Well, I finally got to drive a demo for over 15 miles, and I must say, I’m impressed. I think Mazda has another hit on their hands.
Here’s my experience with Mazda:
I’ve had Mazdas since 2012 and have technically owned each model, from the ND Miata all the way to the CX-9, except for the CX-70 and CX-90. Currently, we own a Mazda 3 non-Turbo sedan (Carbon Edition) and a CX-50 Turbo.
I’ve also driven a RAV4 hybrid for over 600 miles, which was an interesting experience.
The CX-50 hybrid, as you might know, uses a Toyota powertrain—engine, motors, and transmission—and it also has the RAV4 shifter design and brakes. The brakes are not from Mazda.
I drove the hybrid Premium model, where the steering wheel felt the same as in the Mazda 3. Unlike the CX-50 Turbo, which has tighter and heavier steering, the hybrid model felt similar to the Mazda 3. It’s lighter than the Turbo but not as loose as the RAV4, which I personally liked.
Driving it felt like a mix of Toyota and Mazda. The steering and overall feeling were mostly Mazda, although the suspension felt less stiff, possibly due to the powertrain and weight distribution.
Acceleration is different. The Turbo offers a good amount of torque right from the start, with gear changes and an engine roar that matches the pull. The hybrid has a good start but feels more like a CVT, and the engine noise has a higher pitch that sounds overworked for its displacement. The acceleration isn’t bad, but the sound and movement don’t feel as well integrated as in the Turbo.
When you take your foot off the accelerator, there’s less coasting compared to Turbo mode. You can feel the regeneration kicking in. The brakes aren’t as linear as in the Mazda, giving a strange Toyota feel where you have to push down harder to stop. These two features clearly indicate that the brake system is from Toyota.
While the Turbo has Sport, Normal, and Off-Road modes, the hybrid has Power, Normal, and Trail. I like the analog power indicator for Charge and Power, and the entire display is from Mazda.
There’s an EV button near the shifter that switches between “EV” (default mode) and “EV Mode.” In EV, the car chooses the best mix of electric and gas power, engaging the engine when necessary. EV Mode prioritizes electric driving until you reach certain speeds or battery levels. For short city drives or back roads, EV Mode could be useful.
I drove about 15 miles on city roads, through stops, traffic, up to 60 mph, and down to school zones, averaging 34 mpg. It’s a short drive for a proper assessment, but not bad at all for a CX-50.
In terms of practicality, the hybrid is the best option. The Turbo offers more excitement and power, but I can’t see it as the better choice overall, aside from the additional torque and driving experience.
If Mazda wants to optimize their offerings, they could eliminate the non-Turbo version and replace it with the hybrid, adding an entry-level Select trim for the hybrid at a lower price, followed by the Turbo trims.
While I believe PHEVs are better options, I see the CX-50 hybrid as the best Mazda SUV in terms of size, price, features, and design. I hope Mazda considers hybridizing the Mazda 3; the Prius Prime powertrain could make the 3 attractive for non-Turbo buyers.