The third generation Mazda CX-5 will introduce the Japanese brand’s new “Mazda Hybrid” system in 2027, based on a new gasoline engine and in-house hybrid technology – and not using Toyota technology like the existing CX-50 does overseas.
In conversation with Daily SparkzMazda Motor Corporation’s general manager of global sales and marketing, Manabu Osuga, explained why the Japanese brand chose to develop its own hybrid powertrain – and take more time to bring it to market – rather than rely on its existing relationship with Toyota when it came to hybrid power for the next generation of its best-selling model.
“We are developing a unique Mazda hybrid system because we truly care about Mazda’s ‘Jinba Ittai’ philosophy,” said Osuga-san.
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“I think you know the CX-50 in the North American market. We are already using the Toyota hybrid system. If you drive the RAV4 Hybrid compared to the CX-50 Hybrid, I think you can feel the “Mazda” of the Toyota hybrid system of the CX-50.
“We have confidence in the coordination of their technical components to make it ‘Mazda’. This also applies to the Mazda 6e and CX-6e (which were co-developed with Changan in China). But if we really put our DNA into the car – like MX-5 – then we decided to develop our own hybrid system.”
“The two reasons (are) – one, we want to clearly understand internally what the hybrid is by doing internal engineering. And two, hybrid (powertrains) have multiple (layouts), but the system we chose is the direct system, which is directly connected to the transmission to move the transmission.”
“This gives us the direct and linear feeling of acceleration. That’s why we chose Mazda’s unique system.”
While full details of Mazda’s new hybrid system have not yet been revealed, we already know that the CX-5’s electrified powertrain will launch in America in 2027, when the brand’s new “Skyactiv Z” gasoline engine will also be unveiled.
This new engine, with components identical to the brand’s existing 2.5-liter engine, delivers higher performance and better fuel economy than before, while meeting the strict Euro 7 emissions regulations in Europe and LEV4 and Tier 4 regulations in North America.
Mazda claims that the Skyactiv Z engine achieves lower emissions without sacrificing performance, unlike conventional engines that would reportedly result in a 30 percent reduction in power.
While mainstream hybrids generally place a primary focus on improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions, said the vice president of strategic planning at Mazda North American Operations CarBuzz A statement last year said that “the (Mazda) hybrid system will have performance comparable to or exceeding that of the (G35 2.5T) turbo powertrain.”
Mazda Australia has confirmed the CX-5 Hybrid for local showrooms, although a specific date has yet to be announced. So far all we know is that it’s coming “after” it launches in the US sometime next year.
For now, the 2026 Mazda CX-5 will launch in Australia with a single naturally aspirated petrol engine, a 132kW/242Nm version of the previous model’s 2.5-litre four-cylinder, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
It’s down 8kW and 10Nm compared to the previous model’s G25 engine, and Mazda’s leadership team confirmed this is because Australia is mandating CO2 emissions limits in line with the Euro 6d standard, which came into force for new models late last year.
There Is an electrified CX-5 already sold elsewhere in the world, with the European market getting another version of the 2.5-litre petrol engine combined with a 24V mild-hybrid system, dubbed ‘e-Skyactiv G’.
However, the further reduced power – 104kW/238Nm – led Mazda Australia to opt for the unassisted version as the additional noise was better tailored to the needs of Australian customers – read more Here.
Full Australian pricing and specifications for the 2026 Mazda CX-5 will be announced tomorrow, so stay tuned Daily Sparkz for the latest – and let us know what you think in the comments section below.
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