- Mazda has confirmed plans for a next-gen CX-5 and it will use an all-new hybrid powertrain that was developed in-house.
- The redesigned crossover will have a streamlined lineup as the automaker is seeking to reduce costs and complexity.
- A new four-cylinder Skyactiv-Z engine is scheduled for launch in 2027, promising improved efficiency.
Next week will mark eight years since Mazda introduced the second-generation CX-5 at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show. That’s a long time, but the crossover remains incredibly popular and is the brand’s best-selling vehicle in the United States. While the CX-50 is often seen as the CX-5’s successor, that’s not the case. Quite the opposite as Mazda has revealed an assortment of details about the next-generation model.
The redesigned crossover will play a central role in Mazda’s Phase 2 plan, which will see the automaker transition to electrification between 2025 and 2027. As part of this effort, the CX-5 will offer a new hybrid powertrain that was developed in-house. This stands in contrast to the CX-50 Hybrid, which raided the Toyota parts bin.
More: 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid Offers Toyota Tech And 38 MPG
Besides packing hybrid power, the next-generation CX-5 will be approximately 60% less complex than today’s model. In order to achieve this, Mazda will streamline specifications as well as equipment. This means we can expect a smaller and less complicated lineup. That makes a lot of sense as Mazda currently offers eight different trims in the United States.
In 2027, Mazda will introduce a new electric vehicle based on a dedicated platform. The automaker is also studying plug-in hybrid variants based on the architecture and suggested these would be relatively cheap to develop. This could make them an appealing hedge against lackluster EV adoption.
Speaking of EVs, the company reiterated plans for an electric crossover from Changan Mazda. It was previewed by the Arata concept, which was introduced at the Beijing Auto Show earlier this year.
While much of the focus was on electrification, Mazda confirmed the development of a new Skyactiv-Z engine that is slated to be launched in 2027. The automaker didn’t say much about it, but the engine promises “more ideal combustion” as well as enhanced “environmental and driving performance.”
The Skyactiv-Z will be a four-cylinder successor to the Skyactiv-G and Skyactiv-X engines of today. It will use the “lambda one combustion method,” which promises to achieve a “high thermal efficiency by realizing super lean burn combustion over a wide range from low to high rpm.”
Mazda also reiterated its intent to simplify its internal combustion engine lineup, aiming to “consolidate and streamline overall engine complexity.” Despite this move toward simplification, they’re committed to rotary engines and are making “smooth progress” in regards to their emission compliance.
While Mazda’s engine lineup will shrink in the coming years, they’ll eventually apply the new combustion technology to their inline-six. This promises to improve its “environmental performance,” which should help the engine comply with future emission standards.
Further out, Mazda’s Phase 3 plan will occur between 2028 and 2030. Less is known about this time period, but the company is promising a “full-scale launch” of electric vehicles.
