2027 CX-5 Hybrid: Mazda’s Best Seller Finally Gets Hybrid Power

2027 CX-5 Hybrid: Mazda’s Best Seller Finally Gets Hybrid Power

Mazda has confirmed its most popular model will be getting its first-ever gas-electric powertrain when the 2027 CX-5 Hybrid arrives. The automaker had announced an upcoming Mazda CX-5 Hybrid would join its other hybrid SUVs, but the initial model year of this highly anticipated crossover hadn’t been disclosed until now. Here’s an early look at the 2027 CX-5 Hybrid and what to expect based on the latest details from Mazda.

Here’s an early look at the 2027 CX-5 Hybrid and what to expect based on the latest details from Mazda.

2027 Mazda CX-5 Hybrid Engine and Transmission

Mazda recently announced the development of a new generation of its Skyactiv engine technology, which will debut in the third-generation CX-5 and its accompanying hybrid model. Replacing the current Skyactiv-G generation of gas-powered Mazda engines is the all-new Skyactiv-Z technology that will power a range of next-gen Mazda vehicles over the coming years.

The Skyactiv-Z four-cylinder found in the third-generation CX-5 will be paired with Mazda’s new hybrid technology. Mazda engineered the Skyactiv-Z to run more efficiently than the Skyactiv-G line, with the 2027 CX-5 Hybrid’s Skyactiv-Z hybrid powertrain taking fuel economy even further.

Unlike the current CX-50 Hybrid, which uses a completely Toyota-sourced engine and transmission, the 2027 CX-5 Hybrid will be an all-Mazda affair.

Instead of a gearless electronic continuously variable transmission, or e-CVT, Mazda will debut the 2027 CX-5 Hybrid with a geared Skyactiv-Drive transmission.

What About Other 2027 Mazda CX-5 Hybrid Specs, Dimensions?

Mazda hasn’t released any CX-5 Hybrid specs just yet, including power output, displacement, and dimensions. However, the new Skyactiv-Z hybrid engine that powers this new Mazda hybrid SUV is expected to match Mazda’s largest Skyactiv-G four-cylinder powertrain, at 2.5 liters.

Output with help from the electric motors should reach well above 200 horsepower, rivaling the Toyota-powered CX-50 Hybrid, as well as Mazda’s turbocharged Skyactiv-G models.

The third-generation CX-5 (the basis of the new CX-5 Hybrid), is set to grow in overall dimensions, measuring slightly longer and providing a bit more cargo space than its predecessor. The hybrid model’s interior should follow suit, with greater cargo capacity and overall interior volume than the CX-5 it replaces.

Expected 2027 Mazda CX-5 Hybrid MPG Rating

How efficient will the first-ever Mazda CX-5 Hybrid be? Until Mazda releases the full 2027 CX-5 Hybrid specs, we’ll have to speculate on its MPG ratings based on a similarly sized Mazda hybrid SUV: the CX-50 Hybrid.

The CX-50 Hybrid debuted with an EPA-estimated 38 MPG Combined city-highway rating by utilizing a proven Toyota hybrid powertrain found in Toyota models like the RAV4 Hybrid. Its efficiency-maximizing 2.5-liter hybrid engine and e-CVT will likely make it a tough act to follow for the first-ever CX-5 Hybrid in terms of gas mileage.

We expect the new 2027 Mazda CX-5 Hybrid MPG to fall a little short of the CX-50 Hybrid’s 38 MPG Combined rating, but not by much.

On the (very) bright side, the CX-5 Hybrid is widely expected to deliver a more dynamic and engaging driving experience, thanks to its Mazda-engineered hybrid system, complete with a geared transmission, i-Activ AWD, and the latest CX-5 platform designed to also house the carmaker’s new hybrid technology from the start.

Estimated 2027 Mazda CX-5 Hybrid Release Date and Price

Mazda says the first-ever CX-5 Hybrid will not arrive until the 2027 model year, but when should we expect the SUV to debut and be available for order or purchase at local Mazda dealers?

So far, Mazda has only said it will go on sale in 2027. We anticipate the 2027 CX-5 Hybrid release date will come by early 2027, or a little over a year after the gas-powered 2026 CX-5 SUV arrives later in 2025.

As for the 2027 CX-5 Hybrid price, we expect it to start around $37,000, with the highest trim reaching about $45,000. That pricing structure would place the CX-5 Hybrid at a slight premium compared to the highest trims of the gas-powered model, the turbocharged CX-5 SUVs.

Timing and Reception

The second-generation Mazda CX-5 has aged incredibly gracefully and remained a strong seller for Mazda a decade after its release. Still, for most CX-5 fans and new SUV shoppers, the next-generation model and its first-ever hybrid option are long overdue – and can’t come soon enough.

Mazda’s best-selling global model is finally getting a hybrid option in 2027, a full decade after the popular second-generation CX-5 debuted for 2017.

Mazda and its new CX-5 Hybrid will be playing catch-up to well-established models like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and Honda CR-V Hybrid (among other compact hybrid SUV offerings). Still, the delayed arrival of the first-ever CX-5 Hybrid will be far from “too little, too late.”

CX-50 sales have been helped by its new hybrid model, and we expect the highly anticipated CX-5 Hybrid will be an even bigger boost to the new third-generation model that underpins it.

The naturally aspirated CX-5 gas model should continue to lead the lineup in sales into the future, with the available turbocharged engine and new hybrid model battling for second-place sales honors.

There have been some hiccups (mainly software-related recalls) with the rollout of the new plug-in hybrid and mild hybrid powertrains of Mazda’s large product group, including in models like the CX-70 and CX-90. We hope Mazda is taking the extra time necessary to iron out its new proprietary hybrid system and Skyactiv-Z engine to avoid these software issues or other recalls that can plague many brands’ new powertrains or first-year models.

We suspect plenty of SUV buyers over the years have taken the CX-5 off their potential purchase list simply due to its lack of a hybrid option or greater fuel economy. That all changes with the 2027 CX-5 Hybrid.

We’ll keep you updated here as more information becomes available on the 2027 Mazda CX-5 Hybrid release date, specs, trims, and pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Mazda CX-5 come in a hybrid?

The Mazda CX-5 will come in a hybrid for the 2027 model year. This first-ever CX-5 Hybrid model is powered by a new Skyactiv-Z hybrid engine, which will eventually make it to other Mazda models. Expect a 2.5-liter Skyactiv-Z hybrid powertrain under the hood paired with a Skyactiv-Drive automatic transmission and connected to a version of Mazda’s i-Activ all-wheel drive. The first-ever 2027 CX-5 Hybrid joins other Mazda hybrid SUVs like the CX-50 Hybrid and CX-90 PHEV.

Is waiting for the Mazda CX-5 Hybrid worth it?

The Mazda CX-5 Hybrid may be worth it for SUV buyers who typically drive around the average annual mileage or more and plan to keep their vehicle for many years. The increased EPA-estimated MPG of the 2027 CX-5 Hybrid should be weighed against the lower price and fuel efficiency of gas-powered models like the standard CX-5 SUV. If you value highly efficient performance but also want a sporty, fun-to-drive compact SUV, the 2027 Mazda CX-5 Hybrid could be a great option.

When is the 2027 Mazda CX-5 Hybrid release date?

Mazda has yet to announce the 2027 Mazda CX-5 Hybrid release date. However, the automaker has said to expect the first-ever hybrid version of the popular CX-5 crossover SUV to arrive in 2027 as a 2027 model. The 2027 CX-5 Hybrid release date will follow that of the restyled 2026 CX-5 gas model by a little over a year. Expect to see CX-5 Hybrid SUVs widely available at Mazda showrooms shortly after the calendar year turns to 2027. Stay tuned for the latest news on this model’s debut and release date.