DecodedCars2025 Mazda CX-50
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2025 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Body styles
- Cx50 4dr SUV, Cx50 Hybrid 4dr SUV, Cx50 Turbo 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 176–187 hp
- Transmission
- CVT
- Drivetrain
- 4-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 38 combined · 39 city / 37 hwy
- Length
- 185.8 in
- Curb weight
- 3,812–3,988 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 5 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 38 MPG combined — 48% better than the average 2025 small SUV (25.6 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Watch out for
- 5 recallsMore than similar models (about 2). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 37 similar 2025 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2025 Mazda CX-50 is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl and 2.5L 4-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 186 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,812 lb (Cx50 4dr SUV).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 38 MPG combined (39 city / 37 highway), 48% better than the 2025 small SUV average of 25.6 MPG, for an estimated $1,750 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 48 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2025
- New hybrid version
- Best combined MPG up from 27 to 38
Compared with 2024; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2024 CX-50 →
Trims, performance & features
Engine187 hp2.5L 4-cyl
Engine176 hp2.5L 4-cyl hybrid
TransmissionCVT
DriveAWD/4WD
Seating5 seats · 2 rows
Trims
PreferredPremiumPremium Plus
Safety & driver-assist features
Automatic emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Rear cross-traffic alertStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistStandard
Adaptive cruise controlStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Keyless startStandard
LED headlightsYes
Built in: Huntsville, Alabama
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2025 CX-50 configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cx50 4dr SUV | 185.8 in | 75.6 in | 63.8 in | 111 in | 65 / 65.4 in | 3,812 lb | 58/42 |
| Cx50 Hybrid 4dr SUV | 185.8 in | 75.6 in | 63.8 in | 111 in | 65 / 65.4 in | 3,988 lb | 59/41 |
| Cx50 Turbo 4dr SUV | 185.8 in | 75.6 in | 63.8 in | 111 in | 65 / 65.4 in | 3,918 lb | 59/41 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CX-50 4WD Hybrid | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 4-Wheel Drive | 39 / 37 / 38 | +48% | $1,750 | 233 |
| CX-50 4WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel Drive | 25 / 31 / 28 | +9% | $2,400 | 322 |
| CX-50 4WD | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel Drive | 23 / 29 / 25 | -2% | $2,700 | 355 |
7/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
7/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $3,250Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
25.6 MPG2025 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD average
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2025 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Mazda CX-50 SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | – |
StandardElectronic stability control
StandardForward collision warning
StandardLane departure warning
Similar 2025 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Mazda CX-50 (this car) | 38 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2025 Toyota RAV4 | 39 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2025 Honda CR-V | 40 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2025 Ford Bronco | 20 MPG | Not rated | 19 |
| 2025 Toyota 4Runner | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2025 Hyundai Tucson | 38 MPG | ★★★★★ | 7 |
| 2025 Subaru Forester | 35 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
Recalls (5)
Suspension › Critical Fasteners · Oct 29, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V737000 · 1,007 vehicles
- Problem
- Mazda North American Operations is recalling certain 2025 CX-50 and CX-50 Hybrid vehicles. The front suspension fastener bolts may not be tightened properly, which can result in suspension component and/or wheel detachment.
- Risk
- Wheel or suspension component detachment can cause a loss of vehicle control and a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect the front suspension fastener bolts and, if necessary, replace and tighten them, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 10, 2025. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 6. The manufacturer's number for this recall is 7925J. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning November 3, 2025.
Air Bags › Air Bag/Restraint Control Module › Software · Jun 18, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V413000 · 2 vehicles
- Problem
- Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain CX-50 Hybrid and CX-50 vehicles. Incorrectly configured module software may cause the air bag to deploy improperly.
- Risk
- An air bag that deploys improperly increases the risk of injury during a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the module software, free of charge. Owner notifications will not be mailed due to all vehicles being under Mazda dealer control. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 6. The manufacturer's number for this recall is 7625F.
Electrical System › Propulsion System › Hybrid Management › Power Control Unit/Module (Hpcu) › Software · Jun 18, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V418000 · 22 vehicles
- Problem
- Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2025 CX-50 Hybrid vehicles. The transmission gear shifter can be moved from Neutral to Drive without pressing the brake pedal.
- Risk
- Shifting into gear without the brake pedal depressed can result in unexpected vehicle movement, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the Engine Control Module (ECM) and reprogram the Hybrid Control Unit (HCU) and Power Control Unit (PCU), free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed August 15, 2025. A second notice will be sent once the remedy becomes available, anticipated late summer 2025. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 6. The manufacturer's number for this recall is 7725F.
Trailer Hitches · Mar 14, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V167000 · 63 vehicles
- Problem
- Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024-2025 CX-50 vehicles equipped with Mazda Genuine Accessory trailer hitches. The trailer hitch assembly bolts may loosen and cause the assembly to separate from the vehicle body during towing or normal driving conditions.
- Risk
- A detached trailer hitch assembly can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will tighten the trailer hitch bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 4, 2025. Mazda's number for this recall is 7225C.
Lane Departure › Sensing System › Camera · Sep 3, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V649000 · 672 vehicles
- Problem
- Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024 Mazda 3, CX-30, and 2025 CX-50 vehicles. A malfunction in the forward sensing camera (FSC) may prevent the automatic emergency braking system and the lane-keep assist system from functioning. In addition, the headlights will not automatically adjust from high beams to low beams as intended.
- Risk
- Automatic braking, steering assist, and headlight control systems that do not function as intended can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the forward sensing camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2024. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 6824H.
Not every 2025 Mazda CX-50 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
48Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
3Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
4Injuries reported
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2025 Mazda CX-50 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 12 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Service Brakes — 8 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Suspension — 5 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2025 Mazda CX-50. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other CX-50 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 CX-50 | 38 | 185.8 in | Not rated | 0 | 14 |
| 2024 CX-50 | 27 | 185.8 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 35 |
| 2023 CX-50 | 27 | 185.8 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 64 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mazda. How we calculate this →