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 previously 12 months 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 can fill the wants of householders trying 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 bundle produces 219 horsepower (hp) and 163 pound-feet (lb.-ft.) of torque. The gas 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. Gas financial system numbers reported by Clear Fleet Report are non-scientific and characterize the reviewer’s driving expertise utilizing the sprint gauge pc. Your numbers might differ.
For comparability, Clear Fleet Report has reviewed the previously-released CX-50 fashions with these engines, efficiency and gas 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
- Gas 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
- Gas financial system: 25 metropolis/31 freeway/28 mixed
- Base trim value: $31,650
The gas financial system enhance within the hybrid is important, and the worth distinction between the two.5-liter gasoline-only mannequin and the hybrid is cheap at $2,320. Evaluate the gas financial system between these fashions, after which calculate the variety of miles pushed yearly to see what number of months it might take to match the worth premium for the hybrid.
The Mazda CX-50 Hybrid comes normal with an electronically managed constantly 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 handbook shift mode. The CX-50 Hybrid’s tow ranking is 1,500 kilos.
The graceful shifting e-CVT instantaneously makes use of driving knowledge, primarily based on the chosen drive mode, to ship the very best gas financial system because it seamlessly strikes between working on electrical energy or the environment friendly hybrid engine. A useful inexperienced EV mild seems each time it’s working solely on electrical energy.
Drive Time
Mazda persistently produces the best-handling vehicles and SUVs that aren’t offered as a sport or efficiency mannequin. Its engineers know 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 stunning coming from an organization that makes the improbable 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 normal 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 know-how 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 strong, protected and assured in all driving circumstances.
The suggestions between the motive force’s enter and the automobile’s response is what makes a Mazda really easy to drive. When diving into a good 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 unbroken arc radius or a double apex, there was little steering enter wanted to right and keep planted. The ability-assisted ventilated entrance disc and rear strong disc brakes stopped nicely, however may have a bit extra really feel to them.
Jay Chen, powertrain efficiency supervisor, advised us: “(With the) CX-50 Hybrid specializing in responsiveness, directness and liveliness, we really feel it gives a harmonious driving expertise.”
Soul of Movement Exterior Design
Previously few years, Mazda has been positioning itself to be extra upscale, hoping to turn out to be 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 attainable 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 extensive rear fenders give a commanding look. The black physique cladding wraps fully across the CX-50 Hybrid, however is usually a bit a lot, so it appears 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, vibrant roof rails, panoramic moonroof, built-in spoiler over the raked energy raise gate, vibrant twin exhaust ports and LED tail lights end off the design. Had the rear wiper been tucked beneath the spoiler, it might have taken Mazda a step nearer to near-premium.
Delicate “HYBRID” badges are discovered on the entrance fenders and raise gate.
Class-Above Inside
The inside is driver-centric with a bit increased seating place than the gasoline CX-50 as a result of 35mm raise in physique peak. The CX-50 Hybrid Premium Plus, which we drove, was totally loaded with the hybrid-exclusive crimson leather-based inside that included entrance seats with high stitching. The motive 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 outside existence.
The sprint has a easy and clear, logical structure 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 gas 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 need to use the controls on the leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel. The Mazda controller system has improved tremendously through the years, 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’ll 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 checklist of ordinary and optionally available security options together with entrance, facet, and air curtain airbags, four-wheel energy disc ABS braking system, dynamic stability management, traction management, adaptive cruise management, rear view digicam, tire strain monitoring system, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning and lane preserve 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 general security ranking, its highest rating. The 2024 CX-50 was security rated as a High Security Choose+ by the Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security, IIHS, so the 2025 must also 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 charge.
Most popular $35,390
Premium $38,820
Premium Plus $41,470
Observations: 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid
Zoom-Zoom might not be the corporate slogan, however fun-to-drive is the DNA that comes with the Mazda identify. The CX-50 Hybrid is just not 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 prospects an possibility between the 2 gasoline-only CX-50 fashions with larger gas effectivity and driving vary. It’s for patrons that desire a succesful CUV with an environment friendly hybrid powertrain.”
Assembled in Huntsville, Alabama, Tom Donnelly, president and CEO of Mazda North America, advised us the “CX-50 Hybrid comes on the proper time as prospects are in search of hybrid powertrains. Now we have 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 homeowners to go on extra street journeys and interact in additional outside actions.”
Mazda desires you to strap into the automobile seats and have enjoyable with the youngsters on a household trip, or seize your folks and take off for just a few days to the mountains or seashore. Go to your native Mazda vendor and take an prolonged take a look at drive to see for your self.
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Story by John Faulkner. Pictures by John Faulkner and Mazda.
Disclosure
Clear Fleet Report is loaned free take a look at automobiles from automakers to judge, sometimes for every 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 resembling long-term reliability or complete price of possession. As well as, we are sometimes invited to producer occasions highlighting new automobiles or know-how. 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 automobiles and information irrespective of those inducements.
Our focus is on automobiles that supply the very best gas financial system of their class, which leads us to emphasise electrical vehicles, plug-in hybrids, hybrids and different environment friendly powertrains. We additionally characteristic these environment friendly gas-powered automobiles which might be among the many high mpg automobiles of their class. As well as, we goal to supply critiques and information on superior know-how and the choice gas car market. We welcome any suggestions from car homeowners and are devoted to offering a discussion board for different viewpoints. Please tell us your views at [email protected].
