Mazda CX-50 Hybrid

Car manufacturers are scrambling to offer hybrid vehicles, as some of their all-electric “cousins” still have a few kinks to work out.

Yet, hybrid SUV prices inch upwards into the $50,000-plus range. Cars in the City recently found one less than 40 grand that is not a stripped-down version.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid Preferred is a compact SUV. The all-wheel drive model contains both a gas engine and a battery powering the vehicle. With a price tag ringing in at just $36,270, you get all the comforts of leather, safety and tons of features at a fraction of other SUV prices. 

In fact, Car and Driver magazine has included the Mazda CX-50 on its Editor’s Choice list for best new vehicles in 2025.

One reason for the affordability is that Mazda is a small automaker and didn’t use its own expensive resources to develop a hybrid powertrain. Instead, the Mazda CX-50 “borrowed” the Toyota RAV4’s powertrain. Both models use the a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with electric motors, producing a combined 219 horsepower. Mazda needed that bridge to get into the hybrid market, demonstrating how automakers can get along.

At first glance, the CX-50 offers appealing features. A leather-wrapped steering wheel and half leatherette stitched seating provide sturdy yet comfortable seating. The push button start is standard. I liked the old school shifter in the middle console, unlike the newer paddle shifters in some cars. Resting a hand on the center shifter makes me feel more edgy in my driving abilities. 

There’s seating for five, although the back seat might be comfier for three smaller folks. The back seats fold down, offering more cargo space. The vehicle specs say it offers 31.4 cubic feet of cargo storage. What does that really mean? Car manufacturers should spell this out those of us who can’t visualize cubic feet. Instead, just say four suitcases, three bags of groceries, plus spots to cram in a couple 12 packs, a blanket and an umbrella. 

Drivers will get about 38 miles per gallon and can travel about 500 miles before filling up. 

With this low price, you might think safety features are extra. Nope. All of the safety elements are standard. The lane assist, lane departure, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic monitors and more make sure you are keeping the vehicle on the road and avoiding traffic hazards. 

If you are cruising around in Iowa starting July 1, you will be required to put down the cell phone while driving. Mazda makes it easy to go hands free with its wireless Apple and Android connectivity and voice activation. 

The Mazda CX-50 comes in a variety of colors, including metallic, which does cost more. I was intrigued. Why does metallic cost more? Isn’t all paint the same? It’s not. When vehicles are painted in a metallic color, it includes small flakes of metal. This process is more labor intensive as manufacturers need to apply multiple coats of paint and apply it carefully to even it all out. 

If you are looking for a vehicle offering reliability, fuel economy and savings, the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid might save you a few bucks. ♦