Mazda CX-50 Hybrid News: CEO Confirms Toyota Powertrain

Mazda CX-50 Hybrid News: SUV Confirmed With Toyota-Sourced Powertrain

If you’ve been searching for Mazda CX-50 Hybrid news to find out if this gas-electric SUV is coming to North America and beyond, Mazda has made it official. Mazda’s CEO has confirmed that the CX-50 Hybrid is coming to North America and will be powered by a Toyota-sourced hybrid system.

As we previously covered in our initial Mazda CX-50 Hybrid preview, this new gas-electric crossover SUV is expected to debut sometime in 2024 and be powered by a hybrid system borrowed from Toyota.

Mazda CEO Masahiro Moro, in a recent interview with Automotive News, confirmed that the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid is soon on its way and will feature a powertrain based on the Toyota system.

Due to the US-version of the gas-powered CX-50 being produced alongside the Toyota Corolla Cross and Corolla Cross Hybrid at the two automakers’ joint Mazda Toyota Manufacturing (MTM) facility, it was speculated that the CX-50 Hybrid would share the Corolla Cross Hybrid’s 2.0-liter hybrid system.

However, based on the recent release of this Mazda hybrid SUV overseas, it seems the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid coming to American shores will feature a hybrid system borrowed from a different Toyota SUV. And that’s better news.

While Mazda’s CEO did not specify which Toyota hybrid setup will power the new CX-50 Hybrid stateside and beyond, it’s assumed to be the more powerful 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain found in the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.

The overseas-built CX-50 Hybrid already on sale in select Asian markets is equipped with a version of the Toyota 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain. The Mazda CEO also noted in the interview that US consumers prefer high power and long range that fit their lifestyle. The 2.5-liter hybrid setup fits the bill in both aspects, with ample power output and impressive range in the current RAV4 Hybrid application.

With the upcoming addition of the CX-50 Hybrid, the MTM facility will produce both gas and hybrid editions of the two carmakers’ compact crossover SUVs.

Mazda CX-50 Hybrid Specs: Toyota Hybrid System & What to Expect

How much Mazda CX-50 Hybrid horsepower should we expect when this new SUV arrives in the United States, Canada, and beyond?

The Corolla Cross Hybrid produced alongside the Mazda CX-50 at MTM develops 196 total system horsepower. But that’s using Toyota’s 2.0-liter gas-electric hybrid powertrain.

Since the North American edition of the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid is anticipated to get the larger 2.5-liter variant of the Toyota hybrid system, expect this new Mazda hybrid SUV to outperform the Corolla Cross Hybrid with significantly greater power output.

The 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain in the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid generates 219 total system horsepower and comes equipped with an electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT) and Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive. So, like all other new Mazda SUVs, the CX-50 Hybrid should come standard with power to all four wheels through an advanced AWD system.

We anticipate the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid engine specs to surpass the 219 horsepower figure of the RAV4 Hybrid through light Mazda tuning of the Toyota hybrid system. Expect standard Electronic AWD borrowed from the Toyota system, complemented by a suspension and handling setup similar to the gas-powered CX-50 2.5-liter and 2.5-liter turbocharged models.

Anticipated Mazda CX-50 Hybrid MPG Ratings

We’ll have to wait for the official Mazda CX-50 Hybrid MPG ratings, but until then, we can speculate based on the RAV4 Hybrid and its 2.5-liter Toyota hybrid system that it will share with the new CX-50 Hybrid.

The Toyota 2.5-liter gas-electric hybrid engine helps the RAV4 Hybrid earn up to an EPA-estimated 41 city and 38 highway MPG. The more rugged RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition with all-terrain tires returns an EPA-estimated 38 city/35 highway MPG.

The current gas-powered Toyota RAV4 tips the scales at around 3,500 pounds, or about 200 pounds lighter than the RAV4 Hybrid, at roughly 3,700 pounds. The gas-powered CX-50, with its standard naturally aspirated 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G engine, weighs about the same as a RAV4 Hybrid: 3,700 pounds.

Given the weight differences between these three models, we suspect the upcoming CX-50 Hybrid will be heavier than all three and weigh closer to the current CX-50 Turbo models, at around 3,900 pounds.

Due to its heavier curb weight and Mazda’s penchant for prioritizing throttle response and driving feel over fuel economy, we don’t expect the CX-50 Hybrid MPG ratings to reach those of the RAV4 Hybrid.

The slightly less-efficient RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition rated at 38 city/35 highway MPG seems like a realistic fuel economy target for the CX-50 Hybrid base model.

Expect the EPA-estimated CX-50 Hybrid fuel economy rating to reach the mid-30s combined in mixed city/highway driving.

Mazda CX-50 Hybrid 0-60, Performance, Transmission & Tuning

We don’t anticipate the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid 0-60 time to outpace the RAV4 Hybrid – or at least not by much – given that the Mazda model may end up weighing a couple hundred pounds heavier than the Toyota.

However, this assumes that Mazda sticks with Toyota’s ECVT and doesn’t tune it or even replace it with a Mazda-developed transmission that works within the Toyota hybrid system.

The most likely scenario seems that the American-produced CX-50 Hybrid will utilize a version of the current Toyota hybrid system’s ECVT, but with Mazda engineers tuning it to customer preferences, resulting in a sportier driving feel.

With the CX-50’s already stellar driving dynamics and the potential of transmission tuning, the CX-50 Hybrid should prove to be a sportier and more engaging driving experience than the RAV4 Hybrid, even if the 0-60 times of these two hybrid SUVs are neck-and-neck.

What is the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid 2024 Release Date?

In the Automotive News interview, Mazda CEO Masahiro Moro mentioned the upcoming CX-70 midsize SUV in the same breath as the CX-50 Hybrid, with both models on pace to debut in 2024.

The much-anticipated Mazda CX-70 release date was delayed until early 2024. We expect the new CX-70 midsize SUV – with its mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid setup borrowed from the larger CX-90 – to launch several months before its smaller electrified counterpart, the CX-50 Hybrid.

So, given the timetable of the first-ever 2025 Mazda CX-70 lineup arriving from early-to-mid 2024, we estimate the CX-50 Hybrid release date to come in mid-to-late 2024, with the SUV arriving as a 2025 model.

Final Thoughts on the Upcoming CX-50 Hybrid & Borrowing Toyota Engine Tech

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but we think the new Mazda CX-50 Hybrid arrives as a more stylish, premium, rugged, and fun-to-drive SUV than the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid from which it borrows its powertrain.

While many Mazda motorists were likely hoping for a new Mazda-developed performance hybrid or plug-in hybrid to power the CX-50 Hybrid model, opting for the proven Toyota hybrid system from the RAV4 Hybrid should result in peak fuel economy ratings, something the gas-powered CX-50 lineup is lacking.

Mazda and its strategic partner Toyota have committed to jointly developing next-generation electrification technologies, so we’re sure to see more of this cost-sharing between the two, albeit while developing vehicles independently.

There have been rumors of Toyota or Lexus utilizing Mazda’s new turbocharged inline-six engine platform in future performance vehicles. Conversely, as Toyota is a leader in hybrid technology, it makes sense for smaller Mazda to lean on its well-developed hybrid system, such as in the case of the CX-50 Hybrid, which likely won’t be the volume seller of the CX-50 line.

Since Mazda’s 2.5-liter turbo-four engine is already available and represents the performance variant in the CX-50 lineup, this compact SUV platform will now have three distinct powertrain options: the value-priced 2.5-liter base engine, the efficiency-enhancing 2.5-liter hybrid, and the high-powered 2.5-liter turbo.

As the CX-50 is mainly marketed toward outdoor adventuring types, we hope to see even higher-volume Mazda compact SUVs like the CX-30 and CX-5 get an efficiency boost through available hybrid power next. But that may have to wait until the next generations, which are fast approaching.

Stay Tuned for More Mazda CX-50 Hybrid News

The Mazda CX-50 Hybrid specs are expected to be released shortly, in time for a 2024 debut for the 2025 model year. So stay tuned to MazdaMotoring for more Mazda CX-50 Hybrid news, as well as reviews, comparisons, and speculation on other new and upcoming Mazda vehicles.

Until then, don’t forget to subscribe to the MazdaMotoring newsletter below for occasional updates and notifications from our team.

You can watch the Automotive News interview with Mazda CEO Masahiro Moro here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Mazda make hybrid vehicles?

Mazda is in the process of electrifying much of its lineup with a new range of Mazda hybrid vehicles. Some of the current and upcoming Mazda hybrid SUVs include the:

• Mazda CX-90 mild hybrid
• Mazda CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid
• Mazda CX-70 mild hybrid
• Mazda CX-70 Plug-In Hybrid
• Mazda CX-50 Hybrid

In the coming years, Mazda plans to offer other hybrid options throughout its global lineup, so stay tuned for more models to come.

Does the Mazda CX-50 come in hybrid?

Yes, the Mazda CX-50 has been released as a hybrid vehicle in several markets. The Mazda CX-50 Hybrid comes equipped with a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine connected to an electric motor and Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive. The result is a fuel-efficient hybrid SUV with robust acceleration and the traction and control of AWD.

Will Mazda make a hybrid CX-50?

Mazda is making a hybrid CX-50 for select markets in Asia and North America. The North American version of the new Mazda CX-50 Hybrid will be built at the Mazda Toyota Manufacturing (MTM) facility in Alabama in the United States, alongside the gas-powered CX-50. This hybrid CX-50 is just one of the conventional hybrids, mild hybrids, and plug-in hybrids Mazda is producing.

What will be the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid price?

The Mazda CX-50 Hybrid price for North American markets has yet to be released by the automaker. However, expect the hybrid CX-50 to cost several thousands of dollars more than the gas-powered Mazda CX-50 with its naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine. Mazda CX-50 Hybrid pricing should be more aligned with prices for the CX-50 Turbo models.