Latest news with #CX-50Hybrid
Winnipeg Free Press
09-05-2025
- Automotive
- Winnipeg Free Press
Parsimonious partnership
Mazda's newest hybrid — the CX-50 Hybrid — is its best-driving, thanks to a partner with the most experience in building hybrids. The CX-50 Hybrid powertrain is Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive, and it arguably is more fun to drive than the CX-50's hybrid stablemates CX-70 and CX-90. Toyota has been refining the Hybrid Synergy Drive since the mid to late 1990s, having launched the first Prius in 1999. The CX-50 is smaller and lighter than the other two, so it's more nimble. The planetary gearset transmission transfers energy more efficiently, it seems, than the eight-speed automatics in the 70 and 90. Acceleration is direct and immediate, and it pulls hard — thanks to the electric assist from the hybrid system. Supplied The CX-50 interior is nicely minimalist, with interesting details such as the contrasting stitching on the dashboard trim piece. Sure, it's still a CVT, something a Mazda chief engineer once swore it would never do, but it's also the best in the business. So while it will still do that annoying thing CVTs do — run the engine to a certain R.P.M. and stay there during acceleration — it doesn't seem as droning and annoying as other CVTs. Unlike certain Toyota hybrids, such as the Prius, the CX-50 employs a standard console-mounted shift lever, with PRND and a manual gate to mimic manual gearshifting. The CX-50 is a hair larger than the CX-5, so there's an inch or two more cargo space. As well, the interior is done to usual Mazda standards, which typically means Mazda can put its interiors confidently against the best in the business. On the road, the CX-50 is Mazda's excellent handling incarnate, driving more like a car than a mid-size SUV. It hits 100 km/h in less than eight seconds and carves through corners in ways that suggest it has an independent rear suspension. It does not: instead, it uses a torsion beam suspension, which Mazda first introduced on the current generation of the Mazda3. I own a Mazda3 and it, and the CX-50, handle in ways engineers didn't think possible with torsion beam suspensions just a few years ago. 'We didn't do it to make the car worse,' Dave Coleman, one of Mazda's senior engineers, told me about the rear suspension during a Mazda3 press event. To make it work, Mazda experimented with the position of attachment points, direction of travel of various suspension pieces and choices in various components to make a torsion beam work as well as, say, a multi-link suspension. Mazda spokesman Chuck Reimer says the powertrain is, in essence, plucked straight from the Toyota RAV-4 Hybrid. 'The handling (steering, braking/acceleration response), however, is where you would find the unique Mazda tuning, as this is all done by our R&D team in the U.S. and is tuned to feel dynamically as closely as possible to the CX-50 with our own Skyactiv-G powertrains,' he wrote in an email. It does this all with superlative fuel economy: 6.2 litres per 100 km combined, or nearly 2 litres per 100 km less than non-hybrid models. But here's the rub: the CX-50 is built at a joint Mazda-Toyota plant in Huntsville, Ala. So while many Mazdas slip into Canada tariff-free from Japan or Mexico, the CX-50 will be subject to Canada's 25 per cent retaliatory tariffs on U.S.-built vehicles. kelly taylor / free press The CX-50 shares some of the CX-5's overall lines, but is a touch larger and has a different design for the front facade. How that all shakes out remains to be seen: Prime Minister Mark Carney and U.S. President Donald Trump have committed to working out a new trade deal, and there appears to be a carve-out for certain vehicles built in compliance with the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement on trade, or CUSMA. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. Still, Mazda Canada reports it will pause production of Canadian CX-50 models May 12. Spokeswoman Sandra Lemaitre said overall production at the plant — into which Mazda and Toyota invested a combined US$1.6-billion — will not be affected. A date to restart production has not been set, pending the outcome of trade talks. Inventory of all CX-50 vehicles is listed as 'limited inventory' on Mazda Canada's website. There is a CX-50 Hybrid built in China, but to different regulatory standards and, as Lemaitre points out, the hybrid would be subject to even stiffer Canadian tariffs (106 per cent on electrified Chinese vehicles) than U.S. models. Winnipeg's two Mazda dealerships, Gerry Gordon's Mazda and Crown Mazda, both have some models available as of Thursday. Other Mazda models, including the CX-5, CX-30, Mazda3, CX-70 and CX-90, are built in Japan or in Mexico and are not subject to retaliatory tariffs. The CX-50 Hybrid combines the excellent handling that is Mazda's hallmark with the superlative fuel economy of the Toyota hybrid powertrain. With a price just a hair about $46,000, including an unspecified destination fee and air-conditioning and tire levies, it's more expensive than the RAV-4, but also larger. Kelly TaylorCopy Editor, Autos Reporter Kelly Taylor is a copy editor and award-winning automotive journalist, and he writes the Free Press's Business Weekly newsletter. Kelly got his start in journalism in 1988 at the Winnipeg Sun, straight out of the creative communications program at RRC Polytech (then Red River Community College). A detour to the Brandon Sun for eight months led to the Winnipeg Free Press in 1989. Read more about Kelly. Every piece of reporting Kelly produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Mazda CX-5 Hybrid Confirmed for 2027 with In-House Hybrid System
Mazda confirmed that the CX-5 will debut a new hybrid generation in 2027, breathing new life into the already popular crossover. The new will get an in-house hybrid system from Mazda as well as the new Skyactiv-Z four-cylinder engine. While Mazda could be working on a plug-in variant, previous spy photos show just one fuel door, making us think the CX-5 will be a conventional hybrid. Mazda has now confirmed that the ever-popular CX-5 compact SUV will launch a new generation, this time with a hybrid powertrain, ushering in new excitement for the brand's most popular model. We first caught sight of the upcoming CX-5 Hybrid back in January, but at that point, the new model still hadn't been officially announced. Now Mazda has confirmed that the next-gen CX-5 will break cover at some time in 2027. While the CX-50 Hybrid that's currently on sale borrows its gas-electric powertrain from the Toyota RAV4, the new CX-5 unit has been developed entirely in-house at Mazda. Not much is known about the new system, but we're expecting it to pair Mazda's four-cylinder Skyactiv-Z engine with a pair of electric motors. There's also the possibility that Mazda will introduce a plug-in-hybrid version, though we've only spotted one fuel door on the test mule in our spy photos, making us think the CX-5 will be a conventional hybrid. The hybrid system won't be the only new part of the CX-5 Hybrid's powertrain, as the new model will also feature Mazda's new Skyactiv-Z engine, which is set to replace the current Skyactiv-G powertrains in the United States. The main draw for the new four-cylinder engine is that it uses the Lambda 1 air-fuel ratio. That means it uses a perfectly balanced mixture of air and fuel throughout the rev range to reduce tailpipe emissions at full power. We'll have to wait quite a bit longer for Mazda to release official power figures and pricing, but we're expecting the CX-5 Hybrid to be priced similarly to the CX-50 Hybrid, which currently starts at around $35,000. You Might Also Like Car and Driver's 10 Best Cars through the Decades How to Buy or Lease a New Car Lightning Lap Legends: Chevrolet Camaro vs. Ford Mustang!
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Mazda CX-5 vs. Mazda CX-50: Comparing the Compact-SUV Siblings
Mazda sells two SUVs in the compact-SUV segment: the CX-5 and the CX-50. It's not the only automaker to have two models competing in the same class—Ford does the same with the Escape and Bronco Sport, for instance—but you may wonder why both Mazda crossovers exist when there's so much overlap in terms of the two models' sizes, prices, and capabilities. We're here to shine a light on the similarities and differences between the two when it comes to features, performance, design, and specifications. It's important to note that you can't really go wrong with either of these Mazda SUVs. They both sit near the top of our compact-SUV rankings, have won Car and Driver comparison tests, and are among our Editors' Choice picks. Choosing between the two mostly comes down to personal preferences, as they look different inside and out but otherwise feel similar from behind the wheel. The CX-5 and CX-50 are both compact SUVs, meaning they are similarly sized, but there are differences in their proportions and interior dimensions. The CX-50 is lower in height and longer overall, meaning it casts a sleeker profile than the more upright and stubby CX-5. On the inside, this results in slight differences in passenger room: The CX-5 has a bit more passenger space and more headroom, while the CX-50 has slightly more rear-seat legroom. In our testing, we were able to fit nine carry-on suitcases behind the rear seats in both models, and both have split-folding rear seats that expand the cargo area should you need to carry larger items. The CX-50 and CX-5 offer the same gas engine as standard, but the major difference is that the CX-50 has an available hybrid model that the CX-5 lacks. The base engine for the CX-5 and CX-50 is a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 187 horsepower, while the optional, more powerful engine is a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four with 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque (these numbers apply if you use premium fuel; Mazda quotes slightly lower power and torque figures on regular fuel). The CX-50 Hybrid, which has a powertrain borrowed from the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, features a 2.5-liter gas engine and three electric motors for a total output of 219 horsepower. In our testing, the naturally aspirated CX-5 got to 60 mph in 8.1 seconds, while the turbocharged version took 6.2 seconds. We haven't tested a CX-50 with the base engine, but the turbo version of that car got to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds. The CX-50 Hybrid with its 7.6 second result splits the difference between the base-engine CX-5 and the turbos. The CX-50 is the vehicle to choose if you want to tow. It has a maximum towing capacity of 3500 pounds with the turbo engine, while the naturally aspirated model and all versions of the CX-5 are rated to tow 2000 pounds. The Hybrid is good for just 1500 pounds. EPA gas-mileage ratings for the CX-5 and CX-50 are nearly identical, with the base-engine versions of both rated at 28 mpg combined. Opting for the turbocharged engine drops the combined rating to 25 mpg for the CX-50 and 24 mpg for the CX-5. The CX-50 Hybrid is rated far higher, at 38 mpg combined. In our real-world 75-mph highway fuel economy test, the CX-50 Hybrid earned a result of 34 mpg, while the turbocharged CX-50 achieved 29 mpg and the turbocharged CX-5 achieved 28 mpg. Neither of these Mazda SUVs are pitched as hardcore off-roaders, but the CX-50 has a bit more trail cred than the CX-5 does. The CX-50 has 8.3 inches of ground clearance to the CX-5's 7.6 inches, meaning you're less likely to scrape the bottom of the CX-50 if you take it on more challenging terrain. The CX-50 also offers a more rugged-looking trim level, the Meridian Edition, that comes with all-terrain tires and other accessories that make it look more adventurous than the standard models. The CX-5 has a lower base price than the CX-50 because its lineup starts with the less well-equipped 2.5 S, whereas the CX-50 lineup starts with the 2.5 S Select. Otherwise, the pricing is similar, except that the CX-50 has a hybrid version that commands a price premium over the non-hybrid. Prices for the 2025 Mazda CX-5: 2.5 S: $29,990 2.5 S Select: $31,320 2.5 S Preferred: $32,670 2.5 S Carbon Edition: $34,020 2.5 S Premium Plus: $36,620 2.5 Carbon Turbo: $39,015 2.5 Turbo Premium: $39,220 2.5 Turbo Signature: $42,020 Prices for the 2025 Mazda CX-50: 2.5 S Select: $31,720 2.5 S Preferred: $33,070 2.5 S Premium: $35,420 2.5 S Premium Plus: $38,920 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition: $42,670 2.5 Turbo Premium: $42,720 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus: $44,720 Prices for the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid: Preferred: $35,840 Premium: $39,270 Premium Plus: $41,920 You Might Also Like Car and Driver's 10 Best Cars through the Decades How to Buy or Lease a New Car Lightning Lap Legends: Chevrolet Camaro vs. Ford Mustang!
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid review: A new challenger emerges
The Mazda CX-50 has already proved to be a reliable family hauler, but the Japanese automaker is upping the ante with a new hybrid variant for the 2025 model year. For its introductory year, the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid delivers acceptable performance while returning excellent fuel economy. Starting at $33,970, the all-new Mazda CX-50 Hybrid is more than just a pretty face. Its sleek curves and bold grille give way to an interior stuffed with amenities that provide passengers with a taste of the finer side of life. The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid comes in three trim levels: Preferred, Premium, and Premium Plus. When it comes to styling, the hybrid models feature several aesthetic differences from the standard CX-50 model. Unique wheel designs, a different front bumper, and an available red leather interior are just a few subtle all Mazda vehicles, the CX-50 Hybrid features an interior focused on passenger comfort with premium amenities that put it on par with luxury models, all for a lower price. All models come equipped with a rear power liftgate and heated front seats. In terms of tech, a 10.25-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless phone charging pad are standard. At its base, the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid Preferred rolls out on 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels in a black finish. Upgrading to the top-spec Premium Plus trim nets you 19-inch machine-cut wheels that add a touch of aggression to the SUV. Dual exhaust outlets and aluminum roof rails add to the athletic aesthetic that the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid brings to the road. Inside, the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid taps into the finer things in life to create a premium interior worthy of a luxury marque. While the base model offers half leatherette-trimmed seats, leather upholstery comes standard on upper trims. Upgrading beyond the base trim also adds a standard Bose 12-speaker surround sound system that creates a genuine listening experience. Designed for drivers with active lifestyles, the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid features a cargo area that works around the hybrid battery located in the rear section of the floor. As a result, the storage area is able to fit large objects, such as bicycles, inside with relative ease. Several 12V power outlets and 7.8 inches of ground clearance complete the CX-50 Hybrid's utility-driven design. As expected, the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid rolls out with a pretty sweet set of standard safety systems. The Japanese automaker made a few changes to the driver assistance and vehicle safety tech for the 2025 model year, including adding rear seat alerts and vehicle exit warnings. Standard safety systems include Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Smart Brake Support with pedestrian 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid comes equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and three electric motors. Combined, that hybrid powertrain delivers 219 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive and a CVT come standard, the latter of which might be a point of contention for some drivers. A refined, smooth drive comes paired with little noise and vibration thanks to a rigid chassis paired with nimble handling. If that powertrain setup sounds familiar, that's because Mazda leveraged its relationship with Toyota to nab it from the RAV4 Hybrid. That's not a bad thing by any means, but it does make for a rather mixed bag. The Mazda CX-50 Hybrid weighs 4,008 lbs, nearly 300 lbs more than the standard CX-50 SUV. That extra weight makes a significant difference, especially considering the standard CX-50 has a 187-horsepower engine and an available 256-horsepower turbocharged engine. While the standard Mazda CX-50 comes with much more exhilarating performance, the hybrid model lacks enthusiasm in comparison. To make up for it, the CX-50 Hybrid sees fuel economy worthy of its 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid earns up to an EPA-estimated 39 city mpg and 37 highway mpg. That's a good deal more than the standard CX-50, in which the base engine earns up to 25 city mpg and 31 highway mpg. The more powerful turbocharged four-cylinder nets just 23 city mpg and 29 highway mpg. All in all, the hybrid powertrain is a major upgrade in that respect. Mazda Intelligent Drive Select comes standard and includes several different drive modes. Power mode increases acceleration response, while trail mode improves performance on unpaved terrain. When it comes to towing, the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid is capable of pulling up to 1,500 lbs. When properly equipped. That's up to 2,000 lbs. less than the standard CX-50, which isn't surprising given the lower performance. The Mazda CX-50 Hybrid might not be the peppiest of the bunch, but it offers fuel economy that can compete with the best hybrid SUVs on the market. With a comparable starting price to boot, the CX-50 Hybrid is a solid, efficient SUV capable of hauling the whole family to a campground for the weekend. The standard Mazda CX-50 is quite the looker, so the fact the CX-50 Hybrid is nearly identical is a plus. While the hybrid powertrain leaves a bit of performance to be desired, it's tough to beat 38 combined mpg. Add in a premium interior with some of the industry's best tech, and you've got a solid SUV that's a good pick for everything from family road trips to a weekend in the great outdoors.
