Mazda is hard at work on developing its own hybrid system, and when it debuts sometime next year in the CX-5 crossover, it’ll have a feel that’s much better than existing gas-electric crossovers. That’s according to company program manager Koichiro Yamaguchi, who said that he wasn’t satisfied with the feel and performance of current hybrid SUVs and that he intended for his product to meet those standards.
Base Trim Engine
2.5-L Inline 4
Base Trim Transmission
6-speed automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
187 hp
Base Trim Torque
185 lb-ft
Segment
Compact SUV
A Hybrid System With Soul
Yamaguchi, who was speaking with Australian outlet Drive, said that his biggest complaint about other hybrids is the momentary hesitation between applying the accelerator and the car setting off – likely a side effect of the powertrain controller deciding the proper mix of combustion and electric assist. Although he didn’t name any names, he said that there weren’t many gas-electric cars on the market that didn’t exhibit that seeming disconnection between the throttle pedal and the wheels, and for him, that natural feel is crucial to making a car feel enjoyable.
I have tried so many different hybrid systems from other brands, but none of them satisfied me, so I decided to make sure we have this unique Mazda hybrid system that will satisfy me.
–Koichiro Yamaguchi, Mazda CX-5 Program Director
Armed with that desire, Yamaguchi told Drive that the forthcoming CX-5 hybrid will meet his standards. Although he didn’t go into specifics on how Mazda engineers would endow the compact crossover with more engagement and driving fun, the company is run by enthusiasts so we don’t have any reason to doubt him. The CX-5 is only available currently with a 2.5-liter inline-four, but the in-house hybrid system is expected to join it in 2027.
2026 Mazda CX-5Ian Wright/CarBuzz/Valnet
Customers Will Like The Efficiency
Yamaguchi wouldn’t comment or speculate on any of the engine’s techincal details or performance numbers, but he did say that it would deliver the efficiency that customers expect. For comparison, the gas-electric CX-5’s most obvious rival is the hybrid-only Toyota RAV4, which, depending on trim level, gets between 38 and 43 miles per gallon in the EPA’s combined test cycle. The Honda CR-V, meanwhile, gets between 35 and 40 mpg combined in hybrid form, while the electrified Hyundai Tucson achieves between 36 and 38 mpg.
One of the keys to the CX-5 hybrid’s success will be the also-new Skyactiv-Z internal combustion engine. Mazda is targeting a higher level of thermal efficiency with this powerplant by providing greater insulation to the block, heads, and cylinder walls, ensuring that as much heat as possible is directed toward the process of combustion. By improving thermal efficiency, Mazda says it can use a leaner fuel mixture without sacrificing power, improving fuel economy and reducing emissions along the way.
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It had better be good, because Mazda is out of letters.
The current Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter in the CX-5 definitely needs a little help in that regard, achieving only 27 mpg combined. In conjunction with Mazda’s own hybrid powertrain, expect the Skyactiv-Z–powered CX-5 to make the jump to 38 mpg or more, while still offering a more enthusiastic driving experience than the Toyota-sourced gas-electric powerplant in its CX-50 hybrid sibling.
2021 Mazda CX-9 Skyactiv-G engineMazda
CarBuzz Insight – Why This Matters:
Mazda has been a leader in both driving enjoyment and efficiency for years now, but its aging powertrain technology is falling behind the times. Skyactiv-G technology debuted way back in 2012, and although it offered more power and better fuel economy than its rivals at the time, competition has caught up. The Skyactiv-Z powertrain should help level the playing field, and we’re glad to see that the automaker’s executives and leadership are committed to making the hybrid version as enjoyable behind the wheel as it is at the fuel pump.
Source: Drive Australia
