I drove the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid for a week — here’s my pros and cons

Even though many of the best electric cars out there promise long term savings over traditional ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) vehicles, I think hybrid cars make more sense for most people. That’s because they have much lower costs than either their all-electric and PHEV (plugin hybrid) counterparts.

I got to drive the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid for a week and it drives my point about how hybrid vehicles are sensible from a cost standpoint. With its $33,970 starting cost, it’s way easier to own compared to the $57,245 average cost of an EV, according to Kelly Blue Book.

While pricing makes it attractive, there’s actually way more to it than just that — and after spending a week with it, I’m convinced it’s one of my favorite hybrids this year. Here's why.

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2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid: Specifications

2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid: Testing summary

I drove the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid Premium Plus with a tested price of $40,050. While it gains more features over the base trim, like a panoramic roof, 19-inch wheels, ventilated seats, power folding side mirrors, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror, all trims share the same 2.5-liter 4-cylinder hybrid engine with a 219 hp performance.

In total, I achieved a combined average fuel economy of 40.8 mpg driving 260 miles in that span. For a compact crossover SUV, that average is pretty incredible considering how I got 32.4 mpg from the 2025 Hyundai Tucson Limited. The only other hybrid vehicle that performed better in my testing is the 2025 Honda Civic Sport Hatchback Hybrid — but that’s a sedan, so I expected that.

This actually beats Mazda’s own claim of a combined fuel economy of 38 mpg. Meaning, the CX-50 Hybrid could potentially get a range of over 591 miles with a full tank of gas. Even the most efficient EVs I’ve tested don’t come close, as they top out at around 400 miles.

2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid: What I Like

Outstand fuel economy

Even though the Honda Civic Hatchback Sport Hybrid is still the hybrid car with the best fuel economy I’ve tested all year, it can’t take away the 40 mpg average I got with the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid. That’s really impressive for a crossover SUV that has the utility to seat five people and the ability to fold over the rear seats to make more room for the trunk. This is also better than the 32.4 mpg average I got with the Hyundai Tucson.

Combo display and cluster panel

Most of today’s cars have ditched the mechanical cluster panels entirely in favor of displays, but I really like how the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid Premium Plus blends both into its driver’s panel.

On the middle of the dashboard is the main 10.3-inch infotainment display, but there’s also the 7-inch digital instrument cluster display above the steering wheel, flanked by physical gauges. This gives the CX-50 a traditional-meets-modern look that few vehicles offer nowadays.

Dedicated EV drive mode

One of the things that struck me when getting into the CX-50 for the first time is the dedicated EV button next to the shifter. My first instinct was that perhaps it's a PHEV with a dedicated battery for all-electric driving power, but that’s not the case.

Instead, it allows the CX-50 to enter an EV mode that drives the entire SUV strictly on all-electric power. It’s a nice touch because the engine is technically not active, so it drives almost like an EV. However, you can’t accelerate too fast or go above 15 mph — but it's a good way to squeeze in better fuel economy out of the vehicle.

Affordable starting cost

I can’t say enough about the value of the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid, including the Premium Plus trim that I specifically tested. While I like some of the extra features that come with this trim, the base one at $33,970 is easy on just about any budget — and I suspect it would achieve nearly the same outstanding fuel economy I got from the Premium Plus.

Modest interior cabin design

In addition to the sporty exterior design, the interior has more of a sophisticated undertone with small details like the stitching pattern around the dashboard and the surprisingly gentle feel of the leather seats. I found it actually comfortable to drive over long periods of time. For the price, I think it goes way above what it costs because it almost feels like a luxury vehicle.

Extra premium features

With the Premium Plus trim, I do like some of the extra features that Mazda throws in. Not only does it have a sprawling roof and high quality backup camera, but the head-up display on the windshield is perfectly sized to show me useful information without having to take my eyes off the road.

2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid: What I Don't Like

Tight legroom in back seats

From the outside it may not look like a compact-sized SUV, like the Hyundai Kona Electric, but I’m really surprised by the tight leg room in the back seats. I think the trunk space is more than generous in size and Mazda could’ve shaved it off a bit to push back the rear seats. Instead, the large trunk space takes legroom away from the rear seats — making it feel cramped.

No lane center assist

There’s adaptive cruise control that maintains the vehicle’s cruising speed and will apply any necessary braking and acceleration, but it lacks the ability to stay centered in the lane. However, it offers lane departure warning, which notifies you if you veer off course — and gently nudges you over.

Adaptive cruise control acceleration is a bit jarring

Speaking of adaptive cruise control, the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid is a bit too jarring with its acceleration for my liking. If you cancel out of cruise control only to slow down a bit and then activate it again, the CX-50 has this habit of getting back to cruising speed as quickly as possible — so it applies a lot of power to accelerate. I just wish it were more gradual.

2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid: Bottom Line

I really love hybrid cars for the simple reason that they’re obtainable with most budgets — and the 2025 Mazda CX-50 is no exception. Although it looks aggressive from the outside, it actually achieves impressive fuel economy that will get you further with a full tank of gas. There’s really no range anxiety here.

This compact crossover SUV also has a lot of utility, despite having tight legroom with the back seats. For a family of four, I think it’s an excellent choice that perfectly balances everyday practicality — with a level of style and driving enjoyment that most hybrid vehicles lack.

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