Anthony FongaroIt’s a curious paradox: Mazda, the brand that built its reputation on driver-first engineering and Jinba Ittai handling, has taken its time entering the hybrid fray. While competitors flooded the market with electrified options, Mazda held back—until now. Enter the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid, a collaboration of sorts between Hiroshima’s style-forward artisans and Toyota’s bulletproof hybrid know-how.
We spent a week with the top-trim CX-50 Hybrid Premium Plus, and while it may not quicken your pulse the way a turbocharged CX-50 might, it presents an intriguing proposition for those seeking efficiency without sacrificing sophistication.
First Impressions: Rugged but Polished
From the curb, the CX-50 Hybrid is every bit as striking as its gasoline sibling. Our tester came cloaked in Machine Gray Metallic, a shade that highlights Mazda’s sculpted body lines with the subtlety of a tailored charcoal suit. Black cladding around the wheel arches and bumpers hints at adventure readiness, while 19-inch alloy wheels give the vehicle a planted, purposeful stance.
Blue accents on the Hybrid badge and black-painted wing mirrors add subtle contrast, though Mazda wisely avoids the overly “green” visual clichés some automakers still can’t resist. Around back, sleek LED taillights and a power liftgate round out a look that’s just aggressive enough to hold its own against the likes of the Hyundai Tucson XRT or Toyota RAV4 Adventure.
Interior: Where Mazda Still Outshines the Pack
Inside, the CX-50 Hybrid punches well above its weight class. Our test vehicle featured red leather upholstery and the Premium Plus trim’s full suite of creature comforts: heated and ventilated seats, a panoramic moonroof, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system that turns even casual playlists into private concerts.
Mazda continues to embrace an elegant minimalism in its cabin design. A thin, leather-wrapped steering wheel provides excellent feedback. Physical buttons control most climate and infotainment settings, a welcome reprieve from the tap-and-swipe madness dominating some luxury marques.
Still, the 10.25-inch infotainment screen remains a sore spot. Mazda’s rotary dial works fine for native controls, but when you enable Apple CarPlay or Android Auto—both wireless here—the screen suddenly becomes a touchscreen. The catch? It’s mounted so far away it feels like you’re stretching for the horizon just to skip a song. Pick your frustration.
Behind the Wheel: Efficiency, Elevated (Mostly)
Power comes courtesy of a Toyota-sourced 2.5L hybrid engine, paired with a trio of electric motors and a CVT gearbox. With 219 horsepower on tap, the CX-50 Hybrid gets from 0–60 mph in a respectable 7.6 seconds—quicker than many hybrids, slower than its turbocharged sibling.
If you’re hoping this Mazda hybrid brings the same grin-inducing playfulness as a Miata or even a CX-30, temper expectations. Under heavy throttle, the engine drones in a way that feels disconnected from the brand’s usual enthusiasm for rev-happy fun. But the payoff? It gets an EPA-estimated 35+ MPG, a number that makes the pain at the pump far less severe.
Three drive modes—Power, Normal, and Trail—adjust throttle mapping and power delivery, though only Power mode really feels different, turning the gauges red and sharpening response just enough to be useful. Mazda’s electric steering and composed chassis tuning still impress, but the hybrid’s extra weight does show up in corners with slightly more lean and less agility.
Practicality & Daily Luxury
Despite its sporty looks, the CX-50 Hybrid proves highly livable. The rear seat may feel tight for taller passengers, but cargo space is generous and accessible. The power liftgate operates with a premium smoothness, and thoughtful touches—like rear air vents and USB ports—make it feel like Mazda has thought through the everyday experience.
The Premium Plus also includes a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and other advanced driver aids. One major omission, however, is a 360-degree camera—unavailable even on this top trim, and sorely missed in tight parking situations.
The Verdict: Should You Go Hybrid?
The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid Premium Plus starts at just under $40,000, and in many ways, it justifies every penny. For buyers who want Mazda’s signature design and interior refinement—along with Toyota’s proven hybrid system—it’s an ideal middle ground.
Yes, the infotainment remains frustrating. And yes, it lacks the low-end punch of the turbo model. But the hybrid model’s efficiency, premium feel, and handsome design make it one of the most compelling electrified compact SUVs on the market today.
If you’re ready to save at the pump without surrendering style, the CX-50 Hybrid proves Mazda finally understands how to make hybrid driving a little more… distinctive.
Specifications – 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid Premium Plus
- Powertrain: 2.5L I4 Hybrid + 3 Electric Motors
- Horsepower: 219 hp
- Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
- Drivetrain: All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel Economy: 35+ MPG combined (est.)
- 0–60 mph: ~7.6 seconds
- Starting MSRP: $34,000
- As-Tested Price (Premium Plus): ~$40,000
