Mazda CX-50: A Look at the Model's Short But Eventful History

Mazda introduced the CX-50 in 2021, with production starting in 2022 for the 2023 model year, as the brand's answer to the growing demand for rugged, adventure-ready SUVs. It's now one of Mazda's most popular vehicles in the US and, along with the CX-50 Hybrid, is the only model the company assembles in America, at the joint Mazda Toyota Manufacturing USA facility in Alabama.

Despite the similar name, the CX-50 is larger than the CX-5 but has a lower roofline for easier roof rack access. It features a boxier, more muscular design with extra body cladding, standard all-wheel drive, and increased ground clearance, catering to outdoor lifestyles.

5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque on 93-octane fuel (227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft on regular). Both use a six-speed automatic transmission and Mazda's i-Activ all-wheel drive. The base engine gets slightly better fuel economy (24/30/26 mpg city/highway/combined) than the turbo (23/29/25 mpg), but the turbo offers a higher towing capacity: 3,500 pounds versus 2,000.

Starting with the 2025 model year, Mazda added a hybrid variant. 59 kWh nickel-metal hydride battery and three electric motors (two on the front axle, one on the rear). Total output is 219 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. Unlike the gas models, the hybrid uses an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (eCVT) and electric all-wheel drive.

Its towing capacity drops to 1,500 pounds, but fuel economy improves to 39/37/38 mpg.

The hybrid's powertrain, sourced from Toyota, delivers uninterrupted acceleration but sounds different from other Mazdas, according to a CarBuzz review, which noted the CX-50 Hybrid is quieter than the RAV4 Hybrid in terms of engine and road noise. 5 Turbo Premium Plus, with hybrid trims including Preferred, Premium, and Premium Plus.