2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid Review: MPG, Specs, Price & More

If you're in the market for a stylish, practical crossover that delivers a spirited drive without breaking the bank, the 2024 Mazda CX-50 and Subaru Outback are worth your consideration. Both SUVs offer exceptional performance and many top-of-the-line tech features at a competitive price. Our John Kennedy Mazda Conshohocken team put together this comparative guide to help you decide which is the best for you. more CX-50 Inventory Schedule a Test Drive Click to Call Overview of the Mazda CX-50 The 2024 Mazda CX-50 is a sleek and sporty crossover that effortlessly blends elegance and performance. It offers two robust engine options: the standard 2.5-liter SKYACTIV-G four-cylinder with 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque and a turbocharged version that delivers 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque on 93 octane premium fuel. Both come with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive (AWD). Mazda's CX-50 boasts a luxurious interior with durable and comfortable seats. It has a practical dashboard design with easily accessible buttons and controls and premium features, such as half-leatherette seat trim, dual-zone automatic climate control, and 60/40-split folding rear seats. Tech offerings include a 10.25-inch infotainment touch-screen display with crystal-clear graphics and an intuitive, user-friendly experience. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity ensure seamless smartphone integration. You also get a partially digital instrument panel, an eight-speaker sound system, and Mazda's Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System. Mazda equips the SUV with its i-Activsense suite of safety and driver-assistance features, which includes lane departure warning, rear-cross traffic alert, an adaptive front lighting system, blind-spot monitoring, and parking sensors. Overview of the Subaru Outback The off-road-ready 2024 Subaru Outback is a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts. Its standard engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder SUBARU BOXER with 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. Select trims feature a 2.4-liter turbocharged variant that cranks out 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, which is ideal if you seek more muscle for cross-country excursions or towing. Inside the Outback, you'll find a spacious, well-appointed, and functional cabin ideal for long journeys. While the Mazda CX-50 features premium leatherette seating, its Subaru counterpart comes with cloth-trimmed seats as standard. Nevertheless, the stitching is well done, and the seats offer excellent support. Higher trims, such as the Touring and Touring XT, offer nappa leather seats, adding a touch of elegance and luxury to the already stylish interior. The 2024 Outback goes all out to ensure a connected and entertaining driving experience. Subaru equips the base model with dual 7-inch center touch screens, while the other trim levels get an 11.6-inch vertically oriented display. Both systems allow easy access to your favorite communication, entertainment, and navigational apps. Other standard features include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, automatic climate control (dual-zone on all but the base trim), and a four-, six-, or 12-speaker audio system. Safety is top-notch on the 2024 Outback. It comes with Subaru's advanced EyeSight driver-assist technology system, which includes adaptive cruise control, automatic pre-collision braking, and lane-keep assist. Head-to-Head Comparison The 2024 CX-50 and Outback boast unique advantages. Subaru's offering wins big in cargo space, boasting an impressive 75.6 cubic feet, significantly more than the CX-50's 56.3 cubic feet. These contenders also deviate when it comes to their gearboxes. The Mazda  features a snappy six-speed automatic, while the Subaru glides with a continuously variable transmission. Screen sizes in the SUVs also differ. The Mazda CX-50 showcases a 10.25-inch display, while the Outback's top trims flaunt a generous 11.6-inch screen. The Mazda's infotainment system features a multifunction commander knob, while the Subaru utilizes touch screens. Both models prioritize passenger safety, with Mazda's i-Activsense and Subaru's EyeSight technologies providing optimal protection. The Outback wins the space race, with 109 cubic feet of passenger volume versus its competitor's 100.3 cubic feet, but the CX-50 fights back with its refined interior styling, rugged look, and sporty performance. Subaru's Outback has a reputation for reliability, while the CX-50 is newer to the market.However, the Mazda's agile handling and premium ride quality are impressive. Both SUVs can tackle challenging off-road terrain. Ultimately, your choice boils down to the features you value most in your vehicle. Customer Reviews and Testimonials User experiences reveal vital information on how the Mazda CX-50 and Subaru Outback perform. CarGurus scores show the former at 6.8 out of 10, while the latter gets 7.8 out of 10. Outback owners like the vehicle's ample space, good gas use, and comfortable ride quality on long trips. CX-50 enthusiasts often praise the crossover's responsive handling and high-quality interior. Both vehicles get good marks for their AWD systems, which are significantly helpful in adverse conditions. Outback drivers like how well it operates in deep snow and appreciate the visibility it offers. CX-50 fans love how fast the Mazda corners and find it fun to drive. One CX-50 owner said, "The car looks good and drives well. It's fun in the city and on back roads." Which Crossover SUV Is Right for You? When choosing between the 2024 Mazda CX-50 and Subaru Outback, the decision comes down to your needs. If you're looking for a sporty, luxurious ride with an upscale interior and engaging performance, the Mazda CX-50 is perfect. On the other hand, if you prioritize rugged capability, interior space, and off-road readiness, the Subaru Outback is hard to beat. Both models offer excellent value, making this a tough choice. Your lifestyle and driving preferences will ultimately guide your decision. Test-Drive the 2024 Mazda CX-50 at John Kennedy Mazda Conshohocken The Mazda CX-50 and Subaru Outback are formidable contenders in the competitive compact SUV arena. While the CX-50 impresses with its agile handling and refined interior, the Outback offers outstanding cargo space and reliable performance. To experience the 2024 Mazda CX-50, contact our John Kennedy Mazda Conshohocken dealership to schedule a test drive.

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid vs. RAV4 Hybrid matchup contrasts two strong competitors in the compact SUV market. Both offer hybrid powertrains for eco-conscious buyers who want practical transportation, but they offer different approaches. The RAV4 has been at the top of sales charts for years thanks to its tried-and-true reliability, but the CX-50 provides sportier handling, more interior space, and top-notch safety ratings. Our John Kennedy Mazda Conshohocken team has compared these two SUVs to clarify their differences and make it easier to choose between them. Please contact us with any questions you may have. more New CX-50 Inventory Pricing and Trim Level Comparison The 2026 Mazda CX-50 's MSRP is slightly higher than the RAV4 Hybrid's starting point. The CX-50 Hybrid offers three trims: the Preferred starts at $34,750, the Premium at $38,150, and the Premium Plus at $40,450. Toyota has seven trim choices for 2026 models, with prices ranging from around $33,350 to $44,750; the automaker hasn't yet released firm pricing for the 2026 models. Mazda keeps it simple with clear-cut packages and limited mixing and matching. What you see is what you get — each trim has fixed equipment that can't be tweaked with individual add-ons. This makes shopping easier but less flexible. Toyota has grouped its trims into three main exterior styles for 2026; they include core, rugged, and sport designs. Engine Performance and Powertrain Specs Interestingly, the Mazda CX-50 vs. Toyota RAV4 specs are similar. Both SUVs use a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a battery and electric motors but deliver different amounts of power. The shared Toyota-derived system produces 219 hp in the all-wheel-drive (AWD) CX-50, while the RAV4's front-wheel-drive model makes 226 hp and 236 hp in its AWD version. The CX-50 Hybrid reaches 60 mph in 7.8 seconds as compared to the RAV4's 7.1 seconds. The CX-50 can tow 1,500 pounds, while RAV4 owners can tow up to 1,750 pounds. You may also be interested in comparing the Mazda CX-5 to the CX-50; if so, you can read about them here. Fuel Economy: Which SUV Saves More at the Pump? Toyota has the fuel economy advantage in the Toyota RAV4 vs. Mazda CX-50 matchup. The RAV4 Hybrid achieves a combined EPA rating of up to 44 mpg, exceeding the CX-50 Hybrid's 38 mpg. Mazda counters with excellent range — 551 miles combined per tank versus 445 miles in the standard model. That means fewer stops if you're commuting to Philadelphia or making weekend trips to New York or D.C. Interior Space and Cargo Capacity Mazda offers a bit more front legroom in the CX-50 than Toyota provides in the RAV4. The rear legroom figures are identical at 37.8 inches. The Toyota comes out ahead in terms of cargo space. The RAV4 Hybrid offers a generous 37.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, while the CX-50 Hybrid manages just 31.4 cubic feet. Toyota's extra space might be the deciding factor if you regularly haul sports gear or camping equipment around Conshohocken. Technology and Infotainment Systems Toyota emphasizes screens and voice control with "Hey Toyota" commands, 10.5-inch touch screens on base models, and an available 12.9-inch display on the top trims. The RAV4's standard interface includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Mazda Connected Services system uses a 10.3-inch display with wireless smartphone integration and Alexa built-in. The screen sits farther away and works via a center console dial; it's not a touch screen for most of the system's functions, but it becomes one when you use wireless phone applications. Safety Features and Driver Assistance The Mazda CX-50 is way ahead when it comes to keeping you and your passengers safe. It earned a 2025 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick+ award, while the RAV4 didn't do quite as well in several crash tests. Both the standard and hybrid CX-50 models earned top marks from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, potentially easing the minds of many safety-conscious shoppers. The CX-50 Hybrid came to a stop from 60 mph in just 113 feet during panic stop testing, while the RAV4 needed 133 feet. In Philadelphia traffic, that disparity could mean the difference between a close call and a fender bender. Both SUVs have ample driver aids; Toyota's package is called Safety Sense 3.0, while Mazda refers to its as i-Activsense. You'll get adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, automatic braking, and blind-spot warnings, regardless of which one you choose. Exterior Design and Dimensions Their looks reveal more about which drivers each brand targets. Mazda built the CX-50 with a broader stance and rugged, more outdoor-ready styling; it's aimed at active buyers who want their car to match their weekend hobbies. Sized just right for both adventure and city parking, it's ideal for navigating tight Philadelphia traffic. The CX-50 is about 5 inches longer than the RAV4, giving it a more planted look and larger presence. Mazda's design emphasizes flowing lines and athletic proportions that differentiate it from Toyota's more traditional SUV shape, targeting drivers who see their vehicle as part of their identity rather than just a way to get around. Making the Right Choice for Your Lifestyle Your choice between these SUVs depends on your priorities. The CX-50 Hybrid excels with IIHS Top Safety Pick+ recognition, better passenger space, and engaging handling. If safety, comfort, and driving enjoyment matter most, Mazda delivers. The RAV4 Hybrid offers better fuel economy, more cargo room, and stronger towing capabilities. It pulls ahead if efficiency, storage, and pulling power are important to you. Test-Drive a CX-50 at John Kennedy Mazda Conshohocken Today Reading about cars will only take you so far. Schedule a test-drive to see for yourself how the CX-50 will fit into your Montgomery County lifestyle. You'll be pleased to discover how its top safety ratings, spacious cabin, and engaging handling can improve your commute. Our team can handle financing and help you find the right CX-50 Hybrid for your family. We're looking forward to watching you drive off the lot in your new CX-50.

If you’re trying to decide between the Mazda CX-5 and CX-50, you’re not alone. These two SUVs share Mazda’s signature style, reliability, and high-quality interiors, but each caters to a different lifestyle. In this Mazda CX-5 vs. CX-50 comparison, we’ll break down the key differences to help you determine which SUV is the right fit for your Philadelphia driving needs. more CX-5 Inventory CX-50 Inventory Design and Dimensions The Mazda CX-5 features sleek, refined lines and sophisticated styling, measuring 180.1 inches long, 72.6 inches wide, and 66.1 inches tall. In contrast, the CX-50 takes a bolder, more rugged approach at 185.8 inches long, 75.6 inches wide, and 65.8 inches tall, with 8.6 inches of ground clearance compared to the CX-5’s 7.9 inches—making it more capable off-road. The CX-5’s compact size is perfect for city driving and tight parking spaces, while the CX-50’s longer wheelbase provides a smoother highway ride. Inside, the CX-50 offers more rear legroom, whereas the CX-5 provides slightly better headroom. Cargo space is also slightly different: CX-50: 31.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats, 56.3 cubic feet with seats folded CX-5: 29.1 cubic feet behind the rear seats, 59.3 cubic feet with seats folded Both models can accommodate nine carry-on bags behind the rear seats. Interior design also differs: the CX-5 emphasizes luxury with leather-trimmed seats, front seat heating, a Bose audio system, and wood accents, while the CX-50 focuses on durability and functionality with mesh leather seats, all-weather floor mats, and extra storage options. Performance and Engine Options Both SUVs come with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, plus a 2.5-liter turbo variant that delivers 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. Performance highlights include: 0–60 mph: CX-5 – 8.1 seconds | CX-50 – 9.5 seconds Towing capacity: Base models – 2,000 lbs | CX-50 turbo trims – 3,500 lbs Fuel efficiency (combined): Base trims – 28 mpg | CX-5 turbo – 24 mpg | CX-50 turbo – 25 mpg The CX-50’s higher ground clearance and i-ACTIV AWD with off-road traction assist make it better suited for dirt roads and tough weather. The CX-50 Meridian Edition even comes with all-terrain tires for weekend adventures. Technology and Safety Both SUVs feature a 10.25-inch infotainment screen and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, but the CX-50 adds Alexa Built-In and touchscreen controls for enhanced hands-free functionality. Safety is robust across both models with the i-ACTIVSENSE suite, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and collision warnings. The CX-50 adds off-road traction assist, hill-descent control, and multiple driving modes for off-road and towing scenarios. Extra USB charging ports and an upgraded control knob system also give the CX-50 an edge in convenience. Pricing and Value CX-5 2.5 S: Starting at $28,770 CX-50 S Select: Starting at $30,500 CX-5 2.5 Turbo Signature: $40,800 CX-50 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus: $43,500 The CX-5 tends to be more cost-effective over time, with generally lower maintenance costs and easier access to replacement parts. CX-5 vs. CX-50: Which Should You Choose? Mazda CX-5: Ideal for city driving, daily commutes, and anyone looking for a luxurious, compact crossover. Its smooth ride, quiet cabin, and refined interior make it perfect for urban life. Mazda CX-50: Perfect for adventure seekers who need off-road capability, higher towing capacity, and flexible cargo space. Its rugged design and all-weather performance make it ideal for weekend trips and outdoor activities. Experience the Difference at John Kennedy Mazda Conshohocken Ultimately, your choice between the CX-5 and CX-50 comes down to your lifestyle and driving habits. If you’re in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, we invite you to visit John Kennedy Mazda to experience both models firsthand. Our team is ready to help you explore the features, compare performance, and find the perfect Mazda for your needs. Schedule a test drive today and see which SUV fits your life best.