system: 25 metropolis/31 freeway/28 mixed
- Base trim value: $31,650
The gasoline financial system enhance within the hybrid is important, and the value distinction between the two.5-liter gasoline-only mannequin and the hybrid is affordable at $2,320. Examine the gasoline financial system between these fashions, after which calculate the variety of miles pushed yearly to see what number of months it could take to match the value premium for the hybrid.
The Mazda CX-50 Hybrid comes customary with an electronically managed repeatedly variable transmission (eCVT) and digital all-wheel drive (e-AWD). The Mi-Drive has driver-selectable modes of Regular, Energy and Path, mixed with a guide shift mode. The CX-50 Hybrid’s tow score is 1,500 kilos.
The graceful shifting e-CVT instantaneously makes use of driving information, primarily based on the chosen drive mode, to ship one of the best gasoline financial system because it seamlessly strikes between working on electrical energy or the environment friendly hybrid engine. A useful inexperienced EV gentle seems every time it’s working solely on electrical energy.
Drive Time
Mazda constantly produces the best-handling vehicles and SUVs that aren’t bought as a sport or efficiency mannequin. Its engineers know tips on how to design a chassis that produces top quality driving dynamics. The CX-50 Hybrid continues this lengthy custom because the journey was easy and assured at freeway speeds whereas agile when cornering. This isn’t shocking coming from an organization that makes the implausible dealing with MX-5 Miata.
Adapting the gasoline CX-50 to a hybrid started with Mazda using the Toyota Hybrid System that features a gasoline engine, three motors, the e-CVT and customary e-AWD. The gasoline engine powers the entrance wheels whereas there are two electrical motors within the entrance (a starter motor and a restricted drive motor) joined by the extra highly effective traction motor on the rear axle. To accommodate the entrance motors, the transaxle was widened and the rear needed to be redesigned to accommodate the e-axle. The 105-pound nickel-metal hydride hybrid battery, positioned beneath the rear seats, improved the front-to-rear weight distribution and lowered the middle of gravity, which is all the time a plus for dealing with.
The suspension and chassis expertise from the gasoline CX-50 fashions haven’t modified, which suggests the G-Vectoring Management system is carried over. Mazda’s G-Vectoring system adjusts engine torque, shifts weight to the entrance wheels in response to the steering wheel movement, will increase steering response and applies a little bit of the anti-lock brakes to ease cornering. The 4,008-pound curb weight felt stable, protected and assured in all driving circumstances.
The suggestions between the driving force’s enter and the automotive’s response is what makes a Mazda really easy to drive. When diving into a decent nook the CX-50 Hybrid dug in properly with management by the dynamic stability and traction controls, G-Vectoring, and the 225/55 Goodyear Eagle Touring all-season tires on 19-inch machined alloy wheels with black metallic paint. On a seamless arc radius or a double apex, there was little steering enter wanted to appropriate and keep planted. The facility-assisted ventilated entrance disc and rear stable disc brakes stopped nicely, however might have a bit extra really feel to them.
Jay Chen, powertrain efficiency supervisor, instructed us: “(With the) CX-50 Hybrid specializing in responsiveness, directness and liveliness, we really feel it supplies a harmonious driving expertise.”
Soul of Movement Exterior Design
Previously few years, Mazda has been positioning itself to be extra upscale, hoping to change into a near-premium model. Using its Kodo: Soul of Movement design theme, the CX-50 Hybrid has a slim entrance grille, slim LED head and daytime working lights that take up as little actual property as doable on the entrance fenders. The flip alerts are mere slits sitting simply above the body-color decrease fascia.
The lengthy hood, laid-back windshield, brief entrance and rear overhangs and the vast rear fenders give a commanding look. The black physique cladding wraps utterly across the CX-50 Hybrid, however generally is a bit a lot, so it seems higher in opposition to darkish paint. Our tester was painted in Machine Grey Metallic that carried a $595 premium.
The body-color shark fin antenna, brilliant roof rails, panoramic moonroof, built-in spoiler over the raked energy elevate gate, brilliant twin exhaust ports and LED tail lights end off the design. Had the rear wiper been tucked beneath the spoiler, it could have taken Mazda a step nearer to near-premium.
Refined “HYBRID” badges are discovered on the entrance fenders and elevate gate.
Class-Above Inside
The inside is driver-centric with a bit larger seating place than the gasoline CX-50 as a result of 35mm elevate in physique peak. The CX-50 Hybrid Premium Plus, which we drove, was totally loaded with the hybrid-exclusive pink leather-based inside that included entrance seats with high stitching. The driving force will get 8-way energy changes with lumbar and reminiscence and the passenger 6-way energy changes; each are heated and ventilated.
The rear seat comfortably holds two adults, three for brief distances, and comes with a middle folding armrest with cup holders and two USB-C ports.
The CX-50 Hybrid has ample leg and head room, with the cargo space measuring 43.1-cublic inches with the rear 60:40 seat upright; 75.4 inches when lowered. Mazda has focused the CX-50 Hybrid, with seating for 5, for folks with lively and out of doors life.
The sprint has a easy and clear, logical format with loads of smooth contact supplies. Three easy-to-read spherical gauges with black faces and white letters are a part of a 7-inch TFT (Skinny Movie Switch) LCD multi-information show for the speedometer, odometer, tachometer, common gasoline financial system, and unique to the hybrid, an influence meter exhibiting when the battery is charging or the quantity of electrical energy or gasoline getting used when working.
The middle show, which is not a contact display, measures 10.25-inches for the 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint premium sound system with AM/FM HD radio, SiriusXM, Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio controls, Alexa Constructed-in, and wi-fi Apple Automotive Play and Android Auto. On some trims the Mazda sound system has eight audio system, however nonetheless comes with the identical measurement display.
The Commander wheel situated on the middle console controls the system. Alternately, you should utilize the controls on the leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel. The Mazda controller system has improved significantly over time, however remains to be distinctive to these we discover on different vehicles. With repetition, the Mazda system turns into snug to make use of, and you may negotiate most duties with out eradicating your eyes from the street.
Security and Warranties
The 2025 CX-50 Hybrid comes with i-Activesense that provides an intensive record of normal and optionally available security options together with entrance, aspect, and air curtain airbags, four-wheel energy disc ABS braking system, dynamic stability management, traction management, adaptive cruise management, rear view digital camera, tire stress monitoring system, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning and lane maintain help, rear cross site visitors alert, rear parking sensors, and an anti-theft alarm and engine immobilizer.
The Nationwide Freeway Transportation Security Administration, NHTSA, gave the 2025 CX-50 Hybrid a 5 Star total security score, its highest rating. The 2024 CX-50 was security rated as a High Security Decide+ by the Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security, IIHS, so the 2025 also needs to be the identical.
The 2025 CX-50 Hybrid comes with these warranties:
- Hybrid/Electrical Battery – Eight years/100,000 miles
- Powertrain – 5 years/60,000 miles
- Primary – Three years/36,000 miles
- Roadside Help – Three years/Limitless miles
- Corrosion – 5 years/Limitless miles
Pricing
The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid is available in three trims with these costs, together with the $1,420 supply, processing and dealing with payment.
Most well-liked $35,390
Premium $38,820
Premium Plus $41,470
Observations: 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid
Zoom-Zoom could not be the corporate slogan, however fun-to-drive is the DNA that comes with the Mazda title. The CX-50 Hybrid shouldn’t be marketed as a sport compact crossover, however is being positioned to households for errands, commuting and the occasional weekend journey.
John Leverett, launch technique supervisor, mentioned: “The CX-50 Hybrid provides clients an possibility between the 2 gasoline-only CX-50 fashions with higher gasoline effectivity and driving vary. It’s for purchasers that desire a succesful CUV with an environment friendly hybrid powertrain.”
Assembled in Huntsville, Alabama, Tom Donnelly, president and CEO of Mazda North America, instructed us the “CX-50 Hybrid comes on the proper time as clients are in search of hybrid powertrains. We’ve seen sturdy demand for our CX-70 and CX-90 hybrid fashions.” Donnelly went on, saying: “We all know the CX-50 Hybrid has the qualities to encourage house owners to go on extra street journeys and interact in additional out of doors actions.”
Mazda needs you to strap into the automotive seats and have enjoyable with the youngsters on a household trip, or seize your mates and take off for a number of days to the mountains or seashore. Go to your native Mazda seller and take an prolonged take a look at drive to see for your self.
Be sure to opt-in to the Clear Fleet Report e-newsletter (high proper of web page) to be notified of all new tales and car opinions.
Story by John Faulkner. Photographs by John Faulkner and Mazda.
Disclosure
Clear Fleet Report is loaned free take a look at autos from automakers to judge, sometimes for per week at a time. Our street checks are primarily based on this one-week drive of a brand new car. Due to this we don’t handle points reminiscent of long-term reliability or complete price of possession. As well as, we are sometimes invited to producer occasions highlighting new autos or expertise. As a part of these occasions we could also be provided free transportation, lodging or meals. We do our greatest to current our unvarnished evaluations of autos and information irrespective of those inducements.
Our focus is on autos that provide one of the best gasoline financial system of their class, which leads us to emphasise electrical vehicles, plug-in hybrids, hybrids and different environment friendly powertrains. We additionally function these environment friendly gas-powered autos which are among the many high mpg autos of their class. As well as, we purpose to supply opinions and information on superior expertise and the choice gasoline car market. We welcome any suggestions from car house owners and are devoted to offering a discussion board for different viewpoints. Please tell us your views at [email protected].
