Key Takeaways

• Mazda confirms that the new CX-5 will have an in-house-developed hybrid powertrain.
• In-house development of hybrid drivetrain marks a change for Mazda.
• The CX-50 crossover is also in line for hybridization.

Mazda has confirmed that the CX-5 will continue to live on, with the next generation of the popular crossover set to receive a hybrid drivetrain. The automaker announced this during its recent financial results presentation. An excerpt from the report reads Mazda has a “plan to equip [the] next CX-5 with a Mazda-developed hybrid engine.” The new CX-5 is expected to arrive in 2025.

The “Mazda-developed” part of that sentence is significant, especially as the brand ramps up its electrification efforts. While Mazda has offered hybrid models in the past, the automaker has had to borrow technology from Toyota. A prime example of this is the Mazda 2 sold in Europe; it’s not a Mazda but rather a rebadged Toyota Yaris.

CX-5 Hybrid Will Increase Mazda’s Sales

With an in-house developed Mazda hybrid drivetrain, the Hiroshima-based brand will finally be able to take on segment stalwarts like the Honda CR-V Hybrid and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. These crossovers are consistently in the top 10 best-selling vehicles in the USA, whereas the Mazda came in at 23rd. While that’s a strong finish, it is behind its key rivals. It’s worth noting a mild-hybrid CX-5 is offered in other markets.

This will strengthen sales in the United States, bolstering appeal among consumers who yearn for a fuel-efficient vehicle. As a reminder, the marque also offers the CX-70 and CX-90 with plug-in hybrid electric drivetrains. Unfortunately, Mazda hasn’t shared any additional details regarding the CX-5, but the fact that the company said “next CX-5” implies the new model will retain the existing nomenclature.

CX-50 Hybrid In The Cards As Well

This is interesting, as many industry experts believed the CX-50 would kill off the CX-5. Speaking of the more rugged compact, the CX-50 will also gain a hybrid derivative. The automaker said it will “introduce [a] CX-50 hybrid model to meet demands for hybrid models and contribute to sales growth.” The Mazda CX-50 is only sold in North America and China, confirming the arrival of a CX-50 hybrid in the USA. The Chinese market received an electrified variant last year, using Toyota’s hybrid technology. It makes use of a 2.5-liter engine with an eCVT.

While Mazda has been slow to embrace electrification – the CEO described the company as an intentional follower in the electric segment – it did offer the MX-30 in the United States for some time, but with a disappointing range and high price, few models were sold. However, Mazda recently revealed the gorgeous EZ-6 electric sedan for the Chinese market and previewed the battery-powered Arata crossover concept that will also reach production in the coming months, so hybridization is becoming more prolific and ,therefore, more affordable.