Mazda’s New Generation of Hybrid Models

Mazda’s New Generation of Hybrid Models

A wave of new Mazda hybrid models is building, starting with the highly anticipated Mazda CX-5 Hybrid and continuing with other compact models, all featuring a new Mazda-developed full hybrid system, a first for the automaker.

Mazda says it will continue to take a multi-pronged approach to electrification, offering multiple engine options across its various models and markets, catering to local buyers’ tastes (and government regulations). The new Mazda e-Skyactiv hybrid system that will be offered in the following models is the next important piece in the carmaker’s plans to electrify its lineup over the coming years.

Here’s our early look at what to expect when the next generation of Mazda compact cars and SUVs arrive sporting e-Skyactiv hybrid power.

Mazda CX-5 Hybrid

The wave of new Mazda hybrid models begins with the first-ever Mazda CX-5 Hybrid, followed by several subsequent models that will build on the brand’s new hybrid engine architecture developed around the next-generation Skyactiv-Z powertrain.

Expect the new 2.5-liter Skyactiv-Z gas engine to deliver similar performance to the outgoing Skyactiv-G of the same displacement but with markedly improved fuel economy. The hybridized version of the new Skyactiv-Z should make north of 200 horsepower, sandwiching it between the base gas engine and the high-powered Skyactiv-Z turbo powertrain in terms of performance.

CX-5 Hybrid pricing will be closer to that of the CX-5 Turbo. The Mazda CX-5 Hybrid release date is planned to shortly follow the arrival of the redesigned CX-5 gas model, likely by early 2027. It will be joining the current Toyota-hybrid-powered Mazda CX-50 Hybrid and the following upcoming model in the carmaker’s line of compact hybrid SUVs.

Mazda CX-30 Hybrid

Following in the footsteps of the highly anticipated third-generation Mazda CX-5 and first CX-5 Hybrid model is the second-generation Mazda CX-30 small crossover, which should also spawn its first full hybrid variant. The new Skyactiv-Z engine platform is engineered to deliver increased fuel economy over the brand’s current four-cylinder thanks to its use of the lambda one combustion method. So, expect even the base-model CX-30 to get an MPG boost in its next generation.

The pricier Skyactiv-Z hybrid powertrain in the first global CX-30 Hybrid would represent a balance between power and efficiency, with greater output than the base engine and substantially improved gas mileage over the more powerful Skyactiv-Z Turbo.

The first-ever global Mazda CX-30 Hybrid model will go head-to-head with affordable small crossovers like the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid and Honda HR-V, presumably topping both in terms of driving dynamics and an upscale interior while remaining competitive when it comes to MPG.

On the premium end of the market, the CX-30 Hybrid will compete with Lexus’ similarly sized NX Hybrid and its smaller UX Hybrid, along with Acura’s recently introduced ADX, a non-hybrid crossover based on the Honda HR-V.

We anticipate the Mazda CX-30 Hybrid release date, along with the redesigned CX-30, to arrive by late 2027.

Mazda3 Hybrid

Since its debut for the 2004 model year, the Mazda3 has been the automaker’s answer to compact cars like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. But since then, both the Corolla and Civic have added hybrid variants, leaving the Mazda3 in a distant third in this rivalry regarding maximum MPG. However, that’s about to change with the unveiling of the first global Mazda3 Hybrid.

The CX-30 small crossover is heavily based on Mazda’s compact sedan and hatchback duo, the Mazda3, with these three models sharing the same underpinnings, powertrains, and cabin designs. These similarities will continue in their next generations, with the arrival of the fifth-generation Mazda3 and second-gen CX-30 models.

Expect both model lineups to once again share powertrains, including the newly developed Skyactiv-Z hybrid engine, first debuted in the CX-5 Hybrid.

Mazda3 Hybrid Sedan

The Mazda3 Sedan, the most affordable of the current North American Mazda models, represents the entry point into the carmaker’s upscale lineup. Given its lower price point, the sedan’s 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G base engine has been a popular choice among new car buyers on a particular budget. A new hybrid variant will noticeably push this compact car’s MPG ratings upward, but at some cost to affordability.

Like in the CX-5 Hybrid and every other new Mazda hybrid built on the brand’s compact platform, the Mazda3 lineup’s new Skyactiv-Z hybrid powertrain should make over 200 horsepower, putting it between the base engine and the available turbo model in terms of output.

Mazda3 Hybrid Hatchback

Like the new CX-30 Hybrid crossover, the Mazda3 Hybrid Hatchback will pair fuel-efficient performance with a larger cargo and more versatile interior than the Mazda3 Hybrid Sedan. The somewhat controversial design and proportions of the fourth-generation hatchback – namely its oversized C-pillars and blind spots – will likely be toned down in the new fifth-gen gas and hybrid Mazda3.

Mazda3 Hybrid Release Date

The current Mazda3 debuted for the 2019 model year, so its replacement is due shortly. As with its crossover sibling, the CX-30, we anticipate the redesigned Mazda3 and new Mazda3 Hybrid will debut with the new Skyactiv-Z engines by late 2027.

As for availability in North America, tariffs could play a factor. We anticipate the Mazda3 Sedan and Hatchback to continue to be the sole Mazda four-door (or five-door) car available and offered with multiple powertrain options. That is, unless a new inline-six-powered Mazda6 joins the lineup as part of the brand’s push toward the premium market, alongside large platform models like the six-cylinder CX-90. Wishful thinking, we know.

The Mazda3’s 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G and Skyactiv-G Turbo engines have served the compact car well, and perhaps the increased efficiency of the new Skyactiv-Z gas engine will be enough to suit most drivers. Still, since Mazda’s last round of compact cars and crossover SUVs have all shared the same Skyactiv-G engine options, we expect the new Skyactiv-Z hybrid powertrain will also extend to the smallest of these next-generation models.

Will the New Mazda Hybrid Models Have AWD?

We can confidently say that the new lineup of Mazda hybrid SUVs will come standard with a version of Mazda’s i-Activ all-wheel-drive system, just as all Mazda SUV models in North America have as of late. The first few models in the Mazda hybrid SUV lineup – the CX-90 PHEV, CX-70 PHEV, and CX-50 Hybrid – already get standard i-Activ AWD, and we expect the next wave to follow suit.

It’s unclear if a new Mazda3 Hybrid lineup of compact hatchbacks and sedans will utilize the same drivetrain as AWD-equipped hybrid compact SUVs like the CX-30 Hybrid and CX-5 Hybrid. However, since they will get the same Skyactiv-Z hybrid powertrain, we imagine the Mazda3 hybrids will also feature standard electric AWD.

Rounding out the next-gen Mazda3 lineup should be the Skyactiv-Z gas-engined base models with standard FWD or available AWD, and the high-powered AWD Mazda3 Turbo models.

As for the next two prospective Mazda hybrid sports cars, you can be sure they will both be fitted with rear-wheel drive.

A Mazda Rotary Hybrid?

The “next Mazda rotary sports car” has been teased since even before the last one, the Renesis-powered RX-8, ceased production. Multiple Mazda concepts have hinted at the eventual return of the rotary engine since the RX-8’s demise in 2012, most notably the RX-Vision (immortalized in Gran Turismo 7) and the latest, the Mazda Iconic SP.

Given the emissions and efficiency troubles of the RX-8 (and the RX-7 before it) and the ever-tightening global regulations, it’s clear that an electrified hybrid system is the only way a new production rotary engine will work and see the light of day.

Mazda seems set on skipping the conventional hybrid phase with its distinctive rotary engine, where a gas engine would be complemented by an electric motor or two. Instead, it will go straight to an electric powertrain assisted by a gas rotary engine.

The Long-Awaited Mazda Rotary Hybrid Sports Car

In our coverage of the Mazda Iconic SP prototype, we noted that Mazda seems committed to making a new rotary hybrid sports car based on this concept a reality. Of course, we’ve heard such things from the automaker before.

But this time seems different. As noted by Mazda designers, the Iconic SP concept is far closer to production-grade than previous prototypes like the equally stunning RX-Vision. From the Iconic SP’s lead designer to Mazda’s CEO himself, there seems to be far more momentum behind the push for a new rotary sports car than at any time since the RX-8 era.

As owners of multiple Mazda rotary-powered RX-7s and RX-8s over the years, the MazdaMotoring team is certainly hoping for a rotary revival, one that’s heavily based on the RX-7-like Iconic SP.

The Mazda Iconic SP sports car concept is powered by a 365-horsepower rotary hybrid, featuring a two-rotor engine that acts as a generator for the electric propulsion system. The concept car is lightweight by EV standards, and if previous Mazda RX cars and MX-5 Miata models are its inspiration, we’re confident Mazda will make any future production version as light and tossable as possible.

Complemented by a New Mazda Rotary Hybrid SUV?

We don’t think we’ll see the last of rotary hybrid SUVs after Mazda pulls the plug on the MX-30 R-EV, as it did on the model’s full EV version.

Mazda’s first attempt at a rotary hybrid SUV, the MX-30 R-EV, saw limited release in several markets like Japan and Europe. The plug-in hybrid rotary SUV features a single-rotor setup with FWD and decent power and range.

That said, the next attempt should be a far better one – and more potent and practical – thanks to a two-rotor unit (instead of the MX-30 R-EV’s single rotor).

Some rotary sports car purists may say a rotary SUV is sacrilege (similar to some Mustang enthusiasts’ reaction to the Mustang Mach-E electric SUV). However, we hope the automaker will find a way to release a production version of its rotary hybrid sports car concept alongside a rotary hybrid performance SUV to accompany it in the next-generation electrified hybrid Mazda lineup.

Any Mazda rotary hybrid sports car (based on the RX-7-inspired Iconic SP or otherwise) will surely be a low-volume halo car for the brand. Complementing it with a higher volume rotary hybrid SUV on the same platform (and with the same powertrain) would help spread development costs and make rotary hybrid model production more viable into the future.

Perhaps a new Mazda RX-7 hybrid rotary sports car can be paired with an RX-70 (or maybe an MX-70 R-EV, if it follows the MX-30 R-EV rotary-electric model’s naming structure)?

For its next attempt at a plug-in hybrid rotary SUV, we expect Mazda will deploy a more powerful dual-rotor setup like in the Iconic SP concept. Fitted with AWD, over 300 horsepower, and greater range, this more robust, performance-oriented rotary hybrid SUV could find significantly better sales success than the more modestly equipped MX-30 R-EV ever did.

How About a Mazda MX-5 Miata Hybrid?

Mazda insiders recently announced that the eagerly anticipated next-generation NE Miata will feature a pure gas engine, in the form of the newly developed Skyactiv-Z. Due to its increased efficiency but likely lower power output, the new NE Miata engine is planned to be larger than the 2.0-liter Skactiv-G in the ND Miata.

So, Mazda may be developing a singular four-cylinder Skyactiv-Z engine, the new 2.5-liter unit, to be used in each of its compact models, including its smallest, the MX-5 Miata.

Could the new Skyactiv-Z Miata engine be supplemented by a full hybrid or mild hybrid unit down the road?

It certainly seems possible, as the next-gen MX-5 Miata NE will likely be in production for well over a decade, with occasional updates and upgrades along the way. A later hybrid Miata model could boost MPG, helping the iconic roadster continue to meet fuel efficiency targets while delivering a boost in power, too.

Stay Tuned for More Mazda Skyactiv-Z Hybrid and Rotary Hybrid News

Until Mazda debuts some of these models and releases full details, we’ll continue to speculate on the specs, pricing, and release date of the brand’s upcoming full lineup of electrified hybrid models.

We’ll update you here as more information is released by Mazda, so stay tuned to MazdaMotoring and sign up for our newsletter if you haven’t already.