Mazda has been slow to electrify its lineup. The brand’s only efforts so far have been the large CX-90 and CX-70 SUVs, as well the runty MX-30, which had a range of only 100 miles and equally underwhelming sales volumes. For the 2025 model year, though, Mazda is electrifying its compact CX-50 SUV with a hybrid powertrain sourced from a partner that has some expertise in this area: Toyota.
Related: 2023 Mazda CX-50 Review: Looks Aren’t Everything
Hybrid Efficiency
Nestled under the hood of the 2025 CX-50 Hybrid is a gas-electric powertrain like the one that powers the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. It’s based on a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine supplemented by two electric motors, with a third electric motor on the rear axle providing efficient all-wheel drive. (All CX-50s are AWD, regardless of powertrain.) A continuously variable automatic transmission handles shifting.
Mazda has not yet released output figures for the hybrid setup but does say the CX-50 Hybrid returns an EPA-rated 38 mpg combined. For comparison, the RAV4 Hybrid is rated at 39 mpg combined, or 37 mpg in the off-road-oriented Woodland Edition. So, the CX-50’s hybrid powertrain setup is likely little changed, if at all, from the 219 horsepower it generates in the RAV4. The hybrid can be distinguished from other CX-50s by its unique front end and wheels; an exclusive red leather interior is optional.
The CX-50’s other powertrains are largely unchanged, but the 2.5 S trim levels’ normally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder is tweaked for slightly better fuel economy; it makes 187 horsepower and 185 pounds-feet of torque and will get an automaker-claimed 25/31/28 mpg city/highway/combined — an increase of 1 mpg in every test (official EPA figures are not yet available). Turbo trims get a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder generating 256 hp and 320 pounds-feet on premium fuel, or 227 hp and 310 pounds-feet with regular gas; the 2024 model returned an EPA-rated 23/29/25 mpg. Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
Availability and Pricing
The 2025 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S and Turbo will arrive in dealerships in August, and the hybrid will go on sale toward the end of the year. Full line pricing, including a $1,420 destination charge, is as follows:
2.5 S
- Select: $31,720
- Preferred: $33,070
- Premium: $35,420
- Premium Plus: $38,920
Hybrid
- Preferred: $35,390
- Premium: $38,820
- Premium Plus: $41,470
2.5 Turbo
- Meridian Edition: $42,220
- Premium: $42,720
- Premium Plus: $44,720
Trim Levels and Safety Equipment
Mazda also bolstered the CX-50’s active-safety arsenal for 2025, adding an upgraded forward collision warning system that can better detect pedestrians at night, vehicle exit warning to alert passengers of vehicles approaching from the rear, and a rear-seat reminder to help prevent children and pets from being left in the vehicle. Other standard safety features include blind spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning and steering assist, lane-centering steering, a driver attention monitor, automatic high beams and rain-sensing windshield wipers.
In addition, the entry-level CX-50 2.5 S Select includes black 17-inch wheels, LED headlights, and keyless entry and starting. It’s upholstered in synthetic leather and features dual-zone automatic climate control, a 10.25-inch infotainment screen and eight speakers. The display is controlled by a knob unless running wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, in which case it responds to touch. The system also now features Alexa Built-In, which allows for voice control of some functions, such as the audio system and climate controls.
The 2.5 S Preferred adds a power liftgate, as well as heated side mirrors and windshield wipers. Inside, it gets heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat and wireless phone charging. Aside from its powertrain, the Hybrid Preferred trim is the same as the 2.5 S.
Upgrade to the 2.5 S Premium to get adaptive cruise control with stop and go to help in traffic jams, as well as road-sign recognition, a panoramic moonroof and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. Premium buyers also get leather seating in their choice of black or a hybrid-exclusive red. The Turbo Premium adds adaptive headlights, LED taillights, 20-inch wheels, paddle shifters and a full-color head-up display.
At the top of the lineup is the 2.5 S Premium Plus, which rides on 20-inch wheels and features the head-up display, power-adjustable passenger seat, ventilated front seats and black leather upholstery with camel stitching. The Hybrid Premium Plus rolls on 19-inch wheels and gets unique black-metal interior trim. The Turbo Premium Plus features additional safety equipment in the form of blind spot intervention that will resist lane changes when there’s a vehicle in the adjacent lane, a new front cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, a 360-degree parking camera with a new See-Through View function and rear emergency braking.
The Turbo Meridian is the off- (or at least dirt-) road variant of the CX-50 family. It wears unique 18-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires, distinct rocker-panel trim and matte-black hood graphics. Inside, it features heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, navigation with off-road mapping and over-the-air updates.
More From Cars.com:
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- 2023 Mazda CX-50 Earns Top Safety Pick Plus Award
- So You Want to Buy a Hybrid Car: 6 Things to Know
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