Mazda Canada is adding a hybrid version to its CX-50 lineup for the 2025 model year, promising as much as 40 per cent better fuel economy over the non-hybrid versions of the compact SUV. It also has more power than the standard CX-50.

The CX-50 Hybrid’s starting price is $3,000 higher than its non-hybrid sibling.

The CX-50 has a starting manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $39,950, while the CX-50 Hybrid models start at $42,950.

It has an estimated city-highway combined fuel economy rated at 6.2 L/100 km. The non-hybrid, non-turbo model has a combined fuel economy of 8.9 L/100 km, while the turbo models are rated at 9.4 L/100 km. All CX-50s feature all-wheel drive.

The standard engine option on the CX-50 is a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder Skyactiv-G engine with cylinder deactivation with a rated power of 187 hp and 185 lb.-ft. of torque, running on 87 octane fuel. Towing capacity is rated at 907 kilograms (2,000 pounds) when equipped with Mazda’s genuine towing accessories.

The hybrid has been designed around the Toyota hybrid system and features a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, hybrid EV battery and three electric motors producing a combined 219 hp and 163 lb.-ft. of torque. The hybrid also has a towing capacity of 680 kilograms (1,500 pounds).

“Mazda engineers have calibrated even the finest details of the hybrid powertrain, such as the accelerator pedal response to offer the connected, responsive driving dynamics that CX-50 is known for,” Mazda Canada said in a news release. “Additionally, the availability of tuned drive modes, such as Power or Trail, allow drivers to tailor their experience behind the wheel to match the situation at hand.”

All hybrid models receive unique styling cues, including new wheel designs, a different lower front bumper design and an available Garnet Red leather interior option.

The third engine option is the turbo, available on the GT Turbo and Meridian Edition. It has a turbocharged 2.5-litre Skyactiv-G four-cylinder engine that produces 256 hp and 320 lb.-ft. of torque on 93 octane fuel, or 227 hp and 310 lb.-ft. of torque on regular 87 octane fuel. Towing capacity is rated at 1,588 kilograms (3,500 pounds) for GT Turbo models.

The Meridian Edition, which has the same powertrain setup as the GT Turbo, offers a higher level of all-terrain performance.

Mazda says all versions of the CX-50 receive enhancements to the Mazda i-Activsense safety suite, which now includes vehicle exit warning and an improved version of smart brake support that includes provisions for nighttime pedestrian detection and head-on collision mitigation. Carryover features include Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) with stop and go, smart brake support with pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring, driver attention alert, lane departure warning system, lane keep assist and rear cross traffic alert.

New for 2025, all CX-50 models get Alexa Built-in, which allows the driver to make certain hands-free, voice commands for prompts like changing the temperature, or radio station, to controlling their smart home devices while in the vehicle.

All models also receive two new features for Mazda. One is Private eCall and the other is Stolen Vehicle Assistance.

Private eCall starts a call to connect vehicle occupants to an emergency call centre when emergency services are required. Calls can also be initiated with a button inside the vehicle. Stolen Vehicle Assistance is also available in the MyMazda app and can help authorities track and retrieve the vehicle if it is stolen.

Starting MSRP by model is as follows:

• GS-L: $39,950
• GT: $43,350
• Hybrid GS-L: $42,950
• Hybrid Kuro: $44,850
• Hybrid GT: $48,350
• GT Turbo: $47,850
• Meridian Edition: $50,350
• Merdian Edition Apex Package: $51,750

Pricing doesn’t include fees, levies and taxes. For full model details, visit mazda.ca.