This new Hybrid from Mazda hides a surprising heart
2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid review by The Road Beat
Words and pictures: Mitchell Weitzman
There are times when sharing components can reap great rewards for those involved, and Mazda has benefited immensely from this latest collaboration between two unlikely allies. "Mazda makes a CX-50 hybrid?" a friend asked, and the honest answer is a kind-of-sort-of no. Because while this is a Mazda CX-50 on the outside and inside, its new modestly beating heart comes from Toyota, sharing an engine with the best-selling RAV4 Hybrid. I didn’t see that coming, and I’m so happy Mazda made this deal happen—because if you can’t beat them, then take from them. And after all, nobody does consumer hybrids quite like Toyota. The result is a CX-50 that is the superior choice for most consumers and, at the same time, renders the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid largely irrelevant.
Picks
Transforming into a hybrid has lost nothing in the way of Mazda’s superlative style and interior quality. So, as before, we’re left with a sharp and stylish exterior that looks and feels increasingly upscale once you open the doors. Other mainstream brands have certainly upped their game when it comes to luxury flair on everyday cars, but Mazda still leads the way with an attention to detail on all the crucial touchpoints that are simply better.
While a friend was home visiting for the holidays, on their first ride in the Mazda, they were delighted by the mechanically solid and substantial feel of the volume knob and other controls. They also appreciated how soft the dashboard was. It just goes to show that people experiencing a Mazda for the first time come away impressed by how under-the-radar and undervalued the brand remains to this day.
Now that we have the powertrain taken from a Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, oomph comes from a reasonable 219 horsepower, readily available at all times. The overall economy measured out as a fantastic 32 MPG during a cold winter week with the heater on high for each drive. That may be about couple MPG less than a RAV4 Hybrid, but we’re talking over 30 MPG in a fairly luxurious and gorgeous Mazda, which is a stupendous figure and significantly better than Mazda's own conventional offerings. Toyota has also developed seamless operation and instant response in its hybrid systems, and this is no different. It’s worlds better than the plug-in hybrid unit Mazda developed for its huge CX-90 SUV, which is, frankly, a travesty in terms of refinement. Quite honestly, Mazda paging Toyota for some hybrid help is a good and powerful move.
And because it’s still a CX-50, the driving experience remains best-in-class. Steering? Delightful, with meaty weighting that enhances each drive with increased confidence. Pairing with the precise steering is a dynamic chassis that makes a compelling dance partner—whether it’s a laid-back slow dance or an upbeat and energetic foxtrot. AWD adds composure and all-weather capability, but the real magic is how willing and able the nose is, ready to be guided in nearly any and all directions. Mazda built its reputation on its zoom-zoom heritage, and their pedigree of fun-to-drive vehicles continues to this day. It might not quite be a murder on the dance floor, but this remains a shockingly fun way to put on the ritz every single day in a sensible family crossover.
Nicks
There aren’t many issues here, and most readers will find these to be minor nitpicks. But nitpicks can’t be overlooked by those they may bother. Perhaps the most annoying quirk is the center display screen, which is only touch-capable when at a stop or up to 2 MPH, weirdly. After that, you have to use the rotary click wheel. It isn’t bad to use, but Apple CarPlay is definitely meant to be used by touch, making this an odd design choice. A recent CX-30 now has an option to allow full touchscreen use at all times, so hopefully that makes its way to the CX-50, too
There’s also the returning subject of the engine. While this Toyota-sourced four-cylinder hybrid delivers excellent fuel economy, it’s still a four-cylinder Toyota engine. In other words, it’s a coarse and groaning main act, emphasized by a CVT transmission that holds and maintains the same engine speed, making the dreary sobbing noises all the more apparent. Mazda’s own four-cylinders are smoother and produce a far more pleasing sound, but the tradeoff for this newfound economy is newfound four-cylinder coarseness. You also sacrifice the finite punch of Mazda’s own turbocharged 2.5-liter unit, which produces over 300 foot-pounds of torque and gets to 60 MPH from rest nearly a full second faster.
Additionally, there were some rattles emanating from the rear of the CX-50 on rougher roads. Given the low mileage on this exact example, that would be a concern for me as a new owner—worthy of a trip back to the dealer or at least some investigation.
The best crossover available?
After receiving a heart transplant from Toyota’s RAV4 Hybrid, the CX-50 Hybrid is now one of the most attractive crossovers on sale today—not just aesthetically, but also in terms of its superb driving characteristics and excellent economy. For many, saving on gas is a top priority in a world with ever-rising living expenses. Before this test, choices were limited to either a Toyota or Honda to maximize savings at the pump, or commit to all-electric altogether even. How Mazda scored this deal—and how Toyota let it happen—is one thing, but what matters is that the same CX-50 is still here with all its intrinsic values. Now, it also has the efficiency trump card to play against its key rivals, and undoubtedly, this new version will attract and convert many consumers to Mazda.
2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid Premium Plus
As-tested price: about $42,500
Pros: Excellent economy; Great style inside and out; Same Mazda dynamics Cons: Toyota engine is coarse when accelerating
Basic Specifications
Powertrain & Performance
Hybrid 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine paired with three electric motors
Combined output of 219 horsepower
Electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (e-CVT)
Standard all-wheel drive (e-AWD)
EPA-estimated 38 MPG combined
Road Beat Real World 32 MPG
Exterior Dimensions
Length: 186.1 inches
Width: 75.6 inches
Height: 63.5 inches
Wheelbase: 110.8 inches
Interior & Cargo Space
Cargo volume: 29.6 cubic feet behind rear seats
Technology & Convenience
10.25-inch infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
12-speaker Bose audio system with Centerpoint and AudioPilot
Built-in Alexa integration
Wireless phone charging
Four USB-C ports
Navigation system
Surround-view monitor
Full-color Active Driving Display projected onto the windshield
Towing Capacity
Up to 1,500 pounds
Pricing
Starting MSRP: $42,065 (including destination charges)
More photos of the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid Premium Plus
Thank you for reading The Road Beat's honest and candid 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid review. All photos by mitchellweitzmanphoto.com. Please subscribe to never miss a review, published weekly.
