Mazda Announces Hybrid Drivetrain for Next-Gen CX-5

Mazda’s next-generation CX-5, set to launch in 2025, will feature an in-house developed hybrid engine, enhancing competition with major hybrids like the CR-V and RAV4.

Mazda has officially confirmed that the CX-5 will not only continue but will also transition into its next generation with a hybrid drivetrain, anticipated to debut in 2025. This development was revealed during Mazda’s recent financial results presentation, where the company emphasized the introduction of a «Mazda-developed hybrid engine» for the CX-5, marking a significant shift towards in-house electrification technology. Previously, Mazda had relied on hybrid technology from Toyota, as seen with the Mazda 2 in Europe, which is essentially a rebadged Toyota Yaris.

The move to develop its own hybrid technology indicates Mazda’s ambition to compete more directly with leading hybrid models like the Honda CR-V Hybrid and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, which dominate the U.S. market. Despite the CX-5’s respectable sales performance, ranking 23rd in U.S. vehicle sales, it trails behind its primary competitors. The introduction of an in-house hybrid engine is expected to enhance its market position, particularly among consumers seeking fuel-efficient vehicles.

In addition to the CX-5, Mazda is expanding its hybrid offerings with the CX-50, which will also receive a hybrid variant tailored to meet growing demand for hybrid vehicles and boost sales, particularly in North America and China. The Chinese market has already seen the introduction of an electrified CX-50, utilizing Toyota’s hybrid system.

Mazda’s approach to electrification has been cautious, with the company’s CEO acknowledging their strategy as being an «intentional follower» in the electric vehicle segment. This is evident from the limited success of the MX-30 in the U.S., which faced challenges due to its modest range and high price. However, Mazda is making strides in other markets, recently unveiling the EZ-6 electric sedan in China and previewing the battery-powered Arata crossover concept, signaling a stronger commitment to electrification and hybrid technology.

Source: Carbuzz