According to the New York Times, sport utility vehicles officially outsold sedans in 2015 but within the SUV market, compact SUVs sit at the top. The reasons are simple. They’re nimble, easy to park at the grocery store, fuel-efficient and versatile, components that made SUVs so popular that cars almost became obsolete. Latino Traffic Report (LTR) recently tested the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid Premium Plus and it certainly suits its segment.
Powered by a 2.5-liter hybrid (new for 2025) engine with 219 combined horsepower and 163 lb.–ft. of torque, the test model averaged 32.5 miles per gallon (mpg) but the CX-50 has an EPA estimated city/highway mpg of 39/37 so it could do better. It seemed to stretch its gas range during the test driving when it showed 320 miles to empty with only a quarter of the15.9-gallon tank depleted. According Mazda’s media page, the “hybrid offers over 100 miles of extra driving range compared to CX-550 2.5 S models,” assisted by the hybrid’s electric motors.
As a hybrid Premium Plus trim, the test model sits at number six of the available ten packages to choose from and as such, it came with fancier features like 19-inch hybrid wheels in a split black and machine polished finish, bright roof rails 
and exhaust pipes, automatic power-folding side mirrors, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink garage door opener, six-way power passenger seat and two-position memory setting for the powered driver seat. As an added treat, the test model also had a panoramic sunroof, heated and cooled seats, and multiple drive modes, including a trail mode for off-roading since all CX-50 models come with all-wheel drive.
The styling on the hybrid model is also unique, starting with unique wheel designs, a different lower front bumper design, and the availability of a new red leather interior option.
The CX-50 added one more plus, it was uncomplicated. Setting the preset channels was intuitive, reading the instrument cluster, where only the center dial was digital, was easy, and general operation was normal, in a good way. Adding versatility, the rear seats folded flat easily, exposing 56.3 cubic feet of cargo room.
If you can’t afford the hybrid, it’s nice to know that all CX-50s come with the most essential safety feature, a blind spot monitor. Pricing for the 2025 CX-50 starts at $31,995. The as-tested pricing came to $41,920 with destination fees.
Sí: The Mazda CX-50 hybrid is fuel efficient, easy to maneuver, and versatile, like most compact SUVs, but it stands out with added premium features.
No: As tested pricing was a little steep.
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.