Picking the right 2025 Mazda CX-50 engine makes a huge difference
Hello, my name is Allison, and the 2025 Mazda CX-50 has made me quite indecisive about engine options. There’s fuel efficient hybrid savings then there is tantalizing gas guzzling power to enjoy, both inside the magnificent CX-50 shell.
Which 2025 Mazda CX-50 engine is best?
I’ve driven the 2025 Mazda CX-50 and the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid and enjoyed my time in both SUVs. The only model I haven’t driven is the off-road focused Meridian Edition, so please send one to North Carolina, Mazda.
Pros such as luxury comfort, space, and driving dynamics and cons like the lack of a touch screen and getting expensive in a hurry can be found in previous reviews. This article just digs into the engines.
Some critics are quick to call the stand engine a bit lackluster. But in reality, it’s average. The standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine provides 187 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 8.5 seconds.
That’s plenty of power for merging into traffic and passing others. Plus it keeps the price down. The MSRP of $30,300 is with the standard engine. Also, it gets an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and up to 31 mpg on the highway, which is average.
Next up, we have the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. This looks great on paper, but you should know that you need 93-octane premium fuel to achieve these figures.
With regular gas, it has 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. If you spring for the premium fuel, the CX-50 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 6.5 seconds. It’s noticeably faster and has a satisfying engine growl.
But this engine is only available with the three most expensive trims. It starts with the Turbo trim around $40,000. Also, it gets an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and up to 25 mpg on the highway.
The gas engines are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission while the CX-50 has a continuously variable transmission. I’d say that the six-speed is much more responsive than the CVT.
Now, the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid pairs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with three electric motors to generate 219 hp. It’s the same powertrain that’s in the Toyota RAV4 hybrid. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 7.6 seconds.
The extra weight takes a bit from its athletic handling but it’s no slouch. It’s cheaper than expected as the CX-50 Hybrid has an MSRP of $33,970. So, it’s more affordable to upgrade to the Hybrid than the Turbo. Also, it gets an EPA-estimated 37 mpg in the city and up to 39 mpg on the highway.
Before my conclusion, I’d like to note that the 2025 Mazda CX-50 has standard AWD across the board. That’s a great perk.
Now, if I had the means, I’d go for the Turbo engine. It’s the most enjoyable and athletic way to drive. That’s also with the idea of being able to constantly afford premium fuel.
In reality, as a humble automotive journalist, I’d need a good deal to afford the standard model and it’s perfectly suited to provide comfort and fun.
