Ahead of a later in 2024 on sale date in North America, the new Mazda CX-50 Hybrid has been revealed using Toyota hybrid tech borrowed from the RAV4. While Mazda Australia prides itself on being able to offer the vast majority of the global Mazda product catalogue – for instance, all of the new large SUVs like the CX-60 and CX-70 – the CX-50 is currently only made in left-hand drive, and as such, is unfortunately unavailable for local consumption for the time being.
According to Mazda USA, “2025 is an exciting year for CX-50 with the introduction of CX-50 Hybrid.”
“It has broadened the compact crossover’s appeal to a wider audience in the compact crossover (C-CUV) segment by combining Mazda’s design and driving dynamics with greater fuel efficiency and the ability to go further and engage with outdoor activities.”
Under the bonnet of the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid is the same hybrid drivetrain as the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, making an identical 163kW of power. Like the RAV4, the CX-50’s hybrid system includes a 2.5-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine and eCVT gearbox, three electric motors and an e-AWD system.
According to Mazda USA, the CX-50 Hybrid is capable of 38mpg fuel consumption, or 6.2L/100km on a combined cycle, which is identical to the USA-spec RAV4 Hybrid. Mazda USA also claims that its engineers “calibrated even the finest details of the hybrid powertrain, such as the accelerator pedal response to offer the connected, responsive driving dynamics that CX-50 is known for.”
Priced from US$33,970 (AU$50,400 at the time of writing) or only $2,320 more than the equivalent non-hybrid CX-50, the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid will be offered in three versions in the USA: the entry-level Preferred, mid-spec Premium (US$37,400) and top-spec Premium Plus (US$40,050). The entry-level Preferred is equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, a 10.25-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa integration, a wireless phone charger, a power tailgate, heated front seats and safety equipment like auto emergency braking (AEB).
The Premium adds roof rails, black exhaust pipes, black or red leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, a 12-speaker Bose sound system, adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality and traffic sign recognition. Finally, the Premium Plus adds 19-inch alloy wheels, auto-folding mirrors, powered front seats with driver’s memory, ventilated front seats and a head-up display.
Based on the same ‘Small Product Group’ platform as the Mazda3 and CX-30, but with independent rear suspension, the Mazda CX-50 is sized like the popular CX-5 but – in North America, at least – is marketed as the more off-road friendly and adventurous equivalent. In addition to the new hybrid drivetrain, both the 139kW naturally aspirated and 170kW turbocharged versions of Mazda’s 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that feature in the CX-5 are available in the CX-50, while all-wheel drive is standard equipment.
Made in North America – at a plant jointly built with Toyota in Kentucky – for North American sales (plus Mexico and Columbia) and China for Chinese sales, the CX-50 is unfortunately only currently produced in left-hand drive form and won’t be sold in the rest of the world for the moment. We think that’s a big shame as it would fit into the Australian Mazda lineup well, and give the brand a sales boost locally, especially given its hybrid drivetrain – hopefully that’s changed in the future.
The Mazda CX-50 Hybrid will go on sale in North America later in 2024. Stay tuned to DiscoverAuto for the latest automotive news and reviews.
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