Mazda CX-50 Hybrid Review: Sporty Looks Meet Underwhelming Hybrid Performance

The Mazda CX-50 has always held a special appeal, particularly for those of us who appreciate a crossover with a sporty edge. It’s a compact SUV that seems tailor-made for drivers transitioning from sports cars, needing more practicality without sacrificing driving enjoyment. However, in a crowded market dominated by giants like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, the standard CX-50 has struggled to capture mainstream attention. Its infotainment technology and fuel economy, crucial factors for crossover buyers, have lagged behind the competition.

Therefore, the announcement of a Mazda CX-50 Hybrid was met with considerable anticipation. The promise was alluring: retain the beloved sporty chassis, suspension, and steering of the original, but enhance it with an efficient hybrid powertrain. Electrified driving combined with improved fuel economy seemed like the perfect recipe to broaden the CX-50’s appeal. Optimism was high that this could be the CX-50 to truly challenge the segment leaders.

Unfortunately, the reality of the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid is less compelling than its initial concept. While it retains many of the desirable qualities of its gasoline-powered sibling and competes well in numerous aspects, the integration of a hybrid powertrain, sourced from the Toyota RAV4, feels like a misstep. Instead of enhancing the CX-50’s inherent strengths, the hybrid system seems to dilute its character, creating a vehicle that feels somewhat confused about its identity. It’s as if the CX-50 Hybrid is caught between two worlds, failing to fully commit to either sporty driving or cutting-edge hybrid technology.

So, who exactly is this Mazda CX-50 Hybrid designed for? It’s certainly not aimed at tech enthusiasts seeking the latest in hybrid innovation. Its powertrain is a conventional hybrid setup, and the cabin technology feels dated compared to newer rivals. Nor does it remain a genuinely sporty crossover, as the hybrid powertrain significantly diminishes its fun-to-drive factor. The CX-50 Hybrid occupies an awkward middle ground, a ‘tweener’ that struggles to excel in any particular area. It gives the impression of being a vehicle Mazda felt compelled to produce, rather than one born from genuine passion and innovation.

The Basics of the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid

Instead of embarking on the costly and time-consuming development of a proprietary hybrid system, Mazda opted for a pragmatic approach, leveraging its partnership with Toyota to source the hybrid technology for the CX-50 Hybrid from the RAV4 Hybrid. This collaboration is underscored by the fact that the CX-50, along with other Toyota models like the Corolla Cross Hybrid, is manufactured at a shared plant in Alabama. Beyond the powertrain, the CX-50 Hybrid maintains a striking resemblance to its standard gasoline counterpart. Visually, the distinctions are subtle, limited to hybrid badging and a modified instrument cluster where a battery charge/power gauge replaces the traditional tachometer.

If you were to overlook the “Hybrid” badges, differentiating it from the standard CX-50 would be a challenge, which is arguably a positive attribute. Since its introduction, the CX-50 has consistently been recognized as one of the most visually appealing crossovers in its class. Its low-slung, muscular design exudes a sportier demeanor than typically expected in this segment. All the signature styling elements that contribute to its attractive appearance – the robust, boxed wheel arches, the low ride height, the slender side windows, and the assertive black body cladding – are faithfully retained in the hybrid version. While new wheel designs are introduced, they remain stylistically consistent with the existing CX-50 wheel options.

The interior design philosophy remains largely unchanged in the CX-50 Hybrid. Mazda has made minimal alterations for hybrid duty, preserving the sporty and driver-centric cabin environment. This is a double-edged sword. On the positive side, the interior is well-constructed and ergonomically sound, providing a familiar and comfortable space for drivers accustomed to performance-oriented vehicles. However, the downside is the carryover of the outdated infotainment system. In a market where competitors are offering increasingly sophisticated and user-friendly technology, the CX-50 Hybrid’s infotainment feels generations behind, a potential source of disappointment for buyers in this price range.

As previously mentioned, the tachometer is replaced with hybrid-specific gauges. However, the information provided is quite basic, limited to indicating when the vehicle is utilizing battery power and when the battery is being recharged. It lacks the detailed power flow diagrams commonly found in the RAV4 and CR-V Hybrids, which offer a more comprehensive visualization of the hybrid system’s operation. For those who are genuinely interested in the intricacies of hybrid vehicle technology and its inner workings, the CX-50 Hybrid’s instrumentation might feel somewhat rudimentary and underwhelming.

Driving Dynamics of the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid

The RAV4-sourced powertrain is undeniably the central element of the CX-50 Hybrid, for better and, unfortunately, for worse. It comprises a 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle, naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine working in conjunction with three AC motors – two assisting the engine and one powering the rear axle, enabling all-wheel drive. The combined system output of 219 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque makes it the least potent CX-50 variant in the lineup, and this is reflected in its on-road performance. Regardless of speed or throttle input, the CX-50 Hybrid feels noticeably underpowered. The continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), known for its droning characteristics under heavy acceleration, further detracts from the driving experience.

While no one expects the CX-50 Hybrid to deliver sports car-like acceleration, the powertrain’s overall character is disappointingly bland, coarse, and simply unenjoyable to operate. This lack of driving engagement was a consistent letdown throughout the test drive. On the positive side, fuel economy is a strong point. During several days of testing, the CX-50 Hybrid averaged around 37 mpg, very close to Mazda’s official combined figure of 38 mpg.

The standard CX-50 stands out in its segment for its exceptional agility, steering feel, and overall balance, traits uncommon in most crossovers. It possesses a playful character that evokes the spirit of Mazda’s sports cars, surprising for an SUV. In terms of handling prowess, the Hybrid version remains faithful to its gasoline sibling. It confidently navigates corners with the same composure and responsiveness. However, the weakness emerges when attempting to exploit this agility with enthusiastic acceleration. Pushing the accelerator pedal to the floor reveals the powertrain’s limitations, failing to deliver the performance to match the chassis’ capabilities. It’s akin to having the agility of a star athlete but hampered by a lack of speed and power.

However, it’s not entirely negative. Mazda’s renowned suspension tuning expertise is evident in the Hybrid model, which delivers a ride quality that is just as refined and comfortable as its gas-only counterparts. The brakes are also commendable, offering excellent pedal feel and strong initial bite. Visibility is good, making it easy to place the CX-50 Hybrid precisely on the road. If you appreciate the driving dynamics of the standard CX-50, you’ll likely find the Hybrid version similarly enjoyable, up to the point where you demand more power.

Highs and Lows of the CX-50 Hybrid

For drivers who prioritize driving enjoyment, the CX-50, in general, offers a unique combination of steering feel, suspension tuning, and handling balance rarely found in the crossover segment. It carries the unmistakable DNA of the company behind the iconic MX-5 Miata. The main gauges are also praiseworthy for their simplicity and legibility, even if they appear somewhat basic compared to the increasingly digital displays in modern vehicles. While the hybrid-specific gauge cluster is less informative, the standard gauges are well-executed. The seats are another highlight, striking a good balance between providing lateral support during spirited driving and ensuring long-distance comfort. However, it’s important to note that these positives are equally applicable to the standard gasoline-powered CX-50.

Beyond the hybrid powertrain’s drawbacks, the CX-50 isn’t without other imperfections. The infotainment screen is a significant weakness, feeling decidedly outdated in the current automotive landscape. While the inclusion of standard wireless Apple CarPlay is a welcome feature, its usability is hampered by Mazda’s rotary scroll wheel controller. Although rotary controllers were favored in older BMW and Audi infotainment systems, those systems were designed around this input method. Apple CarPlay, however, is not optimized for rotary control, making its operation in the CX-50 somewhat cumbersome and frustrating.

Mazda CX-50 Hybrid Features, Options, and Competition

One notable advantage of the Hybrid model is the standard inclusion of all-wheel drive across all trims. Interestingly, the standard no-cost paint options are not the typical white and black. Instead, the CX-50 Hybrid offers blue and black as standard colors, a somewhat unusual choice that suggests a deviation from conventional color palettes.

The test vehicle was the top-tier Premium Plus trim, which commands a considerable premium over the base model. However, it is equipped with a generous array of features, including a panoramic sunroof, 19-inch alloy wheels, a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system, heated leather seats, and a heated steering wheel. While the as-tested price of $41,920 appears steep considering the CX-50 Hybrid’s modest power and performance, it’s comprehensively equipped and leaves little to be desired in terms of features.

The most direct competitor is undoubtedly the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, given their shared powertrain and similar price points. However, the RAV4 lineup also includes the plug-in RAV4 Prime, which, while more expensive, offers a significantly more potent and refined plug-in hybrid powertrain. The Honda CR-V Hybrid is another strong contender in this segment. Despite having a slightly lower horsepower rating on paper, its innovative two-motor hybrid system feels more responsive and energetic than the CX-50 Hybrid. While not as sporty in handling as the Mazda, the CR-V Hybrid compensates with a superior powertrain and more modern technology.

The Hyundai Tucson Hybrid also competes in this category, offering another option for buyers seeking a hybrid crossover.

Fuel Economy of the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid

Fuel efficiency is arguably the primary motivation for choosing a hybrid vehicle. The Mazda CX-50 Hybrid isn’t designed for outright speed or aggressive canyon carving, even though its chassis is inherently capable. Instead, its focus is on maximizing fuel economy. Official EPA fuel economy ratings for the CX-50 Hybrid were not available at the time of testing, but the observed 37 mpg in real-world driving is commendable. For drivers prioritizing fuel savings, the CX-50 Hybrid delivers on its promise. Mazda estimates fuel economy figures of 39 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 38 mpg combined, aligning closely with the observed test results.

These figures position the CX-50 Hybrid competitively within its segment, alongside hybrid versions of the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson, and Ford Escape.

Value and Verdict on the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid, despite a relatively modest price increase of $3,630 over the standard gasoline model, doesn’t present itself as a particularly compelling value proposition. While it offers significantly improved fuel efficiency compared to the standard CX-50, the market offers other hybrid crossovers at similar price points that deliver both better fuel economy and more advanced technology. If a hybrid powertrain is your primary objective, there are arguably more appealing alternatives available, including one that shares the same powertrain.

It’s understandable that some buyers might seek a vehicle that blends the best of both worlds – the engaging driving dynamics of the CX-50 with the fuel efficiency of a hybrid system. However, in the case of the CX-50 Hybrid, the hybrid powertrain compromises too much of the CX-50’s inherent character, making it a less satisfying compromise overall.