Mazda began producing motorized vehicles nearly 100 years ago, making it one of Japan’s oldest manufacturers. Its first vehicle, from 1931, was the “Mazda Go,” a rugged, three-wheeled, motorcycle-based utility vehicle that was the country’s first auto-rickshaw. It was used mainly for commercial deliveries, but its numerous capabilities provided applications for transporting people, goods, and services. It also provided users, and their compatriots, with a sense of freedom and adventure: the ability to move beyond the bounds of the local, the traditional, and the familiar to explore what lies beyond.
Despite its almost century-long history in the vehicle category, Mazda has always considered itself a challenger brand. Headquartered in Hiroshima, Japan, far from the middle of the country and its auto industry—mainly centered in and around Tokyo—Mazda developed its sensibilities and engineering separately from its core competitors.
Following this divergent path, it has thus evolved separately, embracing novel technologies, unique propulsion systems, and distinctive upscale aesthetics, as well as a unique fascination with the connection between human and machine. Mazda prioritizes spirited driving dynamics and a heightened and energizing vehicle experience.
While this sensibility may be obvious in the Mazda MX-5 Miata sports car—now in its fourth generation—it runs deep in every vehicle that the brand produces. Over time, these distinct priorities have influenced not only how Mazda vehicles drive, but also how they are conceived, designed, and perceived. So, when Mazda set out to diversify its lineup with the CX-50 and to expand that model line with a hybrid version, it became a clear expression of that thinking.
Form That Follows Experience
Mazda’s Kodo design aesthetic is immediately evident in the CX-50. Vehicles are designed from the inside out, around the driver and passengers, with the goal of ensuring comfort, engagement, and joy.
But they are simultaneously designed from the outside in. The pleasing proportions of the CX-50 Hybrid, with its long hood and set-back cabin, provide an elegant, upscale profile. The body sides have curves and forms that were carefully shaped by human, hands-on clay models—a process and material that Mazda designers continue to master, even in this era of computers and artificial intelligence. This technique ensures a tactile sensibility, instilling a sense of connection between human and machine. And Mazda’s available premium paint process incorporates a multilayered richness as well as a depth of color, reflection, and refraction that highlights the CX-50’s premium identity, making its paint quality stand out above its peers.
The CX-50 is thoughtfully designed with active lifestyles in mind, incorporating features that lend themselves to varied interests. For example, it has the ground clearance necessary to leave the road for adventures beyond the pavement. Its relatively low roofline not only provides the vehicle with a more sporting appearance but also makes accessing the roof rack easier. Moreover, the roof has been reinforced and strengthened to allow more accessories—canoes, kayaks, bicycles—to ride up there.¹
The versatile cargo space in back is thoughtfully designed to house all manner of outdoor gear. Deeper than it is wide, and with the Hybrid featuring a standard power opening and closing feature (available on CX-50), it can readily accommodate coolers and backpacks lengthwise, obviating the need for cumbersome and time-consuming cramming or stacking.¹
Even the passenger compartment was created with such activities in mind. The materials are long-lasting yet refined, inspired by the durable textiles used in backpacks and hiking boots. The interior finishes are designed to be comfortable too. The Hybrid’s standard panoramic moonroof (available on CX-50) brings a dose of light and changes the atmosphere when you open the shade.
Look more closely and you’ll notice attention to details like soft-touch fabrics and a rich red leather interior option that’s only available on the CX-50 Hybrid. Because of its commitment to superior ergonomics and safety, Mazda has remained steadfast in its dedication to minimize touchscreen engagement in its centrally mounted infotainment system, allowing drivers to stay focused on the road ahead.² Most operations can be done with metallic switchgear and actual buttons, as well as a centrally mounted rotary knob. This simple and intuitive functionality is another example of the importance Mazda places on the intersection where human and machine meet.
A Hybrid That Improves the Formula
Mazda has long been known for spirited driving dynamics, and the CX-50 Hybrid is aligned with that ethos. The Hybrid’s four-cylinder gasoline engine, coupled with three electric motors, produces a total of 219 horsepower, providing brisk acceleration that splits the difference between the 187-hp base and the up to 256-hp turbocharged engines available in other CX-50 models when using premium fuel.
Each vehicle in the CX-50 lineup is available with Mazda’s Mi-Drive feature, which offers a selection of driving modes. In the Hybrid, these include a Power mode for ultimate performance and a Trail mode for ultimate control when driving on unpaved or slick surfaces. The standard CX-50 includes similar Sport and Off-Road choices, as well as a Towing mode on turbocharged models, which optimizes the CX-50’s ability to pull up to 3,500 pounds.³
All CX-50s are delivered with standard all-wheel drive (AWD), inspiring confidence in all weather and road conditions. While the standard CX-50 uses Mazda’s proven i-Activ AWD® system, apportioning mechanical power from the engine to the front and rear drive wheels as needed, the Hybrid utilizes a clever and sophisticated electronic all-wheel-drive system. In this setup, the internal-combustion engine up front drives the front wheels, while a pair of electric motors step in when required to provide power to the rear wheels—for example, to deliver greater control and stability on slippery roads, or to provide brisker acceleration when powering out of a turn.⁴
And while the Hybrid preserves Mazda’s hallmark dynamic capabilities, the continuous charging and discharging assist from the 0.8-kWh nickel-metal hydride battery pack delivers meaningful gains in terms of efficiency and driving range.⁵
According to estimates from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the CX-50 Hybrid will achieve a remarkable 38 mpg on the combined cycle (39 city/37 highway). This improves on the already parsimonious 28-mpg combined cycle rating of the CX-50 2.5 S models (31 highway/25 city)⁶ and the 25-mpg combined rating of the 2.5 Turbo models (29 highway/23 city).⁶ The Hybrid is aided both by electrification and by its exclusive available 19-inch machine-cut alloy wheels, which are designed with aerodynamics, and therefore fuel economy, in mind.
This fuel efficiency provides the CX-50 Hybrid with a range of more than 550 miles on a single fill-up,⁵ enough for you to take a round-trip drive to just about any weekend destination, along with any extra journeys you take to hike, bike, kayak, or just enjoy dining or wellness experiences at your destination. Not having to stop to refuel is a true luxury.
Built to Assist, Not Intrude
Mazda has always embraced innovation—look at the brand’s decades-long (and ongoing) history with the radical Wankel rotary engine. So, it should come as no surprise that Mazda has given the CX-50 line intelligent powertrain and safety solutions.
Take the hybrid system, sourced from a collaboration with Toyota. This sophisticated powertrain results in a 35 to 50 percent gain in fuel economy over the standard and turbocharged CX-50 models.5 It also enhances performance with additional power. The patented i-Activ all-wheel-drive system in gas models electronic all-wheel drive (eAWD) in the hybrid variant—apportions power to the rear wheels at the exact moment when additional traction is needed or desirable. Coupled with the Hybrid-specific continuously variable transmission (CVT), it provides the model with a smooth driving experience.
To help keep you and your precious passengers and cargo safe, the CX-50 Hybrid and gas models also incorporate a suite of Mazda’s i-Activsense® safety technology.⁷ This includes a variety of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) that take advantage of the many camera, radar, and ultrasonic sensors installed around the vehicle.
Blind Spot Monitoring utilizes sensors in the rear quarter panel help to alert the driver when a car is alongside or fast approaching the CX-50 from behind.8 Lane-Departure Warning can provide a visual and auditory signal when the vehicle crosses over one of the painted lines on the road surface, allowing the driver to correct for a small error before it can escalate.⁹ And Rear Cross-Traffic Alert helps detect vehicles, bicycles, or pedestrians approaching the back of the vehicle when you are reversing⁸—for example, out of a driveway or parking spot—and signals you in the rearview backup camera feed and provides an audible alert if it notices something you might otherwise miss.
Because Mazda knows how important it is that you stay connected while on the road—whether for daily commuting and errands, or when heading out to explore—the CX-50 Hybrid also incorporates wireless Apple CarPlay® integration for your iPhone® or Android Auto™ compatibility.* This allows you to access your familiar entertainment, communications, and navigation apps safely through the centrally mounted screen. Plus, it lets you bring along your personal music, text chains, and saved destinations directly into the vehicle, instantly making your CX-50 your personal space. Voice commands simplify the utilization of these apps and further ensure your safety when behind the wheel. An available 12-speaker Bose® audio system brings concert-hall-level acoustics to your listening experience, whether that means jamming to your travel playlist or digesting an engaging podcast.
All of this makes the CX-50 satisfying and comfortable to drive—true to Mazda’s character—and a worthy companion for wherever the road may take you. Its design, capability, and technology support a wide range of go-anywhere possibilities, encouraging you to explore further. In the spirit of Mazda’s earliest vehicles, the CX-50 and CX-50 Hybrid invite us to share in the adventure.
¹ Please remember to properly secure all cargo. All attachments require Roof Rails and Crossbars. Roof Rails, Crossbars and attachments sold separately. Roof Rack available with accessory package on select models.
² Don’t drive while distracted. Even with voice commands, only use Mazda Connect™/ other devices when safe. Some features may require cellular or Wi-Fi service; some features may be unavailable while the vehicle is in motion. Not all features are compatible with all phones. Message and data rates may apply.
³ Up to 3,500 pounds of towing capacity with Mazda CX-50 Turbo models when activating available Towing mode. Towing capacities shown are maximums and must be reduced by the weight of any passenger, cargo hitch or optional equipment in the towing vehicle. Please refer to vehicle Owner's Manual for details regarding towing capacities and other valuable information. Towing a trailer may have an effect on vehicle's handling, braking, durability, performance, and driving economy. For specific information on recommended or required equipment, see your Mazda Dealer. Hitches are available through manufacturers other than Mazda Dealer.
⁴ Always drive carefully based on road and weather conditions. No vehicle or all-wheel drive technology can accommodate all driving maneuvers and situations.
⁵ EPA-estimated 38 MPG combined for Mazda CX-50 Hybrid models. Actual results will vary. EPA-estimated driving range of 551 miles. EPA-estimated range will vary based on vehicle and battery condition, temperature, driving habits, and other factors.
⁶ EPA-estimated mileage. Actual results will vary.
⁷ i-Activsense® safety features are not a substitute for safe and attentive driving. There are limitations to the range and detection of each safety feature. Safety features vary based on vehicle package and trim combinations. Please see your Owner’s Manual for further details.
⁸ Always check your mirrors. Be aware of the traffic around you. There are limitations to the range and detection of the system. Please see your Owner’s Manual for further details.
⁹ Lane Departure Warning System operates under certain conditions above 40 mph. It is not a substitute for safe and attentive driving. There are limitations to the range and detection of the system. Please see your Owner’s Manual for further details.
* Requires compatible phone, and standard text and data rates apply. Third-party interface providers are solely responsible for their product functionality, and third-party terms and privacy statements apply. Don’t drive while distracted or while using a hand-held device. Android and Android Auto are trademarks of Google LLC. Apple CarPlay, iPhone, and Siri are trademarks of Apple Inc.
