Mazda Adds New Hybrid to 2025 CX-50 Portfolio

Mazda generated a lot of buzz when it introduced the CX-50 last year. The Japanese automaker appears to be looking keep that excitement going for the 2025 model year by adding a hybrid model to its lineup.

Not only did the company add a hybrid that gets an EPA-estimated 38 mpg, but it expanded the list of standard equipment on the Turbo model as well as bolstering its standard i-Activsense advanced driver assistance technology.

Like many automakers, Mazda is growing its electrified lineup and the CX-50 is the latest model to get the update. The CX-50 Hybrid offers over 100 miles of extra driving range compared to CX-50 2.5 S models based on the same calculation methodology as fueleconomy.gov., Mazda officials noted.

The CX-50 is the third best-selling vehicle in the company’s lineup through the first six months of 2024, including setting a new record in June.

What’s available

The 2025 CX-50 is available in 10 trim levels across three powertrain choices with standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The powertrains are all based around the brand’s 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. The introductory level is the CX-50 2.5 S model.

Mazda is powered by a Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder putting out 187 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque on regular 87-octane fuel. Mazda engineers tweaked the new engine to improve its fuel economy for 2025. The CX-50 2.5 S models boast an EPA estimated 25 mpg city, 31 mpg freeway and 28 mpg combined, up one mpg in every segment.

This engine is paired to a Skyactiv-Drive 6-speed automatic transmission. The CX-50 2.5 S comes standard with i-Activ All-Wheel Drive and Mazda Intelligent Drive Select, or Mi-Drive, with Sport and Off-Road modes as well as an available Towing mode on select packages.

Drive modes can be selected with the Mi-Drive control and will help the crossover SUV perform naturally and confidently in a wide variety of driving conditions, or while towing up to 2,000 pounds when equipped with Mazda genuine towing accessories.

Turbocharged

Buyers can upgrade to the 2.5 Turbo and see the base engine boost the power output to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque when using 93-octane gas. It drops to 227 hp and 310 lb-ft using 87-octane gas. It’s also mated to the 6-speed automatic that comes with a manual shift mode using steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

The 2.5 Turbo models also enjoy the standard i-Activ All-Wheel Drive and other technology found on the 2.5 S crossovers. The towing capacity jumps, however, to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped.

Turbo models feature unique Turbo badging, larger exhaust pipes, LED taillights, and Adaptive LED front lighting system with LED auto-leveling headlights.

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Saving gas

Mazda officials say the CX-50 Hybrid platform has been designed around the Toyota Hybrid System. The system is made up of a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, hybrid EV battery, three electric motors, electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (eCVT), and standard Electric AWD (eAWD).

This setup develops 219 hp and 163 lb-ft of torque on regular 87-octane fuel. CX-50 Hybrid’s 38 mpg combined equates to a 40% improvement compared to CX-50 2.5 S — or approximately $575 in fuel savings per year versus CX-50 2.5 S

The hybrid model tows 1,500 pounds, offers tuned drive modes and improved driving dynamics. The company also designed the cargo area of the Hybrid model to increase the storage area with the placement of the hybrid battery. This will allow owners to carry larger objects like bicycles in the space, officials noted.

What else?

The CX-50 2.5 S is offered in four trim levels — Select, Preferred, Premium and Premium Plus — while the Hybrid and Turbo models offer three trims. All models get Alexa Built-in, a hands-free system that allows the driver to use voice commands to change the vehicle temperature or radio station and even smart home devices.

The entry-level 2.5 S Select forms the baseline for all the other vehicles in the CX-50 group. On the inside, it includes a 10.25-inch full-color center display with HD Radio and four USB-C ports, 8-speaker audio system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, with touch functionality, and the Mazda Connect Infotainment system.

It also provides the Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry with push-button start, a 7-inch TFT LCD instrument panel display dual-zone automatic climate control with rear passenger vents, a leather-wrapped shifter and steering wheel, leatherette seating, LED interior lighting, among other standard features.

Safety first

For 2025, Mazda has enhanced the standard driver assistance and vehicle safety technology in CX-50 with the inclusion of rear seat alert, vehicle exit warning and an improved version of Smart Brake Support that includes provisions for nighttime pedestrian detection and head-on collision mitigation.

Additional standard active and passive safety features carryover to all CX-50 packages and include Smart Brake Support with pedestrian detection, Blind Spot Monitoring, Driver Attention Alert, Lane Departure Warning System, Lane Keep Assist, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

From there, buyers can add packages with options ranging from Bose premium audio systems, panoramic roofs, wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches, power rear liftgates, heated front seats, roof rails, off-road upgrades including trail mapping and more.

Mazda did release the pricing for the new models. The 2.5 S Select begins at $30,300 not including the destination fee of $1,420 which brings the total price to $31,720. The highest price CX-50 is the 2.5 Turbo Premium plus at $44,720, including the destination fee. The Hybrid Preferred starts at $35,390, including fees.