# 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid Premium Plus: Efficiency Meets Elegance on a Holiday Adventure *By James Hills — Updated December 2024* After putting the rugged CX-50 Turbo Meridian Edition through its paces on frozen muddy roads a couple of weeks earlier, I was curious how its more sophisticated sibling, the CX-50 Hybrid Premium Plus, would handle a different kind of adventure – a holiday road trip through America's heartland. Spoiler alert: this hybrid crossover proved that going green doesn't mean compromising on luxury or capability. In fact, the improved gas mileage on this model addressed my biggest disappointment on the previous model. An unfair assessment for a trim level intended to be capable of some off-road adventures, but this Premium Plus trim fully lived up to the model's potential as a shining star in Mazda's lineup of capable crossovers! ## A Different Kind of Performance For this review, I was more focused on creature comforts and handling as Heather and I set off on a road trip to [check out the famous "Lights of Joy" display in Shipshewana](https://coupleplaces.com/travel-ideas/a-romantic-christmas-food-tour-in-shipshewana-building-holiday-memories-together.html), along with some of the town's legendary comfort food. Where the Turbo Meridian Edition flexes with 256 horsepower, the Hybrid Premium Plus takes a more efficient approach, combining a 2.5L engine with three electric motors to produce 219 horsepower. But here's where things get interesting – on our journey from Toledo to Shipshewana, Indiana, the hybrid system delivered just shy of its official 38 mpg combined, a roughly 40% improvement over what we saw in the non-hybrid Turbo model.  ### Drinking Our Way Through 150 Years Of Holland America Line History At Half Moon Bar Half Moon Bar on Holland American Line Rotterdam celebrates 150 years of maritime history. ManTripping [Read More](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/53rpydjFIgRJb3e0ba6AVA.428) ### Why Richmond Virginia Is An Awesome Place For A Guys Trip Richmond Virginia is a great destination for an awesome guys weekend getaway. ManTripping [Read More](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/53rpydjFIgRJb3e0ba6AVA.1038) ### Sandos Caracol Eco Resort Immerse yourself in nature and ancient Maya history at our truly unique all-inclusive resort in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. ResortsSandos [Book with Flow Voyages](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/53rpydjFIgRJb3e0ba6AVA.2151) ### 4 Days Treasures of Thailand from Chiang Mai, Small Group Four-day small group tour from Chiang Mai through the ancient capitals of Sukhothai and Ayutthaya to Bangkok. Ideal for history lovers. Viator (affiliate) [See Current Price](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/53rpydjFIgRJb3e0ba6AVA.533) Promoted by FlowAds One of the things that makes this vehicle particularly interesting is that this model merges the best of two of our favorite Japanese manufacturers. The hybrid system here is designed around the Toyota Hybrid System, a power train that features a 2.5L naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder with a hybrid EV battery, THREE electric motors and an eCVT. This provides standard Electric AWD and offers a 40% improvement compared to the 2.5 S trims. If you thought that hybrids were boring, fuel efficiency first and what does that have to do with Mazda ... don't worry, Mazda's engineering team took care of everything else to ensure that the driving experience was still preserved. This is far from a boring hybrid and despite it being smaller than what Heather and I are looking for ... both of us remarked multiple times that we really liked how it felt. ## Man Gear Pick of the Month September's Pick Amazon (affiliate) ### Kenyon City Grill Portable Stainless Steel Electric Grill Why we picked it: a grill you can actually carry to the campsite, the tailgate or the cabin without borrowing a truck. Stainless, no propane tank to wrestle, and hot enough to cook for four guys rather than reheat for one. [Check The Price](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/eEGLq0hdoq1Yr1EIeznIOg.2144) [August's Pick LiberNovo Maxis Electric Big and Tall Ergonomic Office Chair, Graphite 52cm $1,466.00](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/eEGLq0hdoq1Yr1EIeznIOg.2350) [July's Pick Powerful Propane Torch Gun, Adjustable Flame Thrower Gun, Kitchen Torch with Detachable Design, Flamethrower Blow Torch for BBQ, Searing Steak, Welding, Camping Charcoal Lighter(Tank Not Included) $41.99](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/eEGLq0hdoq1Yr1EIeznIOg.2397) [June's Pick OYASUMI Funny BBQ Man Hot Dog Holders, 4 PCS Reusable Stainless Steel Sausage Stands, Portable Hot Dog Roasters, Barbecue Grill Accessories for Camping & Party Gifts $14.98](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/eEGLq0hdoq1Yr1EIeznIOg.2396) Promoted by FlowAds ## Refined Road Manners The Hybrid Premium Plus swaps the Meridian's aggressive all-terrain rubber for sophisticated 19-inch wheels featuring an aerodynamic turbine-inspired design. These wheels aren't just for show – they contribute to the vehicle's impressive fuel economy while providing a quieter, more composed ride on highway stretches. Similarly, the entire vehicle felt solid and easy to have a conversation with Heather as we drove down the turnpike as well as along back country roads. Mazda's engineering team has always impressed me in this regard as they clearly focus on noise and vibration as important aspects of the overall experience of driving enjoyment. As mentioned previously, Mazda also has one of the best heated seats and wheel systems of any major brand. On our trip this was especially enjoyable as we darted from popcorn store to the car to a candy store and back again. Getting back inside the CX-50 and gripping a piping-hot wheel is a luxury that was truly appreciated on this road trip. I wish we could have taken more shots of the car driving around Shipshewana but as you can see from the video it was cold and raining. For some reason, it seemed to be mostly isolated to the area around the town, but despite the inclement weather, the overall driving experience was very enjoyable. ## The Bottom Line At $40,050, the CX-50 Hybrid Premium Plus represents a different kind of value proposition than its [more adventurous Meridian sibling](index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4165:2025-mazda-cx-50-turbo-meridian-edition&catid=16:stuff&Itemid=530). Instead of trail-ready capability, you get premium comfort, impressive fuel economy, and refined road manners. The roughly $575 annual fuel savings over the standard CX-50 2.5 S Premium Plus helps offset the initial investment (an incremental $2,550)  . Still, the real value is in the overall package – a comfortable, efficient, and sophisticated crossover that's as comfortable on a holiday road trip as it is for daily commuting. For those who prioritize comfort and efficiency over off-road capability, the [CX-50 Hybrid Premium Plus](https://www.mazdausa.com/vehicles/cx-50) makes a compelling case. It proves that you can have a premium driving experience while still being environmentally conscious – and saving money at the pump. Whether you're planning a holiday light tour or just handling daily duties, this hybrid crossover delivers a refined experience that's hard to fault. Top Picks Flow Voyages ### Book your next cruise with Heather at Flow Voyages Flow Voyages is a travel advisor specializing in cruises and resorts. [Contact Flow Voyages](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/fdGl6iE_y8zZ5PK1ab-fZA.617) Promoted by FlowAds Details Written by: James Hills Published: 05 December 2024 Last Updated: 05 December 2024 ### 🚢Ready To Book A Vacation? Let us help you plan a cruise, all-inclusive resort, or tour for your next guys trip, family vacation, or romantic getaway. Click here to [**Book Your Next Vacation**](https://www.mantripping.com/vacation-planning.html). #### Which Style Of Amazon Cruise Should You Pick To Explore World's Largest River? Aug 17, 2026 [Which Style Of Amazon Cruise Should You Pick To Explore World's Largest River?](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/amazon-river-cruise-planning-ship-options.html) [Plan Your Next Vacation Today!](https://www.mantripping.com/vacation-planning.html) ### Products & Gift Ideas #### LiberNovo Maxis Chair Review - Finally A Seat That Lets Big Dudes Feel Comfortable At The Desk Sep 10, 2026 [LiberNovo Maxis Chair Review - Finally A Seat That Lets Big Dudes Feel Comfortable At The Desk](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/libernovo-maxis-big-and-tall-office-chair-review.html) #### FRESKO 4-in-1 Immersion Hand Blender Review Sep 09, 2026 [FRESKO 4-in-1 Immersion Hand Blender Review](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/fresko-4-in-1-immersion-hand-blender-review.html) #### UGREEN Air Review: Four Slim Chargers And Power Banks I Traveled With This Summer Aug 25, 2026 [UGREEN Air Review: Four Slim Chargers And Power Banks I Traveled With This Summer](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/ugreen-air-chargers-power-banks-review.html) ### Top Guys Trip Ideas: #### Outdoor Adventure Guys Getaway Ideas in Carson Valley Nevada Aug 09, 2018 [Outdoor Adventure Guys Getaway Ideas in Carson Valley Nevada](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/outdoor-adventure-ideas-in-carson-valley-nevada.html) #### Five Things You Can Only Do If You Rent An Italian Villa For Your Tuscan Guys Getaway Dec 22, 2023 [Five Things You Can Only Do If You Rent An Italian Villa For Your Tuscan Guys Getaway](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/tuscan-villa-rental-guys-getaway.html) #### Living The High Life On Milwaukee Guys Weekend: Craft Beer, Sports & Lakefront Adventures Oct 16, 2025 [Living The High Life On Milwaukee Guys Weekend: Craft Beer, Sports & Lakefront Adventures](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/visiting-milwaukee-for-a-great-guys-weekend.html) ### Related Articles #### 2025 Chrysler Pacifica Pinnacle Review: Proven Space and Comfort for Real-World Needs [2025 Chrysler Pacifica Pinnacle Review: Proven Space and Comfort for Real-World Needs](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/2025-chrysler-pacifica-pinnacle-review.html) #### Toyota Highlander 25th Edition Hybrid: How Toyota's Family SUV Grew Up With Us [Toyota Highlander 25th Edition Hybrid: How Toyota's Family SUV Grew Up With Us](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/toyota-highlander-25th-edition-hybrid-review-evolved-family-adventure.html) #### 2025 Mazda CX-90 Premium Plus Review: Premium Experience Without the Premium Price [2025 Mazda CX-90 Premium Plus Review: Premium Experience Without the Premium Price](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/2025-mazda-cx-90-premium-plus-review-premium-experience-without-the-premium-price-tag.html) #### 2025 Nissan Armada First Drive: Finally Finding Its Groove [2025 Nissan Armada First Drive: Finally Finding Its Groove](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/2025-nissan-armada-first-drive.html) #### Chasing The Eclipse In The Mazda CX-90 [Chasing The Eclipse In The Mazda CX-90](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/chasing-the-eclipse-in-the-mazda-cx-90.html) - [**](https://www.mantripping.com/search.html) - [**](https://www.mantripping.com/sitemap.html) - [** Polls](https://www.mantripping.com/polls.html) - [Community Login](https://www.mantripping.com/registration/login.html) - [Brand Engagement Newsletter](https://www.mantripping.com/pr-ops-newsletter.html) - [Links](https://www.mantripping.com/links.html) - [Pitch Portal](https://www.mantripping.com/pitch.html) - [Men's Travel Survey](https://www.mantripping.com/the-mantripping-guys-trip-report-spring-2026.html) --- *Source: [2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid Premium Plus: Efficiency Meets Elegance on a Holiday Adventure](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/2025-mazda-cx-50-hybrid-premium-plus-review.html)* **Tags:** SUVs