Is the NEW 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid a better SUV to buy than a Honda CR-V Hybrid?

[@RaitisRides]

Good morning Everyone! This first drive is an early bird special! Definitely let Mazda know what your thoughts are in the comment section on the first ever CX-50 Hybrid. I hope you have a great day!

[@LuisUrbieta]

I do love this CX50 Hybrid & I feel this a cool SUV!

[@RaitisRides]

@@LuisUrbietaI’m so glad that you feel that way Luis.

[@LuisUrbieta]

​@@RaitisRidesyeah I feel like this is a dandy of an SUV

[@jayson657]

I agree. The small portion of the population that wants electric wants a Tesla. The vast majority of the public wants reliable, high quality ICE or Hybrid vehicles.

[@davidwolf226]

Joe, when I consider that most of the auto-buying public is not all that enamored with the EV option, I do not believe that Mazda is lagging behind at all. They are simply responding to the desires of the buying public. In my humble opinion, they are the most improved automaker over the past 10 years regarding quality control and trim options across their entire lineup.

[@majed6956]

The public does not want EVs. The Japanese know that hybrids are the future. Mazda is a little late to the hybrid market. But this is a great place to start.

[@remyd8767]

@@majed6956 I think EV is inevitable. I agree that for most buyers right now hybrid is way more convenient and a better value than an ev. But once that ev range improves to 400 miles to 450 miles for the lowest trims, there will be a shift. Tesla super chargers will now work for all newer EVs either natively or with an adapter. So the infrastructure will be there.

[@davidwilmot9895]

My wife's dealership got 6 hybrid CX50s and they were sold within half a day. People like that its not PHEV, not to mention the CX50 is one of their best looking cars right now

[@RedRozzsesx]

Fun fact, the CX-50 Hybrid uses the same powertrain as the RAV4 Hybrid. So it's basically a well dressed RAV4.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for sharing that great intel

[@eleanormassaro5195]

And will be reliable also!😁

[@BilboTBaggins]

yeah but that infotainment screen is way too small

[@luchin777]

​@@BilboTBagginsthe infotainment is well placed in the Mazdas but not in the Toyotas.

[@mikemayers8672]

4 cylinder

[@DavidKelly-h8x]

Hated the idea of the knob for the infotainment center but now I love it. It is very easy to get used to and it lets you keep your eyes on the road more.

[@scottyd3138]

It's Actually low key great

[@DominionAnako-bb7ry]

Mazda CX! They’ve got some awesome options! The CX-5 is super popular for its balance of style and performance, while the CX-30 is a bit more compact but still packs a punch.

[@RaitisRides]

I think you are so very right about that!

[@CH-XC2011]

It’s lame that the Canadian version has a 360 view and the US doesn’t. COME ON MAZDA!!

[@markcoopers1930]

The Canadian market gets a weird number of features from a number of manufacturers. Audi's for example, are a good 10 or 15% cheaper almost across the board there compared to us. Honda models come with more standard features, including shift lights on the Honda Civic performance models that the US doesn't get. Miata's had the option for white leather interior last year, And could combine it with more colors, while the US did not

[@ThePowersil]

Or heated steering wheel. Are you kidding me?

[@CH-XC2011]

@ that’s ridiculous

[@RapperGMarket]

I still disagree with hiding the wiper above the spoiler. Style shouldn't supercede safety. The wiper placed below clears the view of the road - which is the purpose of a wiper.

[@mikeadams1287]

One thing I notice about white vehicles. They look so much better if there is the right amount of black contrast. This car is spot on Joe😊

[@RaitisRides]

I think you are so right Mike

[@mikeadams1287]

@RaitisRides thanks Joe

[@eleanormassaro5195]

I’ve always loved the windchill pearl color. It’s actually a Toyota color. It even says it in small print on the bottom of the Mazda build on the website, but I love it, second only to the Soul Red crystal, which is the color I have on my CX 50!

[@catom960]

Been watching a lot of your videos. Very knowledgeable and honestly also super funny.

[@KrayzeeAssKrisReturns]

The first time I saw the CX-50 was in another youtuber's review, and I wasn't sure about the design, but then I saw one in person and totally fell for it. With those looks and gas mileage in the upper 30's, it's definitely drool-worthy. I'd love one in Passion Red. I think I'll go play around with the configurator.

[@miguelpimienta3681]

Pure authentic quality on this video as always Joe, enjoying the on throttle on this Mazda I was like, oh his channel could also be named: Raiti’s Ratings, to play with the sound of those words. The best car channel ever. Gracias for the hard work guys. 🎉

[@mikeinsi87able]

They should of kept the 360° camera on the premium plus trim 😢 I also hope they fixed the uncomfortable passenger's seat. And I 100% agree with you about how the interior is half light colored, definitely a zonk for me as well 🤦🏽‍♂️. Great review yet again Joe, thank you!

[@qnzman578]

Curious about the 0-60, horsepower is similar to the turbo but torque is way down 163 compared to 310, is it closer to the turbo in terms of speed or the naturally aspirated?

[@majed6956]

Torque is actually over 200. It's something like 250 lb/ft. Toyota does not advertise combined system torque. Evidently Mazda will not either.

[@gch8155]

I was waiting long time ago for this hidden master piece 😅👍thank you Joe &Lori

[@RaitisRides]

Oh wow! Thank you for letting me share it with you!

[@dominickirkwood]

Joe and Lori and Steve keep up the good work real true and I love the video 👍

[@osemuohan-smarties5203]

Joe Raiti, you are the best!

[@RaitisRides]

That is so very fantastic of you to say my friend!

[@mickeybrumfield764]

Another good overall review, Joe. At 41k, it seems like a bargain for all you get with this vehicle. I like the pleasant looking smile on the face of the vehicle. I'm a little surprised that as creative minded as the Mazda people are, they let this thing get stuck with the creamy headliner. They may have overdone the hybrid badging a little, but all in all, a good showing for Mazda with their hybrid technology.

[@RaitisRides]

I think you hit the nail on the head!

[@davidwilmot9895]

I think the light headliner makes it feel bigger inside. It's a good size so it doesn't need it but if you compare a dark and light headliner car side by side, they do feel different

[@eleanormassaro5195]

I think I kind of prefer the cream color headliner. I’m afraid the black headliner would feel too claustrophobic.

[@Jimmy-ph8xn]

No lane centering? Just old school guardrail/LKA?

[@RaitisRides]

That is interesting isn't it!

[@kevinW826]

Don’t need it, just more to go wrong

[@cad24-25]

Got mine last weekend!! ❤ You forgot the heads up display, cool feature that helps to keep your eyes on the road. One minus so far, my phone gets super heated on the qi charger, maybe there's a setting I can change.

[@TheAutomotiveReview]

Hi Joe, Excellent Color by Mazda. Too bad there are no fog lights in those lower air curtains. Too Bad Mazda did not carry this design into a larger vehicle like the CX90 which is not very attractive and needs to increase inside passenger space. The Rear Vents are totally unnecessary! You can see the collaboration between Toyota, Subaru and Mazda. The CX50 and the Subaru Forester are very similar in styling and size to the very day consumer especially looking at the front clip. Keep up the good work and enjoy the camera work!

[@allenfreeman9623]

100 miles more per gallon?! I think you meant 100 miles more per tank of fuel?

[@davidlogic1440]

Yeah, you’re right. A hundred miles more per gallon sounds crazy 🤪

[@hanaman843]

That'd be GREAT if it DID get that much more MILES PER Gallon!!! Don't think that's POSSIBLE THO :(

[@conradbess5044]

Live in Canada. Sister has a CX-50. She's not happy with the mileage and probably would cheesed knowing a hybrid is out now.

[@zenon3021]

make sure you tell her it's a super-reliable toyota engine that'll last forever :P

[@robinmccoy8755]

It’s seems very loud on the video. Is the road really that loud in the car? That’s one of my pet peeves I want a quiet ride.

[@bragibloodaxe]

I’ve been waiting for you to do this one!

[@jefm78]

100 miles more per full tank…. Thanks for the great review and as usual very entertaining.

[@EdgarJChavez]

The Hybrid emblem on the side looks like it came out of JC Whitney catalog!!! LOL

[@Ikediggy]

This CX-50 looks nice. My only issue is that there is way too much flat black along the bottom and around the wheels.

[@luchin777]

This vehicle is also designed for off-road that is why all the plastic is around.

[@Ikediggy]

@luchin777 I'm ok with the plastic for off-road purposes. That's just way too much for me.

[@BretFrohwein]

How is the interior noise level compared to a RAV4 hybrid? The Rav4 was louder than I expected.. 😕

[@kevtn8]

Cx50 hybrid is quieter than Toyota according to reviewers.

[@YaoKunDa]

I think they were both about the same

[@paularmstrong3395]

Given the CX-50 Hybrid for all markets is manufactured in Huntsville, Alabama, why would Mazda manufacture a lesser equipped top trim of the CX-50 for the US Market and a fully-equipped top trim for the Canadian market? THEN, when asked if a US Citizen can buy a Canadian spec'd CX-50 direct from the factory (which also meets US specs), the answer is *NO,* and that one would have to go buy it from a Canadian Dealer and have it imported back into the US? Yes! You read it right. A car manufactured in the USA for Canada is unavailable for the USA. Given both are manufactured at the joint Toyota/Mada factory in Huntsville, Alabama, despite the great Toyota powertrain marriage, the US and Canadian models differ markedly, in stark favor of the Canadian model. The Canadian model’s top trim (The CX-50 Hybrid GT) comes with heated steering wheel, front and rear parking sensors, front and rear cross traffic alert, 360-degree camera system. While some of the ‘missing’ features can be found on the gas-version CX-50 Turbo Premium, so goes the fuel economy found in the hybrid version. The US hybrid version has no heated steering wheel, no front cross traffic alert and no 350-degree camera system. No trim level of the CX-50 features a digital rearview camera, especially noteworthy since rear window visibility is quite narrow. To me, this lack of standard and upper-trim equipment makes at least the upper trims of the CX-50 Hybrid not competitive in features and values with its rivals in the class, e.g. the Toyota RAV4, the Hyundai Tucson and to the Honda CRV. This stateside strip-down of CX-50 equipment compared to Canada, according to some conspiracy theorists, is a an attempt to push the US market toward the CX-70 and CX-90 if all you want at best is 25 mpg. At this point, I'll skip the CX-50 or wait for a mid-cycle or 2026 model year refresh opportunity (if I’ve not bought something else) to see if Mazda pulls their heads out of their a**es! Reply

[@RaitisRides]

It really is a head scratcher Paul.

[@blissfuljoy6049]

I like this a lot. We might get something larger but would definitely consider this, especially when we need more than one vehicle.

[@bragibloodaxe]

Have you done the Acura ADX yet?

[@LESTER7L1]

Joe and Steven. Thanks for bringing this great vehicle to us. GREAT review as always Joe!I dig the MAZDA CX-50. Mazda seems to be a great company and is improving . See you guys on another ride. Ps sharing this as usual.I know severalpeple interested in buying a new MAZDA.

[@immaeditthatout7099]

When are you releasing the 2025 CT5-V Blackwing driving video?

[@keithtrumble7029]

Zonk for missing heated steering wheel and dynamic trajectory lines for the backup camera on the premium trim. Would like the option like Toyota to blackout the badging.

[@RaitisRides]

Yeah I can understand where you are coming from.

[@eleanormassaro5195]

Living in Florida. I have not missed having the heated steering wheel but then again I’ve never had a heated steering wheel even in my previous Lexus vehicles now I was bummed out I bought my CX 50, which is also in the premium plus but there’s no memory settings in the mirrors.🤷‍♀️ you can only get that in the turbo models

[@borislum1998]

can you talk about the heat pump?

[@davekelly6580]

Is it true there are no heated rear seats, steering wheel heater, ventilated seats, 360 view camera, moving backup lines, or heads up display for USA models regardless of trim? I thought this was a good idea for Mazda, but they kill it by limiting some safety and convenience features that are typically standard on most of their trims in this market. What gives?

[@Jcruzer70]

My lease is up in January and this is looking pretty good.

[@AnwarChowdhury-m7b]

Could you please make a Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid 2025 review Thanks

[@crisantogarcia6646]

Raiti tell Mazda to release the terra-cotta seats in the US for me! Thanks brother

[@allanwong6704]

DId you say 100 miles per gallon more! I'll take one. Great deal.

[@eleanormassaro5195]

100 miles on a tank of gas more😁😁

[@EdgarJChavez]

Why Mazda did not put real exhaust tips on the CX90 , when they have them in the other models.

[@americandude3825]

My first go to is a rav4 XSE built in Japan. Sooo much smoother and responsive than the American and Canadian XSE. Not sure why. This mahzduh 🙃would be second.

[@famasmaster2000]

Very sharp little unit dor sure but now that my wife knows about Steve warming up to dogs he may just be getting a hug and kiss 😂

[@RaitisRides]

You are freaking hilarious!

[@RickMentore]

Its about time Mazda improve their infotainment system!

[@fwilljr54]

Correct me if I’m wrong, but I thought the hybrid badge was to let emergency services know they are dealing with a HEV during accidents or emergency situations on the road.

[@mrabduh]

Cx50 design is 🔥

[@JohnWickkkkkkkkk]

Joe, is true that CX50 Hybrid engine is from Toyota?

[@kevtn8]

Yes. RAV4 hybrid powertrain.

[@rustyrollo9110]

My wife and I test drove the mid range Canadian model today, she has had a Rav 4 Hybrid on order for seven months, well she is definitely sold on the Mazda CX50 Hybrid, no downside, it has the Rav 4 engine and transmission, much nicer looking inside and out and it handles better, needless to say she will be getting her deposit back from Toyota.

[@ChilledNurse]

Seen like 8 reviews of this car. Every on the road part all you hear is mad road noise. Idk if it’s the bigger wheels, maybe the small wheels/bigger tire will do better?

[@kobe_dough3702]

This is my first time seeing a Mazda with a CVT.

[@kevtn8]

Planetary gear CVT , not rubber band. Big difference.

[@roytrinh7017]

Why didn't you stop for the kid at the crossing at 23:47?

[@mkk1600]

100 miles per gallon more?

[@RaitisRides]

Per tank

[@omarcortes5754]

I'm not much into compact cars but for daily driving is way more than enough.

[@RaitisRides]

You hit the nail on the head Omar!

[@johncorman8715]

Contrary to your opinion of the seats being "ultra comfy" most reviewers are zonking them for being hard and generally uncomfortable.

[@eleanormassaro5195]

They are on the firm side. But I’ve had no issue with them in almost 2 years of driving my CX 50.

[@farcinue]

Mazda's are so much nicer inside and out than Honda's and Toyota's. People should cross shop a Mazda whenever they are considering the other two. This CX50 is a win win for me in terms of drivetrain and driving feel.

[@joej2742]

I think you were a little off with the torque spec

[@allenparks8706]

He's correct

[@majed6956]

@@allenparks8706Yeah, he's only talking about the gas engine. For some reason Toyota doesn't combine the torque rating between the engine and electric motors. Combined torque is somewhere around 250 (Rav4 hybrid number).

[@jeromegriffiths4462]

That’s a nice Car

[@Datcyd3]

You didn’t mention that roof top and your head touching it. That’s a zonk for 6ft and above people out there.

[@CaptDavyJones]

May sound like a silly question; but is it safe long term to have kids sitting right on top of a battery ?

[@Rockybalboa541]

lol Toyota has put battery packs under the rear seats for 20 years now

[@alexskatit4188]

The small screen and its placement is what is keeping me from buying it.

[@javy.airlines]

I Might Buy Me Next Year A 2026 Ford Explorer 4x4👍🏻💸💰🚙💨!!!

[@DarEyezKnight]

nice nice cx-50H, I prefer wait for cx-30H, they will do that.

[@akai-l5m]

Toyota's hybrid system is very porfect. Only one thing i don't like it. Is the engine sound.

[@akai-l5m]

That's why i choose the accord hybrid between the camry hybrid. Of course, I'm from China, and I'm not sure is it same as the United States.

[@warcrabcyber9908]

I dont see how you can go wrong here , mazda with a toyota hybrid system , which makes it reliable. Even more reliable than mazda home made skyactiv engine. Toyota engines dont suffer from carbon build up like mazda The infotainment screen is awful though. Its definitely more attractive than the rav 4

[@Anywherewego1987]

It will be a good review if you mention that engine is made out of Toyota Rav4 Hybrid. 100% this a Toyota Engine and hybrid which our viewers aren’t informed because you missed to mention it..

[@danzago418]

Mazda battery is not the same as the Rav4 battery.Check out Car and Driver specs

[@blackface703]

On my 2nd Mazda, my wifes 3rd. I really, REALLY wanted to love the CX50 as much as I did my Mazda6. I like the CX50 but dont love it. Too much left to be desired especially with the other options in its segment. Not sure whats going on with Mazda but they have fallen flat these last 5 years

[@tomhockman6267]

If the pricing on this CX-50 hybrid is less than the overpriced Honda Cr-V, I would definitely consider switching brands to Mazda. The Toyota powertrain is a bonus, but I hope that doesn't make the CX-50 boring to drive like typical Toyotas. Update: after hearing the pricing, it's not less than the CR-V unless the dealer discounts are better.

[@RaitisRides]

That is a very good point Tom!

[@EM.1.]

The Hybrid doesn't offer a heating steering wheel or 360-round view camera.

[@dusandestanovic5884]

Good looking vehicle.

[@AlJay-v4h]

It is the best. Imagine the Best Hybrid system mated with the best driving experience. CX50 Wins

[@Bowhunters6go8xz6x]

Way too much ugly black cladding around the sides and wheel wells, top trims shouldn't have that cladding at all! I agree that Hybrid sticker looks cheap like they peeled it off a decal sheet and stuck it on (lick it and stick it) , cannot argue with their interior, its almost like a luxury vehicle inside and that is what Mazda does.

[@alengreen589]

Man so many pros and cost only 41k, what you want more? go and get it.

[@RaitisRides]

Good call Alen!

[@alengreen589]

@@RaitisRides 😀❤

[@lakerfanjr]

I'm surprised the torque is only 163 lb ft

[@kevtn8]

That's irrelevant because you can't easily add gas and electric motor torque. It's the same with RAV4 hybrid. Just know it's a lot more than regular gas version.

[@rakhsiprayogo82]

This or Jaguar E Pace

Those turn signals are way too small and way too low, you can’t see them

[@ed1011]

I think you meant 100 mile extra from one tank of gas. 😄

[@seb5945]

What this car needs is a touch of feminism in the rear - strong and independent multi-links suspension system. 😂

[@sophaman9193]

Hi Joe I didn't hear you say anything about cx 50 hybrid is a rav4 hybrid and my venza hybrid engine and the hybrid technology from toyota even ECVT transmission and E all wheels drive from toyota the same 219 HP from the rav4 and the venza you didn't said a word about that anyway thanks for your video take care bye from milton Ontario Canada

[@markcoopers1930]

The cx50 hybrid has largely the same chassis and platform as the regular cx50. It is not a rebadge

[@eleanormassaro5195]

Yes, it is the same Toyota hybrid engine from the Venza and the RAV4

[@ThePiko22]

The black side cladding, no parking sensors, old infotainment, no 360 camera for the price point in this segment gets a Zonk.

[@MoeCamera]

What’s up with the fake vents and black cladding? Smh, c’mon Mazda bring back the Mazda 6

[@RaitisRides]

It is painful that is for sure!

[@davidwilmot9895]

Some patents and trademarks have hinted that they aren't completely done with the Mazda 6. It'll likely be back at some point but anything besides that is speculation. Maybe a full EV since they're one of the few left without one, but time will tell

[@tomdrummy4984]

Good idea making it a hybrid……decent price. Too much height on the wheel well black cladding and I would remove hybrid badge on sides if I bought this.

[@RaitisRides]

Good calls on that one Tom

[@davidp2888]

I’ve had four Toyotas with CVTs. Every generation got a very little bit better but I still don’t like them. I understand the efficiency and potential, I just don’t like having to wait 5-7 business days to accelerate and pass someone.

[@Big.W.]

My 25 Camry awd has more low end torque than the V6 Camry had. and I can “downshift” to wind the engine up. The power train is perfect. I get compliments all the time “the way this car builds speed tho,” “this car flies,” “holy shit this thing moves” And then I’ll tell them it’s the low end torque from the hybrid

[@Timba1960]

"A hundred miles more per 1 gallon of gas range"? What?

[@GOD999MODE]

Looks like every car-tuber got the memo at the same time 😂

[@RaitisRides]

The OEMs set an embargo date.

[@Checkmate025]

That plastic cladding is almost covering the whole car.. ugh

[@robb3677]

100 miles a gallon more than the gasoline engine? Can't be

[@chrisb9478]

Yes the Mazda is better. More reliable and has a Spare tire? Crv hybrid does not. 😮

[@MoeCamera]

Yeah no thank you. ECVT?

[@gamingsaint6238]

I thought the same thing. The ecvt is plucked from toyota, its a reliable system.

[@RaitisRides]

I guess they were going for maximum MPGs

[@RaitisRides]

It is very reliable.

[@MoeCamera]

@@gamingsaint6238it’s a downgrade from a 6-speed automatic transmission. Mazda fell off with this one. It’s just a Toyota with a Mazda badge

[@DerekLang]

40K for that interior lol

[@jimmydeneus5322]

🤎🤎🤎

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks Jimmy for letting me share it with you!

[@crouchb15]

NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD

[@RaitisRides]

I am glad that you are loving this one.

[@classiccorvettesmusclecars5846]

A Mazda with a CVT?….No thnx…

[@borislum1998]

three electric motors not two

[@NitRevolution]

Display like 16promax😅

[@lucasS0724]

This is not an off-road vehicle! Way too much cladding!

[@eleanormassaro5195]

That’s exactly what that’s for! believe me it came in handy for me a couple years ago when I was on a narrow dirt road with trees and vines all over the place if I didn’t have those black clad wheel wells, I would’ve had a lot of scratches on the side of my fenders

[@baohoaily]

I rikey

[@magnoliap5824]

That camera is down right criminal. My 17 vehicle is better.

[@RaitisRides]

I feel your pain on that one for sure!

[@eberhwang23]

"get yourself a pickle in a bag?" ...weirdo

[@mrnarason]

Wow extra 100 Mile per gallon, not just gas tank!

[@jtoth1234summer]

Zonk front turn signal lower bumper, Zonk Subaru massive cladding, Zonk no passenger lumbar Zonk no pocket on drivers side...just my take joe...

[@RaitisRides]

I appreciate you being honest with the zonks