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.
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
*MSRP and Invoice prices displayed are for educational purposes only, do not reflect the actual selling price of a particular vehicle, and do not include applicable gas taxes or destination charges.
