Mazda CX-5 Hybrid: What to Expect

Mazda CX-5 Hybrid: What to Expect

Latest CX-5 Hybrid News

Updated: Mazda has officially confirmed a CX-5 Hybrid is on the way as part of the next-generation CX-5 lineup. As speculated during our initial coverage of the Mazda CX-5 Hybrid below, this SUV will get a new hybrid system developed in-house by Mazda, in contrast to the Toyota-sourced setup utilized for the CX-50 Hybrid model. Mazda’s current top-selling model will live on as a global product and debut the new Mazda-developed four-cylinder gas-electric hybrid powertrain, likely based on the automaker’s 2.5-liter Skyactiv engine.

Hybrid Power Coming to the Next-Gen CX-5

The CX-5 is a popular and highly rated SUV, lauded for its dynamic driving experience and well-rounded nature – including ample fuel economy – but many motorists are still waiting for a Mazda CX-5 Hybrid model to join this SUV’s lineup.

While the CX-5 has been providing impressive efficiency since its 2013 debut, thanks to its pioneering Skyactiv technologies, it now falls behind competing compact crossover SUVs in the fuel economy department. Mazda is set to change that with the upcoming CX-5 Hybrid.

The good news is that drivers shouldn’t have long to wait for a hybrid CX-5, as the next-generation Mazda CX-5 is anticipated to debut the model’s first-ever gas-electric hybrid powertrain, boosting fuel efficiency to levels not yet seen on gas-powered CX-5 crossovers.

So, when should we all expect the Mazda CX-5 Hybrid release date? And what engine will power the first-ever hybrid CX-5?

All we can do is speculate at this point, but here are our best guesses about those CX-5 Hybrid specs, details, and more:

CX-5 Hybrid Powertrain Possibilities

While Mazda has now confirmed the upcoming third-generation CX-5 will offer a hybrid powertrain, it hasn’t announced the full details, only that it will be a new Mazda-developed system. Unlike the plug-in hybrid setup similar to larger Mazda models like the CX-70 PHEV and CX-90 PHEV, the CX-5 Hybrid is expected to be powered by a conventional hybrid setup.

1. A Newly Developed Mazda e-Skyactiv Hybrid System

The most likely scenario for this new Mazda-developed hybrid system offered in the next-gen CX-5 lineup is one based on the proven 2.5-liter Skyactiv engine platform that powers most modern Mazdas.

The carmaker’s next-gen eight-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic transmission and i-Activ AWD should come standard on the upcoming hybrid CX-5 model.

As the CX-5 is a critical and popular global product for Mazda – the brand’s top-selling model in many markets by a wide margin – a conventional hybrid powertrain would keep this model competitively priced with other compact hybrid SUVs and affordable compared to pricier plug-in hybrid (PHEV) options.

With Mazda’s long-running 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G gas engine as its base, the hybrid CX-5 powertrain would be lighter, less complex, and more affordable than the carmaker’s existing e-Skyactiv PHEV powertrain already in use in several production models, namely the CX-60, CX-70, and CX-90.

The original CX-5 was the first Mazda production vehicle to come equipped with the full suite of Skyactiv technologies: powertrain tech that’s still utilized across the Mazda lineup today. With the upcoming introduction of the first-ever CX-5 Hybrid, we anticipate this next generation of CX-5 SUVs will lead the brand’s electrification of all its smaller, more affordable models, later including a hybrid CX-30.

2. CX-5 PHEV Power Considered?

As a cost-saving option, Mazda may have considered bypassing a conventional hybrid setup altogether and fit its current e-Skyactiv PHEV powertrain into the next-generation CX-5 instead.

But a PHEV option was unlikely from the start for several reasons:

For one, a Mazda CX-5 PHEV model would result in a significantly higher starting price than a more conventional CX-5 Hybrid. For instance, the Toyota RAV4 Prime, a plug-in hybrid, has a substantially higher starting price than the more popular, higher-volume RAV4 Hybrid model.

Secondly, a PHEV model would essentially be a slightly smaller version of the CX-60, which the CX-5 Hybrid will be sold alongside in several key markets.

If the gas-powered 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G and 2.5 Turbo engines stick around and are available in the next-gen CX-5 model, then we don’t expect a CX-5 Hybrid and CX-5 PHEV to both be offered.

CX-5 Hybrid Horsepower & MPG

An electrified e-Skyactiv 2.5-liter hybrid CX-5 engine should deliver robust power output matched with next-level efficiency. Even the 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G gasoline engine under the hood of the current CX-5 SUV generates impressive performance of 187 horsepower, 186 pound-feet of torque, brisk acceleration, and respectable MPG ratings.

Expect a new Mazda CX-5 hybrid engine that pairs the carmaker’s 2.5-liter Skyactiv inline-four with assistance from electric power to produce significantly more torque and horsepower than the current CX-5’s base engine.

We anticipate the Mazda CX-5 Hybrid horsepower rating to fall somewhere between the current CX-5’s available engine output of 187 horsepower and the CX-5 2.5 Turbo model’s 256 horsepower.

For reference, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid powertrain produces 219 total system horsepower. With the CX-5 Hybrid likely motivated by a Mazda e-Skyactiv 2.5-liter hybrid, expect its horsepower rating to be highly competitive with the RAV4 Hybrid, at over 200 horsepower.

Anticipated Mazda CX-5 Hybrid Dimensions

The next-generation redesigned Mazda CX-5 could grow slightly in overall dimensions to ensure it continues to compete competitively with chief rivals like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V.

And, after the release of the Mazda CX-70 as a large two-row midsize SUV, there’s plenty of room for the next-gen CX-5 (and rugged CX-50) to grow within the Mazda SUV lineup without approaching the CX-70 dimensions.

Whether the next-gen CX-5 offers a hybrid or PHEV powertrain – or both – expect the SUV’s exterior and interior dimensions to expand only marginally. We expect the third-generation CX-5 “KG” model to be a bit longer than the current “KF” model while maintaining the nameplate’s agile handling and easy maneuverability, putting it more on par with other newer Mazda SUVs like the sharp-handling CX-50.

CX-5 Hybrid Release Date & Availability

While there’s no word yet from Mazda regarding the Mazda CX-5 Hybrid release date, this first-ever hybrid CX-5 variant is expected to debut during the unveiling of the third-generation Mazda CX-5 “KG” model, likely by early 2025.

Will there be a 2025 Mazda CX-5 Hybrid? We won’t know for sure until the 2025 Mazda SUV lineup is released, but we think it will likely be another model year – 2026 – before a hybrid CX-5 becomes available.

Mazda has committed to expanding electrification to every model it manufactures going forward, which means its top-selling model for over the last decade – the CX-5 – is due for a hybrid engine shortly. And the first-ever CX-5 Hybrid should debut very soon, since the second-generation Mazda CX-5 “KF” model is at the end of its lifecycle, having been in production since the 2017 model year.

We fully expect a 2026 Mazda CX-5 Hybrid model to be available during the 2025 calendar year. Still, we’ll all have to wait for news from Mazda regarding the development and the debut of the next-gen CX-5 lineup and its electrified engine options.

For more news, speculation, reviews, and comparisons of upcoming Mazda vehicles, stay tuned to MazdaMotoring. You can join our newsletter below to get updates sent to your inbox.

Mazda CX-5 Hybrid Frequently Asked Questions

Does Mazda make a hybrid CX-5?

Mazda is committed to electrifying its entire lineup within the next decade, and the automaker has confirmed a hybrid version of its best-selling model, the CX-5, is coming soon. The first-ever CX-5 Hybrid should arrive with the debut of the new CX-5 lineup by early 2025 as a 2026 model. Stay tuned to MazdaMotoring for CX-5 Hybrid news, reviews, and updates.

What is the Mazda CX-5 Hybrid release date?

While Mazda has confirmed the first-ever CX-5 Hybrid, it has not provided an official release date. The new Mazda CX-5 Hybrid should debut with the next-gen model, likely by early 2025 and arriving as as 2026 model. Check back with MazdaMotoring for news on the 2026 Mazda CX-5 Hybrid debut.

What is the CX-5 Hybrid engine, horsepower, and MPG?

Details on the upcoming Mazda CX-5 Hybrid engine, horsepower, and MPG ratings have not been released by Mazda at this time. However, expect the first-ever hybrid CX-5 model to feature Mazda 2.5-liter Skyactiv four-cylinder power, complemented by one or more electric motors and produce in excess of 200 horsepower.