It’s a driver’s crossover, a small SUV for customers who previously drove sports cars but now need a bit more space. However, it lacks the mainstream audience of its competitors, like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4,

Imagine: You've got the hood up on your Mazda with a crowd leaning in, onlookers saying things like, "Woah, is that a Toyota Dynamic Force 2.5-liter four-cylinder with dual electric motors and a CVT?

Mazda creates strong high-mpg hybrid value in the middle of its U.S. lineup but loses its own narrative in the driver’s seat.

In addition to the 2.5 ICE, the CX-50 also has three electric motors. Two of them are on the front transaxle. One’s a small motor/generator that functions as both a starter and provides some drive power, while the other is a “much more powerful traction motor that does most of the heavy electrified lifting,” said Chen.

The CX-50 Hybrid shoots Mazda straight to the top of a busy segment. A Honda CR-V Hybrid might still be the better all-rounder, but the Mazda scores highly when it comes to both driving and design, all the while sipping fuel like a RAV4 Hybrid. It is welcome proof that sensible cars can be desirable too.

The CX-50 lineup isn't radically different for the 2025 model year, with the hybrid powertrain being the most significant addition. Mazda will offer the CX-50 Hybrid in Preferred, Premium, and Premium Plus trim levels, straddling the middle ground between the gas and turbo options.