Zoom-Zoom, Sip-Sip: The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid

A couple of stipulations are in order.

First, I am a fan of the Mazda CX-50, as witnessed in this review from January of this year, and this review from almost two years ago, and heck, even this introductory review from three years ago.

Second, I am a fan of hybrid vehicles, a simple pairing of a gasoline engine and an electric motor with more than a quarter-century of proven reliability, providing an increase in fuel economy and oftentimes a boost in performance as well.

Mazda's new CX-50 Hybrid does both of those things---as long as you're comparing the right CX-50s.

Mazda took a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, added three electric motors, and came up with a package that the EPA says is good for 38 mpg combined city/highway. I managed 36.5 and that's pretty close.

When compared to S (non-turbo) versions of the CX-50, that's a 40% improvement in fuel economy. It's also a jump in horsepower from 187 (and 185 pound-feet of torque) to 219 (and 163 pound-feet of torque). There's also a switch from a six-speed automatic transmission to a CVT (continually variable transmission). All-wheel-drive is standard.

Best of all, the CX-50 Hybrid is almost a full second quicker to 60 from a standing start compared to the CX-50 S---taking the 8.5-second run for the thirstier non-hybrid down to 7.6 for the new hybrid.

I'll bet that feels really good if you've been driving the non-hybrid CX-50 S.

And this is where I'll very gently mention that in three years, every CX-50 Mazda has sent for me to review has been the CX-50 Turbo, which does 0-60 in 6.6 seconds. So the hybrid feels a little...poky?

That might be something I could learn to live with, though, for a 12 mpg boost in EPA combined fuel economy. And the CX-50 Hybrid still has Mazda's sharp handling characteristics that make it among the most fun to drive vehicles even when your right foot doesn't command the immediate attention it's used to.

Beyond that, it's all the usual CX-50 goodness, including generous cargo space----31.4 cubic feet behind the second-row seats, and 56.3 with that row folded.

And rear seat legroom remains a major selling point at 39.8 inches.

The base price of the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid Premium Plus (the top trim line) is $40,050 ($41,470 including destination).

As always with Mazda, that buys a lot of standard features including a comprehensive suite of active safety features, a power panoramic moonroof, rain-sensing wipers, a wiper de-icer, rear roof spoiler, roof rails, rear privacy glass, LED headlights with auto on/off, automatic high beams, dual heated power side mirrors, a power rear liftgate, leather-trimmed seats, a power driver's seat with lumbar and memory, a six-way power front passenger seat, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, electric parking brake, keyless entry, wireless device charging, a Bose 12-speaker suadio system, four USB inputs, Alexa built-in and Mazda Connected Services, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone climate control with rear vents, 19-inch alloy wheels, ventilated front seats, black metal paint trim inserts, active driving display, automatic power-folding side mirrors and auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink.

The only extra-cost option on our test vehicle was the Wind Chill Pearl paint at $450, so the bottom line on the window sticker reads $41,920.

38 miles per gallon in a mid-size SUV that seats five is a solid accomplishment. The Mazda CX-50 Hybrid is a welcome addition to a very appealing SUV.