The Best Thing About the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid? It Uses the Toyota Hybrid System
If there’s one thing that’s true, it’s that Toyota has proven that hybrid power can be both fun and efficient. And buyers have become fans. Toyota’s hybrid cars and SUVs are top sellers, and the tech is so popular that Toyota has eliminated pure gas models of many of its vehicles.
But if you’re a fan of Mazda’s design and engineering, hybrid fuel economy has been elusive. Until now. In a partnership with Toyota, Mazda buyers can have more power and fuel efficiency in the new 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid.
This compact crossover brings athletic handling, tons of room, premium features, and a great driving range to fit active lifestyles. This sporty little compact crossover utility vehicle is so efficient that it’s estimated to have 100 more miles of range on a tank of gas versus other non-hybrid models, and without sacrificing a single thing. In fact, this hybrid addition brings all the Mazda driving dynamics, styling, and design that fans have come to expect, but it still packs stronger acceleration and more power.
This story is 100% human researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks. No AI was used.
Toyota Hybrid Inflected, But Still, Pure Mazda Design
Mazda’s Kodo design language shines in this vehicle, showing Mazda’s commitment to Japanese design aesthetics. Simple lines and an athletic stance pair with the chunky black cladding and unique bold grill that hints at ruggedness and its adventurous spirit. It’s a harmonious blend that carries into the interior both in the design and the hybrid driving style. Spoiler alert, it’s seamless. We’ll get to that soon.
2025 Mazda CX050 Hybrid Has An Elegant, Driver Focused Cabin
The interior is a simple blend of classic design and functionality.
Standout features are:
- The gear shifter that makes it feel like you’re hopping into a manual
- The contrast camel stitching lining the plush leather seats with both heating and ventilated options.
- Simple buttons and dials with manual air vents so it’s all easy to access without taking your eyes off the road.
- The french door center console – Do you have a favorite type of center console? I do! And the Mazda CX-50 has it. The french door console makes it super easy for both the driver and passenger to access the interior without making anyone move their arm.
- The panoramic glass roof.
Read: The 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club Edition Makes You Feel Like a Million Bucks
The Mazda CX-50 Hybrid Is Surprisingly Roomy
The CX-50 is weirdly spacious. Like, it’s definitely a compact vehicle but there’s some sort of alternate perception happening because I honestly don’t know how they make it feel so roomy. The full glass roof definitely helps and the powered opening feature is such a premium upgrade. The trunk is similarly surprising with an absolute ton of room with the seats up and enough space for you to lie down comfortably when they’re down.
Read: The 2022 Mazda CX-5 Signature: Luxury Feel Without the Luxury Pricetag
What You Get for the Money in the Preferred Entry-Level Model
Borrowing tried-and-true tech from Toyota hybrid vehicles, the CX-50 features the Toyota Hybrid System (THS) powertrain that combines 3 electric motors into 219 horsepower, with three trims available starting at $33,970 all the way up to $40,050.
- CX-50 Hybrid Preferred:
- Starting at $33,970
- Unique 17-inch wheels
- 10.25 inch display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Four USB-C ports plus wireless phone charging
- Alexa built-in integration
- Heated front seats
- Power Lift gate
And, For a Little More, Get a Little More
CX-50 Hybrid Premium adds more luxury details:
- Starting at $37,400
- Leather seating options
- Panoramic moonroof
- 12-speaker Bose system
- Drivers assistance tech
And for those who want fully loaded, there is the CX-50 Hybrid Premium Plus:
- Starting at $40,050
- 19-inch aero wheels
- Premium interior features like black metal trim, camel stitching, and ventilated front seats.
- Comprehensive drivers assistance
What It’s Like Behind the Wheel of the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid
The seasoned tuning of the Toyota hybrid system is evident. The transitions between EV and internal combustion are super smooth. You may not even notice that the CX-50 is a hybrid at all.
Roll up to a traffic light and the engine silently turns off. When the light turns green, you’ll roll into motion in EV mode as the engine seamlessly and quietly reengages. It’s a perfectly engineered process and you’ll love the benefits of a hybrid without even realizing it’s happening. Mazda’s trademark suspension shines, making this a peppy and responsive ride that will make running errands a bit more exciting and coax you to go on an adventure too.
A Big Cup in a Compact Crossover: Will It Fit?
If you’re a Stanley Cup or other giant water bottle fan like me, you might encounter the only downside to the Mazda CX-50 cabin. Due to the location of the drink holders, you can’t really fit a large beverage without it jamming against the buttons. You can totally switch to a smaller water bottle but, I don’t know about you, I love having my trusty cup to get my daily ounces.
Other than that, the 2025 CX-50 Hybrid is one of the best compact crossover utility cars you can buy right now. It’s like having the best of both worlds, combining the Toyota hybrid system with Mazda’s fun to drive, popular CX-50, filled with features and fun, and also, more fuel efficient than ever.
Categorized:Car Reviews
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