Talking Cars 465: Driving the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid

Main theme: In this podcast episode, we give our first driving impressions of the all-new 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid, which we recently purchased for CR’s auto test program. The CX-50 Hybrid is a collaboration between Mazda and Toyota. On the surface, it’s a CX-50 with a RAV4 Hybrid powertrain, although it’s a little more involved than that, and our panelists delve into all of it, from the pluses and minuses of the powertrain to how this transition affects the handling. We also discuss the bright side of Mazda’s typically terrific cabin quality and the frustrations of the CX-50’s infotainment system controls. 

Because there are some serious similarities—but also some major differences—between the CX-50 Hybrid and the RAV4 Hybrid, we wrap up the segment with each panelist saying whether they’d choose the Mazda or the Toyota. 

Read our Mazda CX-50 Hybrid first drive review.

Audience Questions
• With Nissan’s recent financial woes, do you think this a good time to try to get a great deal on a Pathfinder? 
• After only 20,000 miles, the bushings on my 2023 Lexus NX350h have to be replaced. Does CR’s reliability survey data show that Lexus’ quality is starting to slip?