The EPA rates the CX-50 Hybrid at a combined 38 mpg (6.2 L/100 km), which is quite a lot better than the 28 mpg (8.4 L/100 km) of the version with Mazda's 2.5 L Skyactiv engine while offering more power at the same time.

In addition to the 2.5 ICE, the CX-50 also has three electric motors. Two of them are on the front transaxle. One’s a small motor/generator that functions as both a starter and provides some drive power, while the other is a “much more powerful traction motor that does most of the heavy electrified lifting,” said Chen.

Mazda creates strong high-mpg hybrid value in the middle of its U.S. lineup but loses its own narrative in the driver’s seat.

Mazda's stylish crossover gets some electrified power, courtesy of a Toyota hybrid system, but is the CX-50 the complete package?

THS (that's Toyota Hybrid System) in a Mazda CX-50. That'll blow their minds at the next Cars & Coffee, partner. Imagine: You've got the hood up on your Mazda with a crowd leaning in, onlookers saying things like,

With a Toyota-sourced gas-electric powertrain, the new CX-50 Hybrid still has enough Mazda beans to make it fun to drive.

If you value efficiency first and foremost, then yes, the CX-50 Hybrid was well worth the wait. Mazda teamed up with Toyota to borrow its 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain