2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid delivers compromise

Consider us disappointed.

While the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid won’t set an enthusiast’s heart aflame, or really raise anyone’s pulse. And yet it’s probably the model in the Mazda lineup that makes the most practical value-focused sense. With a more fuel-efficient powertrain the CX-50 Hybrid will deliver better fuel economy than the rest of the lineup with enough power on tap for day-to-day driving. But the packaging—especially the seating arrangement—remains as flawed as it is in the non-hybrid CX-50, and the powertrain itself adds unexpected refinement issues. 

Here are the pros and cons of the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid after spending a week shuttling around town and then adding in a brief weekend road trip with the family.

Pro: The hybrid is the most efficient 2025 Mazda CX-50 model

Really that’s the point, right? The Toyota-sourced powertrain straight out of the RAV4 Hybrid pairs a 2.5-liter inline-4 with a planetary torque-split hybrid system featuring two electric motors, plus an additional 54-hp motor at the rear wheels. It has a 1.59-kwh nickel-metal-hydride battery pack, and the system makes a combined 219 hp and 163 lb-ft of torque. EPA ratings check in at 39 mpg city, 37 highway, and 38 combined. That’s significantly better than the CX-50’s 25/31/28 ratings, and especially the 23/29/25 turbo model’s ratings. My real-world mileage fell short of the ratings at a trip-computer-indicated 34.0 mpg over the course of 190 miles of mixed suburban driving. Then over the course of about 120 miles of highway driving at over 70 mph the CX-50 Hybrid averaged 31.2 mpg.

Con: Mazda CX-50 Hybrid powertrain is less refined than Toyota RAV4

At idle there’s an on- and off-again quiver that comes and goes through the steering column, steering wheel, and even front seat. That’s just while sitting still. While underway, regardless of speed, acceleration with the accelerator about three-quarters of the way to the floor would produce driveline lash that felt like a vibration, almost like a lockup issue with something not meshing correctly, which was felt throughout the entire car. These issues were consistent throughout the week and things I’ve never experienced in a Toyota RAV4.

Pro: Mazda CX-50 Hybrid is a sleeper

No one’s going to know this CX-50 is a hybrid unless they notice the small, discreet Hybrid badge on the front fender or rear tailgate. Or they are some sort of weird Mazda expert and know which models get which wheel designs. Nothing about this screams “I bought the efficient one.” Kind of nice.

Con: CX-50 Hybrid compromises compromised packaging

The CX-50 already has worse rear-seat packaging than its CX-5 sibling, and the Hybrid model makes matters (slightly) worse. The second-row stadium seating arrangement that places rear-seat occupants looking over those up front is modified for hybrid duty. You now sit closer to the floor, but higher from the ground because the battery pack is under the rear seat. This results in less leg room than the non-hybrid, but the rear seat of the CX-50’s already less comfortable due to the seat bottom position than the CX-5, so what’s a little more compromise in the name of fuel economy, right?

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the fact the front seats sit on brackets to place them higher—leading to a booster-seat impression that multiple editors in our editorial team have found unnatural for the rest of the package. Once inside this setup is livable, but both my father and friend struggled to contort their torsos and backs to slide into the front passenger seat without hitting their heads. Grunts and groans ensued.

Pro: CX-50 Hybrid delivers premium look and feel

Just like the CX-5 and other Mazdas, the CX-50 Hybrid punches above its competitors with soft-touch materials throughout the cabin, nice stitching on the dashboard, contrast piping on the seats, and kurled buttons for climate and audio functions. This is nicer than any Toyota RAV4, and it certainly beats a Kia Sportage interior.

Con: The CX-50 Hybrid is loud

Hybrids are supposed to be quiet. Around town the CX-50’s fine as long as the throttle isn’t matted to the floor. The gas engine is kept to a minimum ruckus in the background. But on the highway there’s what can only be described as a rather astonishing amount of wind noise coming off both the side mirrors and A-pillar area. Above 55 mph the CX-50 Hybrid is downright loud inside.

The 2025 CX-50 Hybrid costs a reasonable $35,390 including a $1,420 destination charge. My Premium Plus trim model cost $41,920 and added niceties such as a head-up display, 19-inch alloy wheels, Bose audio system, and ventilated front seats. Mazda undercut a loaded Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring model by $1,025 with the CX-50 Hybrid I drove, but the CX-50’s compromised packaging carries over.

The CX-50 Hybrid gives Mazda buyers a hybrid in the segment, but it only gives us pause—until, perhaps, Mazda’s upcoming in-house developed hybrid system for the next-gen CX-5.

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2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid Premium Plus

Base price: $35,390 including $1,420 destination charge

Price as tested: $41,920

Powertrain: 219-hp hybrid system, all-wheel drive

EPA fuel economy: 39/37/38 mpg

The hits: Sleeper hybrid status, sharp design, premium materials, undercuts CR-V Hybrid pricing, best fuel economy of any CX-50

The misses: Powertrain refinement issues, compromised seating, loud inside