2025 Mazda CX 50 Hybrid review // The borrowed RAV4 hybrid any good?

[@solderbuff]

Mazda + hybrid = dream car 😍 If only new cars were not so damn expensive.

[@Nerdydiva12]

I was so excited about this car. Very disappointed that some of the features aren't available in the US. That kills it for me

[@dcjimr1]

So they finally...FINALLY...come up with a hybrid and no heated steering wheel on the top trim in the U.S.? These old hands don't appreciate that and it could be a deal killer. Wonderful review, as always. 🙂

[@timphillips4147]

As promised Andrea I'm tuned in and enjoying it as always 🎉

[@andreaspencer9813]

Amazing!! Thank you!

[@benh.atkins6065]

Hi Andrea and Zack, I love your content, please keep up the good work! I know you like having information from owners. I am on my second CX-5 (2024 Turbo Premium). This one has the wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. I just wanted to let you know that it is woefully unreliable. I find, more often than not, I still have to connect my device in order to use the feature. However, the CX-5 is such a wonderful vehicle, this minor inconvenience is easily overlooked. Looking forward to all future posts!

[@danilobernaschina1842]

Nice video. I really regret that this experience Mazda-toyota Will not be sold in Europe. Really a pity😮😮😮

[@TahoeKing]

Finally found my next car! Crv can't compete with this!

[@josophie5002]

some of the basic features like heated steering and parking sensor should be standard or at least an option. Pass this time around. As you mention its found in the gas variant, but not the hybrid. Complete fumble. Its got so much going for it then suddenly, complete pick 6.

[@paulcatarino2209]

Fumble or deliberate way of keeping the cost down. Winter gloves and an extra driving/parking lesson are much cheaper then those features.

[@josophie5002]

@@paulcatarino2209 they could put it as an option for those who want it. What is confusing is that it is not even an option for those who would be otherwise willing to pay for it.

[@e5man4her]

Opinion from Ottawa, CX-50 is more money (wish it was available without leather) and has significantly less cargo space than Rav4 Hybrid....but it sure looks better. Thanks for the great review as always.

[@wiwatchguy8798]

Base model is more money here in the States as well, but top trims are about the same. Real question is what are you getting for your money?

[@mixtape5143]

The lack of features in the U.S. kills it for me :(

[@witsendcottage595]

@@mixtape5143 boom!

[@Healthy_Toki]

What's it lacking in the US?

[@billurban1581]

My neighbors 2006 Prius has well over 200,000 miles, still going strong. Only the small battery in the trunk has been replaced.

[@boiwand3r]

Why can't Mazda, or other Automakers make white or light interiors available with all colors and trims? Black or dark is so claustrophobic, especially in dreary canadian weather. Doesn't any automaker realize that? Could you please, please, please request Mazda to give a white interior/blue exterior here in Canada on the CX5 and CX50 trims. Honda as well? Thanks a ton 😊

[@xiondFirst]

Well, you can request at the dealer and they can forward the message.

[@joshuahamilton4692]

I was really looking forward to this but for some reason they really dropped some features for the hybrid in the US - in the top trim you don’t get parking sensors, heated steering wheel, 360 camera, auto-dimming drivers mirrors. All of these are on my list of must haves so another Mazda I was looking forward to (looking at you CX-70) that’s a disappointment.

[@AVenturaZ1]

Must’ve been part of the deal with Toyota not to compete with their Lexus or even Rav.

[@springertube]

Great review! Yeah, the missing items on the US model make zero sense. Also, fix the seat comfort and adjustability!

[@ThunderRunner]

Thank you for championing bringing the features to the US version! I’m currently shopping these and may go turbo to get the 360 cam and other features they neglected on the hybrid…assuming they’re withholding them for a slow rollout to give people a reason to upgrade.

[@kcpncfs9234]

this MAV4 strengthens my mind of waiting for the new hybrid forester.

[@hopnhike]

Great news about the spare tire in a Hybrid! That makes this a contender when I buy next year.

[@DavidD073]

Great review as always! Currently driving a 2010 RAV4 Ltd. V6. Will turn 300K this week! I know it won't last forever. THIS might be its replacement!

[@averleealonzo]

I live in Canada so luckily we’ll be offered all the features but it’s wild how much the US trims are lacking compared to us, definitely a miss when trying to compete against other hybrids

[@suzukiman8964]

Interesting, I'm can't wait to see the cx5 hybrid review Around 2026 2027

[@sennis1361]

Another great video Nice car. Awesome US trims/prices. I worry about their styling Mazda styling seems to become stale and lose its attractiveness after several years due to frequent changes in their models

[@RogerSirard]

Excellent review as usual and I always appreciate you two. I own a CX50 GT turbo and I am considering trading for the hybrid. Would I be disappointed with the performance as apposed to the turbo version ? Looking forward to your response.

[@RogerSirard]

Crickets !!!

[@Snafu2346]

Better looking inside and outside compared to the frequently price gouged Rav 4, new or used. At least subjectively for me.

[@davidjym]

The Rav 4 is dued for a completely redesign

[@amberturd3504]

@@davidjym The rav 4 looked old the day it came out about 5 years ago.

[@vincemcsenile7318]

@@amberturd3504 the interior in the Rav 4 has always looked chintzy, but that's Toyota's in general. Which is surprising because their interiors in Lexus look nice, except for that fake plastic wood trims which always look like shiet,

[@laceycharizard2546]

@@vincemcsenile7318 Japanese are obsessed with fake wood like American's are obsessed with gloss black.

[@GT-tm1ft]

Yep, except for all that plastic cladding. It just ruins the lines of the car and looks cheesy.

[@vinicius7v]

Great review! Not sure between this one or the CX-70. Hope a test drive will help me decide.

[@sandyblack2687]

Thank you for your amazing video!!!

[@apvegas1221]

Mazda rules in Canada! I was waiting for this review and Andrea’s reaction😊.

[@10OF9OFBORG]

I think it’s about time Mazda cx50 gets a hybrid and price is good. Gas mileage is pretty much like my Hyundai Tucson. Great show Andrea! 👍🏻👍🏻☕️☕️☕️

[@theglowcloud2215]

The fact that Mazda screwed the US market out of so many options that Canada gets makes this a non-starter for me.

[@johnsanford3596]

Mazda USA's physical headquarters is in Irvine, California, that's in Southern California. Odds are the mook who spec'd the steering wheel has never even seen snow, so why on earth would anybody need a heated steering wheel? 😜

[@frorider007]

Nice looking SUV. Small issue but the front turn indicators are too low on the car. Imagine a heavy snowfall. The indicators would be covered with snow. The indicators need to be higher up near the headlight level.

[@HDTVMAN100]

No heated steering wheel! No way. My wife loves it! No Mazda here.

[@mikefung6879]

Thanks for the review!! I may be a bit picky, but I wish the roof of the interior can be black as well. I think that looks more premium to me.😂😂

[@davidjym]

I prefer medium grey instead of completely black 🖤

[@agaragar21]

Its getting Hotter , each day Hotter than the last !

[@superalain1961]

Old tech is good tech….reliable , reliable , but as a lifetime Toyota/Lexus owner I am in love with the CX-50 love the design outside and inside . But I still drive my 2 Lexus cars until they fall apart 😂 ( ES350. & RC350 AWD F SPORT)

[@bobdadruma]

For those of you who can't qualify to buy a Toyota Hybrid this is the next best thing. :)

[@billurban1581]

Here’s a good baseline for electric motor torque in a hybrid: 228 lbs ft powers the rear wheels in my Volvo. But there’s a reduction gear so 445 lbs ft are actually delivered to the wheels,even after frictional losses (dyno test). Except for emergency acceleration this provides more than enough power in normal driving up to 50 mph.

[@wiwatchguy8798]

I was REALLY looking forward to this review and glad to see you both like the vehicle. I’ll get my bias out of the way right away, I’m a 2021 CX-30 turbo owner and it has made me a Mazda fanboy and likely customer for life. So I’m thrilled to see Mazda go the hybrid route. However, I hope they can replicate my driving experience with my CX-30 when they eventually make a hybrid of that model. My father has a 2024 RAV4 hybrid and I think it’s well overrated. I told him to buy it too. However it drives like a boat, it’s louder than my gas CX-30 turbo and the interior is pretty awful. My father also has lamented that he doesn’t have some of the features my Mazda has, particularly the adaptive headlamps. Very curious how the CX-50 drives with the RAV4 engine. It surely can’t be as loud. Not a fan of the update look, though it’s not bad. Just preferred the “wagon” look of the gas CX-50.

[@yslee1401]

Rear torsion beam is a no go for me. It’s a cost cutting measure that would make Mazda management regret their decision

[@ontarioman6301]

Agreed, was looking at this , the cx -30 & 3 has the cheaper suspension. The cx 5 is fully independent. I was hoping for the cx 60. But go 2 cx- 90. one that has 2 rows called the Cx-70 😂.

[@michaelsylvester7272]

Great review

[@leduomo]

I’m not a big fan of the extra cladding. Looks too rugged to me. I’m sure someone will like it though!

[@adler7-l7z]

Can't imagine why they would not include 360 view camera on the highest trim.

[@rqchin]

Crazy that this car is missing so many desirable features/options that are available or standard in Canada

[@reza8917]

As the RAV4 Hybrid system is being used in the CX-50 and Forester, I guess the new 2026 RAV4 will come with something new. I wonder if it’s worth waiting for.

[@techpappee]

Non-heated steering wheel (US) makes it a no thank you for us. It's a requirement for many in the colder climates. I think that decision will cost some buyers.

[@billurban1581]

3:00 “the torque number is moving all the time.” That’s true but they could still quote the max number like other manufacturers if they wanted to. “Toyota has the best hybrid technology.” Having owned a Prius I agree it is quite good, but too bad about the CVT. Efficient, but I wouldn’t buy another.

[@revnation_auto]

Our CR-V hybrid has 76 cubic feet of cargo capacity. I don’t think many people will downgrade to this size wise.

[@Just-HitAWall]

Seen on another reviewer that the body is changed to make space for the Hybrid system, thus not plug and play. Still a good system.

[@andreaspencer9813]

It's been raised 1.4" to make room for the hybrid powertrain.

[@Just-HitAWall]

@@andreaspencer9813 Wondering if the different body well have different stresses on other parts. Still like the machine.

[@paularmstrong3395]

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid for both the US and Canada are both manufactured at the joint Toyota/Mada factory in Huntsville, Alabama. However, despite the great Toyota powertrain marriage, in terms of standard equipment, 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 top-trim hybrid version (Hybrid Premium Plus) 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 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 want to either find a way to purchase a Canadian-spec’d CX-50 from the factory in Huntsville, 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!

[@garystar1592]

Great review ! How is the suspension on uneven pavement (aka Quebec roads) ? Tia

[@xiondFirst]

Luckily in Canada it's very well specd so i am going to check it out.

[@claudew5582]

Holy crap Zack, did you see Andrea’s eyes when she floored it? 😂

[@ghadeershaaya]

Is it true that Mazda still doesn't offer highway drive assistance? Like lane centering where it steers to keep the car in lane?

[@owenmcdonald5922]

It looks good, it drives well and now it's available with class leading hybrid system. What's not to like?

[@Pooh2-s4q]

Lots

[@davidrome6066]

It’s a shame we don’t get the CX50 in Australia 🇦🇺 BUT as I don’t give a continental about fuel economy so I’d take the turbo. The high octane petrol in Oz is good so bring on the turbo. I don’t get how there is a huge difference between Canada and USA and don’t get me started about how USA pronounces MAZDA. 🤦🏻‍♂️ Great vid as usual but I have to disagree petrol turbo all the way.

[@WilliamK-e1j]

Here’s some pricing information from Mazda Canada: - Hybrid is +C$ 3k - Hybrid is higher interest rate which will account for another +C$ 1.5k - Dealer wants to charge +C$ 4k So, is it really worth it to get the “Hybrid” version for “+C$ 8.5k” to save C$ 40/ month” on gas ?

[@janoycresnova9156]

Exactly, people need to do the math and not just jump on hybrid hype train.

[@Kita-Kamakura]

The insurance might be more as well?

[@WilliamK-e1j]

@ Mostly yes 👍

[@lucasrocha633]

I bought my CX-50 a year ago at Mazda Signature Richmond, they told me they don't charge any "markup"..

[@WilliamK-e1j]

@@lucasrocha633 I’m talking about the “Hybrid” and for higher interest rate charged by Mazda itself, please check their website

[@michaelgehrke8272]

Apparently they don't want to sell this Mazda hybrid to the north American market. I live in north central Wisconsin where it gets pretty cold in the winter.

[@msalvag]

Canada is in North America

[@michaelgehrke8272]

@msalvag I realize Canada is in North America geographically, but most people today when they're referring to America are referring to the United States. Sorry for not being more specific.

[@michaelgehrke8272]

@msalvag I meant the northern United States.

[@SaneSociety1]

That stitching down the middle of the seats is.a bad idea. People are saying it rubs against their butt and is already fraying. The extra cladding just to reduce the ground clearance look-I hope it breaks off cleanly if you need the full clearance...but probably not. Otherwise, looks awesome. Love my 2012 Mazda 3, runs great.

[@borislum1998]

so glad Mazda does not use the shiny piano black on the CX-50 vs RAV4 XSE

[@JuanLopez-oz9kh]

I really like it! I am a Toyota owner. reliability build right in, resale, maybe not.

[@rolandrivera3790]

Mazda overdoes the plastic cladding, gives it a cheap vibe

[@937553]

Cheaper than the CRV hybrid and better looking interior!

[@RogerSirard]

May be subjective but the CX50 exterior looks better also.

[@justinandout]

It's also smaller and less features.

[@know916bound]

​@@justinandoutJust smaller. But mazda has better traction control as well as dynamics and Honda just barely added a 360 camera when mazdas had them for a while now. If anything now they're matched On features. Also honda hybrids don't have the same reputation for reliability or fuel economy as this drivetrain from Toyota.

[@justinandout]

@know916bound lol dude dynamics... This ain't BMW M5 lol

[@know916bound]

@@justinandout no. Its priced way better. Especially with the shit electronics from germans... Also german cars only cost a lot in the states because of tariffs. They're not actually worth their price here.

[@stevenflaig869]

No heated steering wheel? It gets cold in Minnesota.

[@davidjym]

Gloves 🧤

[@GerryWaz]

Also a Minnesota resident. No heated steering wheel = NO SALE! Dumb move by Mazda.

[@paulcatarino2209]

@@davidjym And if you want to get fancy to match your new car....heated gloves.

[@njbloke]

Too bad no heated steering in US will stop me from buying

[@mtbmike1328]

Elegant and sophisticated interior hmm? The dash beyond the gauge cluster looks so basic especially the climate control pod. The Korean twins and VW definitely have the edge on interior sophistication!

[@michaelbury1941]

I’m looking for hybrids that will have improved economy over previous generations of hybrids so every new hybrid that comes out that doesn’t hit that mark is a miss for me

[@Adam_Star_0]

No front & rear parking sensors, i mean what!! we are in 2024 . This should be standard on every car.

[@calebwany8422]

You can't expect modern stuff on a Toyota CX-50

[@Marc21j]

​@@calebwany8422the non hybrid versions have them which makes it more confusing why they didn't include them

[@midlifemom5829]

Is Mazda crazy?!

[@johnsanford3596]

Dude, the Lord God Almighty and/or Gaia and/or Mother Nature gifted YOU with a fully functional pair of front and rear parking sensors. use 'em.

[@charliet3881]

​@@Marc21j because the gas version is a proper Mazda

[@tc-home]

Great review and comparison. Do you think they'll offer a Meridian edition with the Hybrid model?

[@3akoscielski]

There are many reason's I am glad I don't live in the USA, I didn't realize a heated steering wheel was going to be one of them 😂

[@jurgenkreisel9092]

I personally don't like all the plastic cladding. How will it look in a few years.

[@ggsdude1]

Use a trim conditioner for it periodically

[@JimAllder11]

I love that you're both color coded to match the car.

[@TheRock3k]

Wait till Trumper puts on the Tarrifs 😂😂😂

[@kevinmcdowell11]

These vehicles are made in the US I believe, in Alabama. Not sure if the tariffs would have the same impact on these vehicles as they would on those manufactured abroad.

[@jesseawenus1067]

Thanks for the review! Any idea how hard these will be to come by at Mazda dealerships in Toronto/GTA over the next 6-12 months? Do you know if dealerships plan on marking them up over MRSP?

[@kpoonification]

kind of, I heard before that dealerships would want you to add warranty on it and some other stuffs before you get the car

[@mittu2884]

They're already available. My friend is getting his delivered in Dec.

[@labaos89]

If you’re in the market let me know.

[@jesseawenus1067]

@@kpoonification dealerships always want you to add warranties. That’s not new lol

[@kpoonification]

@@jesseawenus1067 as in mandatory, not optional

[@jmanultra]

I don’t understand the lack of a heated steering wheel in the U.S. living in the Northeast, I’d really appreciate that feature.

[@joglekarswapnil]

Great review as always. Have you guys already done the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid 2025 review yet? If not looking forward to it. That's the nearest competition to this one imo.

[@tonyvarghese8305]

Lets have a comparison between crv hybrid vs cx50 hybrid

[@AK-bw8xk]

Funny that's why I bought my Meridian edition because it doesn't have all the unnecessary electronic BS. I need dials, buttons, and mechanical parking. brake.

[@ChilledNurse]

Everyone on cx50: “plastic cladding is ugly” Also everyone on Lambo Sterrato: “omg take mah monies!”

[@gregoryhill7960]

Thank you for the excellent 🎉🎉🎉 reporting 13:43

[@charliet3881]

@Motormouth how were the front seats? Did it feel like a banana hammock?

[@Ghaavy]

Ordered.

[@katmanjenks1961]

Without test driving?

[@lickitysplitt]

​@@katmanjenks1961 Shaaadup

[@DougMacniven]

Praise the spare tire Gods for over-ruling the inflation kit heathens! Great vehicle with the hybrid added.

[@JustinMorales796]

Im kicking around a RAV4, CRV, and this one. One of the big things for me is not having a spare on the Honda. Is that something that people can live with and what are the options if you do get a flat?

[@mskinch9]

I was really intrigued with Mazda's offering in the CX-50 hybrid. Unfortunately, the poor tech and the minimal cargo space is a deal breaker for me. 2025 Tuscon Hybrid is still atop my list.

[@ChilledNurse]

Tucson has a turbo. So not only do you have the regular engine and complex hybrid engine to worry about, now you’re adding another break point a turbo. Also, turbos if they go bad or lack proper maintenance can overtime ruin engines.

[@markw6022]

@@ChilledNurse with combination of turbo gas engine and electrical motor you get much better mid range power and mid range acceleration comparing to the other mainstream compact hybrids. Tested 2025 Hyundai Tuscon Hybrid and was really impressed. Mazda hybrid does not come even close.

[@azizkizbayev439]

@@markw6022these hyundais are crap. Toyota hybrid engine A25A-FXS is the pinnacle of engineering

[@brucemaxwell2877]

Looks like that spanking got you back in line 😅

[@aristonaquino175]

love mazda

[@bricksbeersbeards9368]

maybe part of the arrangement with Toyota is to package that way, I wonder, are these features available on Rav4 in USA?

[@chesterkuo3646]

Top trim in Canada price is $48,350 CAD = $34,674 USD, and it has more options in it then the US . And the top trim in US price is $40,050 USD !!?? And the car is build in the USA.....why cost more in the US with less options ?

[@adityam.5056]

Fuel economy aside, would you take this over the GT trim?

[@dgrGR61]

Another reason to move to Canada.

[@loriines2096]

Is the headroom the same without the pano sunroof? Mahalo.

[@clintonsmurf6496]

I’d like to get Mazda but the seats are too hard. I heard about that from your vids but once I started looking at SUVs it was very apparent that Mazda has one of the hardest seats. So can’t go with the brand just yet

[@jackdaniels2905]

I prefer the rugged look of the Petro version.

[@lgbunbury]

Bravo Mazda, BUT should have included ALL safety features in ALL trim Levels. No heated steering wheel in USA is just dumb!

[@jaspalsingh-jc7zu]

Which one is better crv touring hybrid or cx50 GT hybrid??

[@GenaMak]

I guess it’s ok for Mazda lovers. Nothing really new and to be exited about. Pass for me

[@kevinlyles3355]

Excited to see improved mileage, but lots of compromises and in sum less desirable than the turbo, IMO. Maybe a necessary decision by Mazda to go with this system, but lost the soul of Mazdas.

[@efavuzza73]

Is it as quick as the turbo model

[@Zeek800]

It has about 15-20 less hp??? and the added hundred pounds or so of the hybrid battery but minus the components of the gas engines driveshaft to the rear. It will be somewhere between the turbo and the normally aspirated gas engine but leaning towards the turbo. Remember the Turbo makes close to 270 hp but only while using 91 octane or higher more expensive fuel. If you’ve ever driven a current generation Rav. 4 AWD gas and then the RAV4 hybrid ( I have ) there’s a very noticeable difference in acceleration. The gas RAV4 does 0-60 in 7.0-8.0 seconds the Hybrid in 7.1-7.2. I don’t know what the Mazda Turbo vs. Non turbo numbers are.

[@Offensively-normal]

Better buy a hybrid if you live in California. Gas tax going up to $2 per gallon. A 65 cent increase per gallon.

[@GregBeaulieu-c3t]

This appeals to me more than a RAV4 in terms of looks both inside and out, but I’m wondering where the 2” of rear legroom went? I’m not sure the 50 can afford a loss of headroom either as I’ve seen lots of complaints about that in the gas CX-50 as it is. I like that it has Toyota’s drivetrain but I’m concerned about Mazda quality in the rest of the vehicle given the debacle of the CX-90 and the reputation of many Mazda dealers service departments - will they be up to speed on the Toyota bits? I also despise Mazda’s antique infotainment system and their balky/erratic driving assists which are often more of an annoyance.

[@alsheremeta]

I'd rather purchase a RAV4 built in a Canadian plant that has the second highest quality score of any Toyota plant in the world, than the Mazda built in Alabama.....

[@bruce3412]

Do you ever think that dash cams will come standard equipment in vehicles? I have seen some companies offer them as accessories.

[@bruce3412]

If not why? thanks