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Kudos to Mazda for leveraging their partnership with Toyota and not spending tens of millions on R&D to develop their own hybrid powertrain. I bet Mazda will have the same issue as Toyota and will struggle to fulfill demand!
Hi Brian, as you may or may not remember I do already have a 2024 CX50 GT Turbo, and I am curious to know how you would compare the CX50 hybrid and the CX50 turbo, other than the obvious MPG ? Does it feel that much slower ?
It’s a planetary gear set with two gears. No clutches, belts, torque converters or chains. The gears either spin forwards or backwards to move the car and/or charge. There are videos on YT about it. It’s the Rav4 system.
I am a massive fan of the CX50. Sadly ‘down under’ in Australia we can only watch the CX50 on You Tube. In 2024 the CX50 is averaging 7000 unites per month in the USA. If Toyota can supply enough of the hybrid power units this will be a great selling member of the CX50 range. Personally I would still buy the 2.5 Turbo 💪🚗
The only thing this has over RAV4 is the heads up display and power folding side mirrors. But I don’t like the tiny head/tail lights and narrow display screen. What safety features does it have? Front camera? I think the Toyota top model vs Mazda top model the Toyota gives more features?
I think the appeal of this over the rav4 is in how it handles and the interior looks. Peak practicality and features for Rav versus reading a bit of practicality for fun while still remaining practical for the cx50.
Nice review Brian. I personally perfer tbe gas model CX50. But you aaid the eCVT behaves line a CVT. Does it feel the same as a regular CVT. ie. Rubberband feeling?
Brian, My Little Brother has Decided to Buy the CX-50 Hybrid Base Trim, Red Exterior with Black interior cuz Toyota is Not making RAV4's available, Long waiting List😢?!🇺🇸Boston MA.
I would imagine that this hybrid has more punch than the normally aspirated 2.5L, perhaps less than the turbo, but gaining much better fuel economy in exchange. I drove the '24 CX-50 (and CX-5) in turbo and NA, and it was the most car- like (a pretty good car!) in its handling and driving dynamics. (Not that I was going to track it). At the same time, I was still comparing to Forester and RAV4 hybrid. What I find "interesting" is that Toyota believes it has enough hybrid drivetrain supply to be okay with letting Mazda have them, because when looking at RAV4 hybrids this past summer, the dealers were pretty much hand to mouth on supply in the PNW of USA. It also makes me wonder what Toyota has up its sleeve for the next gen RAV4 hybrid. Are they letting Mazda have the "older version" while they come out with something new and "better"? I have the '25 Camry with the Gen 5 hybrid, so maybe eventually, the RAV 4 gets this. The RAV4 has more interior space, but the interior finish, even on an XLE, felt barely above "rental car fleet" in terms of materials and aesthetics. The Mazda whips it there, and in driving dynamics. Nice to have this option in the Mazda! One other thing re fuel. In my neck of the woods, the gap between premium and regular gasoline has really widened. Recently at Costco, Premium was 70 cents a gallon more than regular. (I hadn't really been paying attention to this until I got my Camry, which takes regular. My other two cars demand premium.). The Mazda normally aspirated takes "regular" and the turbo can take regular, but it de-rates HP from 250 (on premium) to 227, and not sure on torque. But, it is now cost-wise, a much bigger deal to require premium. (Apparently this widening gap is a "supply and demand" issue with USA refineries, as the demand for premium has gone up faster than supply capability). Thanks, Brian. Enjoy those mirco breweries! Plaid is my favorite color.
They have all that in canada on the cx50 hybrid as well as the gas version in the US. They're probably testing the waters in the states. Also prices won't reflect the same at all after Toyota mark ups...
@@msalvag Top trim with options goes up to $43-44k, where many Crowns aren’t selling as well because it’s in an odd place in Toyota’s lineup are selling under MSRP ($43k). Have you ever tried lane centering on a 7 hr highway trip? It greatly reduces fatigue.
Not a bad option. I do think that Mazda should not have bothered making the CX-70. They should have just made the CX-60 for all global markets, the CX-80 for Europe, and the CX-90 for North America. The CX-70 is the same as the CX-90, just without a third row. There's not enough differentiation. Also, it's infuriating that Mazda has still not introduced their Skyactiv-X gasoline compression ignition engine to North America, even though it's been sold in Europe since 2019.
CVT transmission, torson bean, and a Toyota hybrid. I know F1 had CVTs back in the day, and even WRC and other series have a hybrid system, but how much voodoo is Mazda going to have to work to make all that inside of an SUV fun. Often we bag on say cars like the MX5 for not being practical, but it is very practical. It's designed to fill the role of a drop top spots car, which it does very well. SUVs, on the other hand, try to fill the role of sports car, not very practical.
This isn’t a CVT. It’s an eCVT which has nothing in common with a CVT. There’s no “voodoo” here. It’s a very known and reliable Toyota hybrid system and an engine with both, port and direct injection and no turbo, so… reliable!
Too big & boxy for my taste, so waiting for Mazda to do the "Toyota Hybrid System" treatment for the CX-30 or Mazda3 sedan. Until then, I'm happy with my 2022 ICE CX-30.
Another great review, Brian! Definitely considering this as a replacement to my 2010 RAV4 V6 Ltd. with 300K. Does the Metallic Red paint really match the Terra Cotta interior? 🤔
Toyota isn't worried because they SUPPLY the hybrid system to Mazda. And the next-generation RAV4 (2026 my) is expected to have the 5th generation Toyota hybrid system. This uses the 4th generation.
The gas CX-50 is definitely better looking. Not sure I appreciate the look of that thicker black plastic body cladding. The torque figure is just the gas engine. Toyota doesn’t publish the total torque of gas+electric.
@@afcgeo882 The Hybrid is almost 1.5 inches higher. Mazda had to increase the height of the body to accommodate the hybrid system while retaining interior volume. To hide this, they have increased the height of the black body cladding. The Hybrid also has less ground clearance, is slightly longer and has different approach/departure/breakover angles vs gas. There is no Kuro gas, but GS-L and GT hybrid are identical trims compared to the gas.
@ Wrong. This isn’t at all higher. It has 1.5” less ground clearance than the regular CX-50 because the rear electric drive components stick down, and it has a different back seat which reduced both, the legroom and headroom (slightly). It also has a little less trunk space to accommodate a part of the battery, which sits under the back seat. However, on the outside, it is IDENTICAL to the regular CX-50. I don’t know where you got your info from, but it’s incorrect.
@@afcgeo882 I can tell a very slight difference! As an owner of a non-Turbo CX 50. I can tell there’s a slightly thicker cladding but also with the 19 inch wheels versus the 20 inch wheels on the top trim, You’re gonna see a difference there also
I don't think toyota don't need to worry about even myself is a toyota loyalty not going to change my mind to buy a Mazda and also I used to owned a Mazda before I owned a toyota doesn't change my mind because toyota very reliable i know Mazda better drive than toyota but not by much right now i still owned a matrix 2.4 2009 i never have a problem with it only tires brake and battery change that all and 3 years ago I bought a venza hybrid I'm very happy with it excellent on gas beautiful SUV and the same engine hybrid with the Mazda cx 30 that Mazda borrowed from toyota with 219 HP
Thanks for watching our review of the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid! If you're as excited about driving as we are, be sure to check out our merch store at brianmakse.myspreadshop.com for exclusive gear and accessories. From t-shirts and hats to mugs and phone cases, we've got everything you need to show off your love for driving. Don't forget to hit that like button and subscribe to our channel for more reviews and adventures. See you on the road!
Kudos to Mazda for leveraging their partnership with Toyota and not spending tens of millions on R&D to develop their own hybrid powertrain. I bet Mazda will have the same issue as Toyota and will struggle to fulfill demand!
@@genzigzag It’s all good as long as the Huntsville plant can keep up.
Hi Brian, as you may or may not remember I do already have a 2024 CX50 GT Turbo, and I am curious to know how you would compare the CX50 hybrid and the CX50 turbo, other than the obvious MPG ? Does it feel that much slower ?
Will they go hybrid in other models? How does the electronic cvt work?
It’s a planetary gear set with two gears. No clutches, belts, torque converters or chains. The gears either spin forwards or backwards to move the car and/or charge. There are videos on YT about it. It’s the Rav4 system.
I am a massive fan of the CX50. Sadly ‘down under’ in Australia we can only watch the CX50 on You Tube.
In 2024 the CX50 is averaging 7000 unites per month in the USA. If Toyota can supply enough of the hybrid power units this will be a great selling member of the CX50 range.
Personally I would still buy the 2.5 Turbo 💪🚗
I love my 2020 cx5 touring level. May look into this after more research and a sit test…I can baby my car and get 34 mpg hwy.
The only thing this has over RAV4 is the heads up display and power folding side mirrors. But I don’t like the tiny head/tail lights and narrow display screen. What safety features does it have? Front camera? I think the Toyota top model vs Mazda top model the Toyota gives more features?
I think the appeal of this over the rav4 is in how it handles and the interior looks. Peak practicality and features for Rav versus reading a bit of practicality for fun while still remaining practical for the cx50.
Nice review Brian. I personally perfer tbe gas model CX50. But you aaid the eCVT behaves line a CVT. Does it feel the same as a regular CVT. ie. Rubberband feeling?
It doesn’t as it’s a hybrid. It’s just linear, exactly like in all Toyotas.
No rubberband feeling but there is still engine droning
Go test drive
Brian, My Little Brother has Decided to Buy the CX-50 Hybrid Base Trim, Red Exterior with Black interior cuz Toyota is Not making RAV4's available, Long waiting List😢?!🇺🇸Boston MA.
Red with black, nice! I think your brother will enjoy it!
Thanks for the heads up. Will keep an eye out.
a good choice in the compact SUV class. Thanks 😀
I would imagine that this hybrid has more punch than the normally aspirated 2.5L, perhaps less than the turbo, but gaining much better fuel economy in exchange. I drove the '24 CX-50 (and CX-5) in turbo and NA, and it was the most car- like (a pretty good car!) in its handling and driving dynamics. (Not that I was going to track it). At the same time, I was still comparing to Forester and RAV4 hybrid. What I find "interesting" is that Toyota believes it has enough hybrid drivetrain supply to be okay with letting Mazda have them, because when looking at RAV4 hybrids this past summer, the dealers were pretty much hand to mouth on supply in the PNW of USA. It also makes me wonder what Toyota has up its sleeve for the next gen RAV4 hybrid. Are they letting Mazda have the "older version" while they come out with something new and "better"? I have the '25 Camry with the Gen 5 hybrid, so maybe eventually, the RAV 4 gets this. The RAV4 has more interior space, but the interior finish, even on an XLE, felt barely above "rental car fleet" in terms of materials and aesthetics. The Mazda whips it there, and in driving dynamics. Nice to have this option in the Mazda! One other thing re fuel. In my neck of the woods, the gap between premium and regular gasoline has really widened. Recently at Costco, Premium was 70 cents a gallon more than regular. (I hadn't really been paying attention to this until I got my Camry, which takes regular. My other two cars demand premium.). The Mazda normally aspirated takes "regular" and the turbo can take regular, but it de-rates HP from 250 (on premium) to 227, and not sure on torque. But, it is now cost-wise, a much bigger deal to require premium. (Apparently this widening gap is a "supply and demand" issue with USA refineries, as the demand for premium has gone up faster than supply capability). Thanks, Brian. Enjoy those mirco breweries! Plaid is my favorite color.
On regular fuel, you get 310ft lbs. Of torque on the Turbo.
@@gailenrique2804 Thanks!
I’m seriously thinking of trading in my Mazda 3 for this!
Toyota Crown Signia seems like a better buy. At least it has a heated steering wheel, 360 camera, and lane centering.
They have all that in canada on the cx50 hybrid as well as the gas version in the US. They're probably testing the waters in the states. Also prices won't reflect the same at all after Toyota mark ups...
@ lane centering is a no go. Mazda only has old school lane keep assist. They only have centering on top trim cx70 and cx90.
Crown Signia is not even in the same ballpark in terms of price. It's way more expensive. And why does a driver need lane centering nannies anyways?
@@msalvag Top trim with options goes up to $43-44k, where many Crowns aren’t selling as well because it’s in an odd place in Toyota’s lineup are selling under MSRP ($43k). Have you ever tried lane centering on a 7 hr highway trip? It greatly reduces fatigue.
@@Jimmy-ph8xn top trim Mazda CX50 hybrid is 48K. Crown Signia is $60K.
What about the mitsubishi outlander hybrid...best made..
Ahem….at 8:10 YOU think that it responded quickly? 🤣
Not a bad option. I do think that Mazda should not have bothered making the CX-70. They should have just made the CX-60 for all global markets, the CX-80 for Europe, and the CX-90 for North America. The CX-70 is the same as the CX-90, just without a third row. There's not enough differentiation. Also, it's infuriating that Mazda has still not introduced their Skyactiv-X gasoline compression ignition engine to North America, even though it's been sold in Europe since 2019.
Preferred model (base model) is the one to get to get no sun roof and cloth seats, low pricing
CVT transmission, torson bean, and a Toyota hybrid. I know F1 had CVTs back in the day, and even WRC and other series have a hybrid system, but how much voodoo is Mazda going to have to work to make all that inside of an SUV fun. Often we bag on say cars like the MX5 for not being practical, but it is very practical. It's designed to fill the role of a drop top spots car, which it does very well. SUVs, on the other hand, try to fill the role of sports car, not very practical.
This isn’t a CVT. It’s an eCVT which has nothing in common with a CVT. There’s no “voodoo” here. It’s a very known and reliable Toyota hybrid system and an engine with both, port and direct injection and no turbo, so… reliable!
Too big & boxy for my taste, so waiting for Mazda to do the "Toyota Hybrid System" treatment for the CX-30 or Mazda3 sedan. Until then, I'm happy with my 2022 ICE CX-30.
Love it! I think with Mazda incentives, they will sell more than Toyota RAV4 which actually looks boring compared to the cx50. Kudos to Mazda
@@AAR-83 I don’t think there will be any incentives on this model. The profit margins on it are a bit low
The lowest trim hybrid will get incentive deals to entice people to come in the door.
Another great review, Brian! Definitely considering this as a replacement to my 2010 RAV4 V6 Ltd. with 300K. Does the Metallic Red paint really match the Terra Cotta interior? 🤔
Awesome! 😀
Seats 😭
Torque 😭
Underpowered 😢
CRV Hybrid still better #1
Definitely less range. Honda has never had superior hybrid systems compared to toyotas, which mazda is Sharing.
As long as these aee being built in Alabama by sibling-lovers.. I think Toyota has nothing to worry about
He knows it is a Toyota right ?
It's not Toyota. It is a Toyota hybrid drive train. Everything else is Mazda.
Toyota isn't worried because the starting price of the CX-50 hybrid is way too high
Toyota isn't worried because they SUPPLY the hybrid system to Mazda. And the next-generation RAV4 (2026 my) is expected to have the 5th generation Toyota hybrid system. This uses the 4th generation.
The gas CX-50 is definitely better looking. Not sure I appreciate the look of that thicker black plastic body cladding. The torque figure is just the gas engine. Toyota doesn’t publish the total torque of gas+electric.
Cannot agree with you more. The extra thick cladding has crossed my gaudy threshold level. It is just too bad.
@@danabrown1047 They look identical. The differences are in trims, not engines.
@@afcgeo882 The Hybrid is almost 1.5 inches higher. Mazda had to increase the height of the body to accommodate the hybrid system while retaining interior volume. To hide this, they have increased the height of the black body cladding. The Hybrid also has less ground clearance, is slightly longer and has different approach/departure/breakover angles vs gas. There is no Kuro gas, but GS-L and GT hybrid are identical trims compared to the gas.
@ Wrong. This isn’t at all higher. It has 1.5” less ground clearance than the regular CX-50 because the rear electric drive components stick down, and it has a different back seat which reduced both, the legroom and headroom (slightly). It also has a little less trunk space to accommodate a part of the battery, which sits under the back seat. However, on the outside, it is IDENTICAL to the regular CX-50. I don’t know where you got your info from, but it’s incorrect.
@@afcgeo882 I can tell a very slight difference! As an owner of a non-Turbo CX 50. I can tell there’s a slightly thicker cladding but also with the 19 inch wheels versus the 20 inch wheels on the top trim, You’re gonna see a difference there also
I don't think toyota don't need to worry about even myself is a toyota loyalty not going to change my mind to buy a Mazda and also I used to owned a Mazda before I owned a toyota doesn't change my mind because toyota very reliable i know Mazda better drive than toyota but not by much right now i still owned a matrix 2.4 2009 i never have a problem with it only tires brake and battery change that all and 3 years ago I bought a venza hybrid I'm very happy with it excellent on gas beautiful SUV and the same engine hybrid with the Mazda cx 30 that Mazda borrowed from toyota with 219 HP
@@sophaman9193 As a Rav4 hybrid owner I’m 100% considering switching. This has all the benefits, but also a MUCH nicer and more comfortable interior.
Do you know what punctuation is?