Mazda CX-50 Generations currently consist of one generation in the U.S. market. Mazda introduced the CX-50 for the 2023 model year after unveiling the SUV in 2021, with production beginning at Mazda Toyota Manufacturing in Alabama.
The Mazda CX-50 arrived as a more rugged-looking alternative to the CX-5. It has a wider body, lower roofline, squared-off styling and standard all-wheel drive. Mazda also gave the SUV a range of powertrains rather than limiting it to a single engine.
The original lineup used a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder and a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder. A hybrid joined the range for 2025.
The Mazda CX-50 Hybrid brought 219 horsepower, an eCVT and electric all-wheel drive, while its 38-mpg combined EPA rating made it the fuel-economy leader in the lineup.
Mazda CX-50 Generations Started With the 2023 Model
The first Mazda CX-50 reached the U.S. market for 2023.
Mazda designed the SUV around a lower roofline and wider body than the CX-5. Black body cladding, squared wheel arches and a more upright front end gave the CX-50 a noticeably tougher appearance.
Standard all-wheel drive became part of the package from launch.
The initial Mazda CX-50 lineup offered two gasoline engines. Both used a six-speed automatic transmission.
The naturally aspirated engine produced 187 horsepower, while the turbocharged engine could produce up to 256 horsepower with premium fuel.
Mazda also fitted its Mi-Drive system, giving drivers different drive modes for normal driving, Sport use and off-road conditions.
Mazda CX-50 Generations Include Two Gasoline Engines
The naturally aspirated Mazda CX-50 uses a 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G four-cylinder engine.
Current specifications list output at 187 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque using regular 87-octane fuel. The engine works with a six-speed automatic transmission and i-Activ all-wheel drive.
The turbocharged engine also displaces 2.5 liters but produces substantially more torque.
With 93-octane gasoline, the turbocharged Mazda CX-50 produces 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. Regular 87-octane fuel lowers output to 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet.
The difference is more noticeable when towing. The naturally aspirated model can tow up to 2,000 pounds with Mazda’s genuine towing equipment, while the turbocharged model reaches 3,500 pounds.
Mazda CX-50 Turbo Has the Highest Gasoline Output
The turbocharged Mazda CX-50 remains the most powerful gasoline version.
Its 256-hp rating applies when using 93-octane fuel. With regular gasoline, output falls to 227 horsepower, although torque remains strong at 310 pound-feet.
The turbo engine uses the same six-speed automatic transmission and i-Activ AWD as the naturally aspirated version.
The higher towing rating is one of the clearest reasons to choose the turbo model. A properly equipped turbocharged Mazda CX-50 can tow up to 3,500 pounds, giving it 1,500 pounds more capacity than the naturally aspirated model.
Fuel economy is lower than the non-turbo version, so the choice depends heavily on whether additional power and towing ability matter.
Mazda CX-50 Generations Added the Hybrid in 2025
The biggest change within Mazda CX-50 Generations came with the 2025 model year.
Mazda introduced the CX-50 Hybrid without discontinuing either gasoline engine.
The hybrid uses a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, a hybrid battery and three electric motors. An electronically controlled continuously variable transmission sends power through an electric all-wheel-drive system.
Combined output is 219 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque.
The hybrid system is based around Toyota Hybrid System technology, making its mechanical layout different from the gasoline CX-50.
The addition gave Mazda three distinct powertrain choices within one generation.
Mazda CX-50 Hybrid Reaches 38 MPG Combined
The Mazda CX-50 Hybrid is aimed at drivers who place fuel economy ahead of towing capacity.
EPA estimates put the hybrid at 38 mpg combined. Mazda says this represents roughly a 40 percent improvement over the CX-50 2.5 S under the same calculation method.
Towing capacity moves in the opposite direction.
The hybrid can tow up to 1,500 pounds with Mazda’s genuine towing equipment. The naturally aspirated gasoline model reaches 2,000 pounds, while the turbocharged model reaches 3,500 pounds.
The Mazda CX-50 Hybrid therefore has the lowest towing rating in the lineup but the strongest fuel-economy figure.
Mazda CX-50 Generations Use Two AWD Systems
Every U.S. Mazda CX-50 comes with all-wheel drive, but Mazda uses different systems depending on the powertrain.
Gasoline models use i-Activ AWD.
The hybrid uses electric AWD, with an electric motor providing drive at the rear axle.
Both systems give the Mazda CX-50 all-wheel-drive capability, but the hardware and power delivery are different.
The hybrid also receives Power and Trail drive modes, while gasoline models use Mazda’s Mi-Drive system with Sport and Off-Road settings.
Mazda CX-50 Generations Keep a Lower Roofline Than CX-5
The Mazda CX-50 shares compact-SUV territory with the CX-5 but uses different proportions.
Mazda gave the CX-50 a wider body and lower roofline. The shape also allows easier access to roof-mounted equipment, which fits the SUV’s outdoor-oriented positioning.
The exterior uses prominent wheel-arch cladding and a more squared-off profile.
Those design changes are visible across Mazda CX-50 Generations, rather than being limited to a particular engine or trim.
Mazda CX-50 Is Built in Alabama
Production of the Mazda CX-50 takes place at Mazda Toyota Manufacturing in Huntsville, Alabama.
The facility is jointly operated by Mazda and Toyota.
The CX-50 became the first Mazda vehicle assembled at the Alabama plant, with production beginning before the 2023 U.S. launch.
The hybrid is also assembled at the same facility.
The Alabama connection has remained unchanged through the first generation of Mazda CX-50 Generations.
2023 Mazda CX-50 Established the Original Lineup
The 2023 Mazda CX-50 launched with two gasoline engines.
The naturally aspirated 2.5-liter produced 187 horsepower, while the turbocharged 2.5-liter produced up to 256 horsepower on premium fuel.
Both used six-speed automatic transmissions and standard all-wheel drive.
The 2023 model also established the towing difference between the two engines: 2,000 pounds for the naturally aspirated version and 3,500 pounds for the turbocharged model when properly equipped.
There was no hybrid option in the first year of Mazda CX-50 Generations.
2024 Mazda CX-50 Continued With Gasoline Power
The 2024 Mazda CX-50 carried the original gasoline powertrain lineup into its second model year.
The naturally aspirated 2.5-liter remained the standard engine, while the turbocharged version continued as the higher-output choice.
The six-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive remained part of both configurations.
Mazda also continued offering the Meridian Edition, giving the Mazda CX-50 a trim aimed more directly at customers interested in outdoor equipment and rugged styling.
The hybrid had not yet joined the range.
2025 Mazda CX-50 Added a Third Powertrain
The 2025 Mazda CX-50 changed the lineup more significantly than any earlier model year.
The new hybrid joined the naturally aspirated and turbocharged gasoline engines.
The Mazda CX-50 Hybrid produced 219 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque, used an eCVT and featured electric all-wheel drive. Its EPA-estimated combined fuel economy reached 38 mpg.
Mazda also expanded equipment across the lineup, including additional standard safety and driver-assistance features.
This made 2025 the dividing point for Mazda CX-50 Generations when comparing gasoline-only models with later versions offering a hybrid.
2026 Mazda CX-50 Keeps Three Powertrains
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 continues with three powertrain choices.
The naturally aspirated 2.5-liter produces 187 horsepower.
The turbocharged 2.5-liter remains available with up to 256 horsepower on premium fuel.
The hybrid produces 219 horsepower and returns an EPA-estimated 38 mpg combined.
Mazda also introduced a naturally aspirated 2.5 S Meridian Edition for 2026, bringing the Meridian treatment to the non-turbo powertrain. The trim uses 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires and black roof rails.
The 2026 model therefore adds equipment changes without moving the Mazda CX-50 into a second generation.
Mazda CX-50 Generations Include Several Trim Levels
The first-generation Mazda CX-50 has been sold in a broad range of trims.
Gasoline versions have included:
- 2.5 S Select
- 2.5 S Preferred
- 2.5 S Meridian Edition
- 2.5 S Premium
- 2.5 S Premium Plus
- 2.5 Turbo
- 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition
- 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus
Hybrid versions include:
- Hybrid Preferred
- Hybrid Premium
- Hybrid Premium Plus
Trim availability has changed between model years, so equipment can differ between otherwise similar Mazda CX-50models.
Mazda CX-50 Generations: Towing Capacity Depends on Powertrain
Towing capacity varies significantly across Mazda CX-50 Generations.
| Powertrain | Horsepower | Transmission | AWD | Maximum Towing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L Naturally Aspirated | 187 hp | 6-speed automatic | i-Activ AWD | 2,000 lbs |
| 2.5L Turbo | Up to 256 hp | 6-speed automatic | i-Activ AWD | 3,500 lbs |
| 2.5L Hybrid | 219 hp | eCVT | Electric AWD | 1,500 lbs |
The turbocharged Mazda CX-50 has the highest towing capacity.
The hybrid sits at the opposite end, sacrificing towing capacity for fuel economy.
The naturally aspirated version occupies the middle ground in both areas.
Mazda CX-50 Generations: Model-Year Timeline
| Model Year | Powertrains | Main Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2.5L N/A, 2.5L Turbo | CX-50 launches |
| 2024 | 2.5L N/A, 2.5L Turbo | Gasoline lineup continues |
| 2025 | 2.5L N/A, 2.5L Turbo, Hybrid | Hybrid added |
| 2026 | 2.5L N/A, 2.5L Turbo, Hybrid | Three-powertrain lineup continues |
The timeline shows why Mazda CX-50 Generations are relatively simple to follow. There is one generation, but the available powertrains changed substantially during its first four model years.
Mazda CX-50 Generations Have One Generation So Far
There is currently only one generation of the Mazda CX-50.
The first model arrived for 2023 with two gasoline engines.
The 2024 model continued with those engines.
The 2025 model introduced the hybrid powertrain.
The 2026 model continues with all three choices.
No second-generation Mazda CX-50 has replaced the original SUV.
The most important mechanical change has therefore been the addition of the hybrid rather than a full redesign.
Which Mazda CX-50 Has the Most Power?
The turbocharged Mazda CX-50 is the most powerful gasoline version.
Its 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder produces up to 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on 93-octane fuel.
Regular gasoline reduces output to 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet.
The hybrid produces 219 horsepower, while the naturally aspirated engine produces 187 horsepower.
The turbocharged model also has the highest towing rating.
Which Mazda CX-50 Has the Best Fuel Economy?
The Mazda CX-50 Hybrid has the best fuel economy in the lineup.
Its EPA-estimated rating is 38 mpg combined, compared with lower figures for both gasoline engines.
The trade-off is towing capacity.
A hybrid can tow up to 1,500 pounds, while the naturally aspirated version reaches 2,000 pounds and the turbocharged version reaches 3,500 pounds.
The Mazda CX-50 Hybrid therefore makes the most sense within the lineup when fuel consumption matters more than maximum towing.
Mazda CX-50 Generations Remain Limited to One Generation
The Mazda CX-50 has not received a second-generation redesign through the 2026 model year.
Instead, Mazda has expanded the original vehicle’s powertrain range.
The 2023 launch brought naturally aspirated and turbocharged 2.5-liter engines. The 2025 model added a hybrid system with 219 horsepower, electric AWD and 38 mpg combined. The 2026 model continues all three choices.
That makes Mazda CX-50 Generations easy to distinguish by model year:
- 2023: First CX-50, gasoline engines only
- 2024: Gasoline lineup continues
- 2025: Hybrid joins the range
- 2026: Gasoline and hybrid powertrains continue
The first-generation Mazda CX-50 has therefore evolved through powertrain and equipment changes rather than a full redesign. The turbo remains the strongest choice for towing and performance, while the hybrid delivers the highest fuel economy. The naturally aspirated engine remains the entry point for customers who want the CX-50’s standard AWD layout without moving to either extreme.
Also Read: BMW F30 320i Was a $40,000 Sedan, Now It’s a $12,000 Used-Car Bargain
