2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid review: The best of both worlds
If there’s one thing Mazda needs, it’s a conventional hybrid option. The brand’s larger CX-90 and CX-70 SUVs are available as plug-in hybrids, but those are both larger and pricier than some Canadians want. And there is a Mazda-built hybrid powertrain on the way that’s expected to debut in the next-generation CX-5 sometime in 2026. In the meantime, Mazda is getting ahead of the game by offering the all-new 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid. It borrows the powertrain from the wildly popular Toyota RAV4 Hybrid thanks to a long-standing partnership between the two brands.
Through a recent day trip in Caledon’s Forks of the Credit, we conclude that for as long as this option lasts, the CX-50 Hybrid offers today’s compact SUV buyers the best of both the Mazda and Toyota worlds.
2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid review: Pros and cons
2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid Pros:
- About as stylish as an SUV gets
- Retains its outdoorsy, functional proportions
- Very competitive fuel economy figures
2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid Cons:
- Taller plastic cladding is a bit of an eyesore
- Continuously variable transmission (CVT) can be buzzy at higher speeds
- Some competitors offer geared transmissions and/or lower prices
Does the Mazda CX-50 come in hybrid?
Yes! Starting with the 2025 model year, the Mazda CX-50 is available with a hybrid powertrain. It joins the CX-50 line-up as a more urban-oriented offering, while the gas-powered CX-50—and especially the Meridian Edition—serves the wants and needs of more outdoorsy drivers.
How much power does the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid have?
The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid delivers a total system output of 219 horsepower. Because peak torque comes in at different points for the gas engine and the electric motors, overall maximum torque figures are not officially declared. You may see a torque figure floating around of 163 lb-ft, but this number is for the gas engine only and doesn’t accurately reflect how much power you feel when behind the wheel.
Thanks to a collaboration agreement between Mazda and Toyota, the hybrid powertrain in the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid is lifted directly out of the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. It uses a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine matched with three electric motors. One is mounted at the rear axle to create standard electric all-wheel drive. An e-CVT (continuously variable transmission) manages power delivery.
How does the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid drive?
The CX-50 Hybrid is a delight to drive. Although it’s 80 kilograms (175 pounds) heavier than the standard CX-50, the electric motors get this SUV moving quickly and help it feel more energetic than the base CX-50 at lower speeds. The CX-50 Turbo is a closer comparison in terms of drive feel, though the hybrid’s quieter operation and better fuel economy give it an advantage. The suspension is retuned to handle the CX-50 Hybrid’s weight and slightly taller body, and it retains the firm and stable drive feel Mazdas are known for.
For the most part, it’s a major benefit to have a Toyota powertrain fitted here. This well-proven setup has a reputation for excellent reliability. The one significant downside is the e-CVT, which makes its presence known under heavier acceleration. In the CX-50 Hybrid, it operates more quietly on average than in the RAV4 Hybrid.
What is the fuel economy of the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid?
The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid has estimated Canadian fuel economy figures of 6.4 litres per 100 kilometres in city driving, 6.1 on the highway, and 6.2 combined. This combined figure is slightly higher than the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid with which it shares its powertrain, and it’s also higher than the Ford Escape Hybrid. It matches the Kia Sportage Hybrid and is lower than the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid. Both those powertrains come with six-speed automatic transmissions, though, which some drivers may consider to be worth the trade.
Relative to the rest of the CX-50 line-up, the hybrid provides a clear advantage. The CX-50’s base engine has average fuel consumption figures of 9.7 L/100 km city, 7.9 highway, and 8.9 combined. The CX-50 Turbo measures at 10.4 L/100 km city, 8.2 highway, and 9.4 combined.
How big is the Mazda CX-50?
The Mazda CX-50 is a compact SUV with slightly larger proportions than its stablemate, the Mazda CX-5. The CX-50 is wider and shorter than the CX-5, an intentional design decision that makes it easier for outdoorsy uses such as loading kayaks or snowboards onto the roof.
In the CX-50 Hybrid, the only significant change in dimensions versus the gas model comes from adding the hybrid battery. It’s positioned underneath the second-row seats, which compromises rear seat and cargo room slightly. From an exterior perspective, ground clearance and overall length and width are the same. However, to make room for the battery, the CX-50 Hybrid’s body sits 3.5 centimetres higher than in the gas model. The plastic cladding therefore has more space to cover and is that much taller as a result. This and the extra badging on the CX-50 Hybrid are the only visual differentiators.
In Canada, the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid is available with Ingot Blue Metallic or Jet Black Mica exterior paint at no charge. (On the Kuro trim, Ingot Blue is not available and Jet Black is the only no-cost colour.) Wind Chill Pearl, Machine Grey Metallic, and Soul Red Crystal Metallic are available on all models. Polymetal Grey Metallic is exclusive to Kuro and GT. Prices for these paints range from $300 to $500. Our test model is the GT trim in Ingot Blue Metallic.
Interior design
If you’re familiar with the interior design in the gas-powered Mazda CX-50, then you’re already acquainted with the CX-50 Hybrid. From a design standpoint, the interiors in these models are identical.
Every CX-50 Hybrid trim sold in Canada is available with a black interior. The base GS-L receives leatherette upholstery. Leather is standard on higher trims, which also comes in Garnet Red on the Kuro model and Terracotta on the GT. Our test unit is equipped with the GT model’s black leather interior with camel stitching and piping.
Seat comfort
The CX-50 Hybrid comes with the same front seats as the gas-powered CX-50, which are comfortable and supportive. The only significant difference is the seat height, which is 3.5 centimetres higher due to the lifted body to accommodate the battery. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel are standard equipment on the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid in Canada. Heated outboard rear seats and ventilated front seats are offered on the GT trim.
While all other dimensions in the front row are the same, there is slightly less room overall in the CX-50 Hybrid’s second row versus the gas version. Headroom and legroom measure up at 932 and 959 millimetres respectively, versus 952 and 1,012 millimetres in the gas-only CX-50. We feel most drivers will be more than happy to trade this for the hybrid’s superior fuel economy.
How many car seats fit in the Mazda CX-50?
The Mazda CX-50 can accommodate two LATCH-secured car seats in the second row’s outboard positions or one car seat in the centre position. Because the CX-50 is wider than most compact SUVs, it could accommodate three car seats in its second row more comfortably than average. Note that all three seats would need to be designed for a narrow fit. The seat in the middle position would be secured by a seatbelt only, which requires careful installation.
How much cargo space is there in the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid?
Cargo space is slightly compromised in the CX-50 Hybrid versus the gas version. In the hybrid, you’ll find 826 litres of cargo capacity behind the second-row seats and 1,595 litres with them folded. The gas model offers 889 litres behind the rear seats, while the volume behind the front row is unchanged. Most drivers will be happy to give up this amount of space for the hybrid’s improved fuel economy. However, these cargo figures are lower than all of the CX-50 Hybrid’s competition, which includes the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Kia Sportage Hybrid, Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, and Ford Escape Hybrid.
Infotainment and technology features
The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid receives the same infotainment system as the standard CX-50. It’s housed within a 10.25-inch screen running the Mazda Connect infotainment system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard, as is a wireless charging pad. The screen can be optionally touch-operated, but only when Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are running. The rotary dial manages inputs for the rest of the system’s functions.
Instrumentation is also similar between the two CX-50 models. The 7-inch speedometer display in the middle is digital and provides visual guidelines for speed limits. What’s different in the CX-50 Hybrid is a gauge on the left that shows when the car is delivering power versus when the battery is recovering charge (such as during hill descents and under braking). An EV light indicates when the CX-50 Hybrid is using electric power only versus when the engine is operating. These visual aids offer some help to new hybrid drivers as they learn how to adjust their driving style to maximize fuel economy.
How much is the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid in Canada?
The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid launches in Canada with three trim levels. The base GS-L trim starts at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $42,950, while the Kuro trim starts at $44,850 and the GT rings up at $48,350. Destination charges are $2,095 extra on all trims. Expect to pay a few hundred dollars more in dealer and administration fees.
The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid is due to arrive at Canadian dealerships before the end of 2024.
Is the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid worth buying?
The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid presents a unique opportunity. Mazda does have its own hybrid powertrain on the way, though it will be an unknown quantity when it first arrives. Not only is Toyota’s hybrid powertrain already well-known for its durability and reliability, but the RAV4 Hybrid is also in very high demand and comes with long wait times. Though there are more affordable hybrid compact SUVs out there, the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid offers a chance to combine Toyota’s powertrain with Mazda’s premium-feel styling and drive dynamics. If that combination of fashion and function speaks to you over interior space and price, don’t hesitate to snap one up while you can.
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