Mazda CX-50 Hybrid North American launch scheduled in 2024 [Update]

Update: ‘Specifications & Features’ section updated.

The gas-powered Mazda CX-50 went on sale in the U.S. in April 2022 and is slotted above the CX-5 in the brand’s North American line-up. The company is off to a decent start with 21,329 units sold last year, in the United States. Interestingly, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) made mention of the hybrid model during the launch of the CX-50 in January 2022, stating an arrival “in the coming years”, without providing details.

Here’s what we know about the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid.

Mazda Canada confirms CX-50 Hybrid for 2024

Mazda Canada revealed plans to introduce the CX-50 Hybrid via a press release in November 22, 2022, which we’re unable to locate any longer in the press portal. As per copies of the press release that are still online, the company said that it intends to launch 8 new electrified models in Canada by 2025, one of which will be the hybrid version of the CX-50 – as also reported by CX-50 Forums. According to Mazda’s timeline from the same announcement, the CX-50 Hybrid should make its Canadian debut in 2024. As the U.S. is the main market in North America, we believe that the electrified CX-50 would be launched around the same time here.

Design

The Mazda CX-50 Hybrid celebrated its world premiere at Auto Shanghai 2023. Though it sports a silver “Hybrid” badge with blue lettering, the CX-50 Hybrid bears no visual differences compared to its non-electrified counterpart. We’re expecting the U.S.-spec CX-50 Hybrid to not differ largely from the regular CX-50. To make it distinct, Mazda could offer exclusive color options, and perhaps different wheels.

The CX-50’s exterior is sporty and confident, featuring a wide stance and a sleek yet well-sculpted fascia that also looks modern. There are enough brand-specific styling cues sketched into the stylish silhouette of the car – from Mazda’s distinctive ‘Kodo’ design language on the front end and nose section to the easily-recognizable shape of the LED headlights.

Other design features of the CX-50 that draw attention include the heavily-contoured hood, flared wheel arches with pronounced plastic cladding, faux skid plates finished in satin silver, and large vents integrated into the front and rear bumpers. The U-shaped LED lights found in the taillights are a nice touch and look upmarket.

Interior

Mazda has been consistently delivering high-quality cabins in almost all their new models, something the gas-powered CX-50 inherits as well. Not only is the driver’s seating position sporty and ergonomic, but the level of fit & finish of this interior is also impressive. There are soft touchpoints and contrast stitching on offer with plentiful metallic accents, while the dual-tone interior theme adds to the premium appeal.

Unlike many automakers, Mazda has retained physical buttons to control many of the CX-50’s features – extremely handy and easy to operate while driving. Seat cushioning and comfort are noteworthy, while the leather-wrapped steering wheel feels suitably premium. Shorter drivers may find the information displayed on the recessed main screen hard to spot at times, but the part-digital instrument cluster works as intended.

Mazda hasn’t revealed the CX-50 Hybrid’s interior, but we think it would look similar to the CX-50 for the most part. The company could include a new engine start/stop button, updated graphics & icons within the MID and infotainment system, different cabin upholstery & trim, plus a possibility of a lighter interior color to go along. Being a hybrid with additional mechanical components under the floorboard, we’ll have to see what impact it has on the rear cargo space.

Specifications & Features

Mazda CX-50 Hybrid model specifications

Mazda has confirmed that the CX-50 will be available with a Toyota-sourced hybrid powertrain, as per a report Driving.ca published on June 29, 2022. Recent reports say the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid could employ the same powertrain as the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid. We’re talking about the combination of a 2.0-liter engine and an electric motor that results in 196 hp of system power. In the Toyota model, this system delivers an EPA-est. combined fuel economy of 42 MPG.

Previously, Mazda expert Jonathan Sewell had said in a YouTube video that Mazda could use one of Toyota’s 2.5-liter engines instead of the in-house Skyactiv-G mill in the CX-50 Hybrid. That powertrain could be the Dynamic Force unit that produces 176 hp and 165 lb.-ft. of torque and works with two motors (118 hp/149 lb.-ft. front and 54 hp/89 lb.-ft. rear) in the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.

For reference, the RAV4 Hybrid is capable of 41/38 MPG (city/highway EPA est.) and makes 219 hp while offering eAWD as well. Where the RAV4 Hybrid is known more for its all-around comfort, the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid could be tuned for higher performance, with a focus on the driving dynamics. It may further benefit from Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control and Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) technologies.

Features

The gas-powered Mazda CX-50 offers customers plenty of modern features and driver aids, depending on the trim level. The latter consists of safety technologies like Dynamic Stability Control, Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Advanced Smart City Brake Support with pedestrian detection, Lane Departure Warning System with Lane-keep Assist, Driver Attention Alert, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Mazda Connected Services with MyMazda App. In our experience, these are usually carried over to the Hybrid version.

At present, the U.S.-spec CX-50’s equipment list includes adaptive & auto-leveling LED headlights, a power rear liftgate with programmable height adjustment, a power-operated panoramic moonroof, ventilated & powered front seats, heated rear seats & steering wheel, LED interior lighting, a 10.25-inch infotainment display with Mazda Navigation System, in-car Wi-Fi, dual-zone climate control with rear vents, a wireless phone charger, and a 12-speaker premium audio system by Bose. While Apple CarPlay is wireless, Android Auto is not. Buyers of the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid can expect similar features.

Price & Release date

In the U.S., the gasoline variants of the Mazda CX-50 cost between USD 27,550 and 42,300. We expect the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid to be priced starting at over USD 30,000. While confirmation is awaited, the CX-50 Hybrid could be launched in the U.S. in the second half of this year (Mazda expert Jonathan Sewell mentions September 2023 in his video), followed by the confirmed Canadian launch in 2024.

The CX-50 is produced at the new Mazda Toyota Manufacturing (MTM) plant located in Huntsville, Alabama, U.S. The state-of-the-art facility, which was the result of a joint venture between the two Japanese automotive giants, has an annual production capacity of 300,000 vehicles and up to 4,000 employees. The upcoming Mazda CX-50 Hybrid is to be built here, too.

Also See: Mazda CX-90 PHEV could add fun & functionality to the 3-row SUV segment

Sales

As per the sales numbers reported by Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) on April 3, 2023, the company sold 88,384 units this year, an uptick of 7.4 percent over the same period last year.

Note that the combined sales figure reported above includes Mazda U.S., Mazda Canada Inc. (MCI), Mazda Motor de Mexico (MMdM), and Mazda Motor de Colombia (MCOL). The best-selling car for MNAO this year was the CX-5, followed by the CX-30, CX-5, CX-9 and the CX-50. The addition of a hybrid variant should provide incremental sales, and push the CX-50 above the CX-9, and closer to the CX-5.

TopElectricSUV says

The Mazda CX-50 Hybrid will face stiff competition from other compact SUVs such as the Honda CR-V Hybrid and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. However, the CX-50’s charms are likely to be in its composed yet sporty driving dynamics and premium in-cabin experience.

Featured Image Source: Mazda Canada via CX50 Forums