In April 2022, the Mazda CX-50 will be available in the U.S. It is positioned above the CX-5 on the North American lineup. In the United States, 21 329 units were sold in 2018. Mazda North American Operations, (MNAO), made mention of the CX-50 hybrid during its launch in January 2022. They stated that it would arrive “in the next years”, but did not provide any details.
Mazda Canada announced plans to launch the CX-50 Hybrid in 2022 via a press statement. We’re not able to find this press release anymore in the portal. According to copies of the release still available online, Mazda Canada plans to launch eight new electrified vehicles in Canada by the year 2025. One of them will be the CX-50 hybrid, as reported by CX-50 forums. Mazda’s timeline for the same announcement states that the CX-50 Hybrid will debut in Canada by 2024. We believe that since the U.S. market is the largest in North America, the CX-50 electrified would launch around the same time.
2024 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid Review
Mazda CX-50 Hybrid made its debut at Auto Shanghai 2023. The CX-50 Hybrid is not visually different from its non-electrified equivalent, despite the silver “Hybrid”, with blue lettering. The U.S. CX-50 hybrid will not be much different from the regular CX-50. Mazda may offer special color options and possibly different wheels to make the CX-50 Hybrid stand out. The CX-50 has a sporty, confident exterior with a wide stance. It also features a well-sculpted and modern fascia. The CX-50’s stylish silhouette is dotted with enough brand-specific cues, from Mazda’s ‘Kodo” design language at the front and nose to the shape of its LED headlights.
The CX-50 also has a heavily contoured hood, wheel arches that are flared with plastic cladding and faux skidplates finished in satin-silver, as well as large vents built into the front bumper and rear bumper. The U-shaped taillight LEDs add a stylish touch.
Interior
Mazda’s new gas-powered CX-50 also inherits the high-quality interiors that Mazda consistently delivers in their models. The interior of the CX-50 is not only sporty and ergonomic but also well-finished. Soft touchpoints are available with contrast stitching and metallic accents. The dual-tone theme of the interior adds to its premium appeal.
Mazda, unlike many other automakers has kept the physical buttons for controlling many of CX-50 features. This is extremely convenient and easy to use while driving. The leather-wrapped wheel and the comfort of the seats are both notable. The recessed screen can be difficult to see for shorter drivers, but the instrument cluster is functional.
Mazda has not revealed the interior of the CX-50 Hybrid, but it is likely to look very similar to that of the CX-50. Mazda could introduce a new start/stop engine button, new graphics and icons in the MID/infotainment systems, as well as different interior trim & upholstery. We’ll need to see how the hybrid, which has additional mechanical components underneath the floorboard affects the rear cargo area.
Engine
Mazda confirmed the CX-50 would be available with a Toyota hybrid powertrain. This was reported by Driving.ca in a report published on June 29th 2022. According to recent reports, the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid may use the same powertrain that is used in the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid. The system is powered by a combination of a 2.0 liter engine and electric motor, which results in 196 horsepower. This system is EPA-certified for the Toyota model. The combined fuel efficiency is 42 MPG.
Jonathan Sewell, a Mazda expert, had previously stated in a video on YouTube that Mazda might use one of Toyota’s 2.5-liter engine instead of its Skyactiv-G in the CX-50 hybrid. This powertrain is the Dynamic force unit, which produces 176 horsepower and 165 lb.ft.
The RAV4 Hybrid can achieve 41/38 MPG on the highway and city (EPA estimated). The RAV4 Hybrid is capable of 219 hp and offers eAWD. The RAV4 Hybrid has a reputation for comfort and all-around performance. However, the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid can be tuned to deliver more power, while focusing on driving dynamics. The Mazda CX-50 Hybrid may also benefit from Mazda G-Vectoring Control (MiDrive) and Intelligent Drive Select technologies.
The Mazda CX-50 is available in a variety of trim levels, each with its own set of features and driver assistance. This includes safety technologies such as Dynamic Stability, Radar Cruise with Stop &Go, Advanced Smart City brake Support with pedestrian detection and Lane Departure warning System with Lane-keep Assistance, Driver Attention Alert with Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Mazda Connected Services, with MyMazda app, are also included. These features are often carried over into the Hybrid model.
The U.S. CX-50 is equipped with adaptive and auto-leveling headlights. It also has a rear liftgate that can be programmed to adjust the height, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, LED interior lights, a 10.25″ infotainment screen with Mazda Navigation System. There’s also in-car WiFI, dual-zone climate controls with rear vents. A wireless phone charger as well as a Bose 12-speaker audio system are included. Apple CarPlay works wirelessly, but Android Auto does not. Mazda CX-50 Hybrid buyers can expect similar features.
2024 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid Price and Release Date
The Mazda CX-50 gasoline variants cost in the US between USD 27,550 to 42,300. The Mazda CX-50 Hybrid is expected to start at more than USD 30,000. The CX-50 Hybrid is expected to be released in the U.S. by the end of the year. (Mazda expert Jonathan Sewell mentioned September 2023 in his YouTube video). This will be followed by a confirmed Canadian launch for 2024.
The CX-50 will be produced in the U.S. at the Mazda Toyota Manufacturing plant (MTM), located in Huntsville. The joint venture of the two Japanese auto giants resulted in this state-of the-art facility. It has a production capacity of up to 300,000 cars per year and can employ up to 4,000 people. This facility will also build the upcoming Mazda CX-50 Hybrid.
According to the Mazda North American Operation (MNAO), the company sold 88.384 units in 2023. This represents an increase of 7.4 percent compared to the same period the previous year. Mazda Motor de Mexico, Mazda Motor de Columbia (MCOL) and Mazda U.S. are included in the above combined sales figures. This year, the CX-5 was the best-selling vehicle for MNAO. It was followed by the CX-30 and CX-5. The hybrid version should boost sales and move the CX-50 up to CX-5 and above the CX-9.