Mazda is adding another hybrid to its lineup for 2025; the CX-50 crossover, which will get a hybrid powertrain borrowed from an unexpected place.
Mazda says the CX-50 Hybrid is designed around Toyota’s Hybrid System consisting of a 2.5-liter I4, a hybrid battery, three electric motors and a CVT paired with an all-wheel-drive system. The result is 219 horsepower and 163 pounds-feet of torque on regular fuel. Mazda says this is good enough to give the CX-50 Hybrid 38 mpg, or 40 percent better fuel economy than the non-hybrid CX-50.
You’ll be able to tell the CX-50 Hybrid apart from other CX-50s by its slightly different styling cues. There’s different wheels, a unique front bumper, a Hybrid specific red interior option and “Hybrid” badges on the front fenders.
Mazda says its engineers have specifically tuned the CX-50 Hybrid, focusing on things like throttle response and driving dynamics. The CX-50 Hybrid also gets additional drive modes like Power and Trail. And if you need to tow, it’s rated for 1,500 pounds. Mazda even thought of where to place the hybrid battery so it won’t intrude into cargo space, resulting in it being placed in the rear part of the floor.
Mazda places the CX-50 Hybrid trims in the middle of the lineup, above the naturally aspirated Premium and Premium Plus trims but below the Turbo trims. Buyers will be able to choose between Preferred, Premium and Premium Plus trims. Excluding destination charges, pricing for the CX-50 Hybrid Preferred starts at $33,970; CX-50 Hybrid Premium starts at $37,400 and the CX-50 Premium Plus starts at $40,050. The 2025 CX-50 Hybrid will arrive at dealers later this year.