At the Mazda Multi-Solution Briefing 2025 held in Japan, the company confirmed that it would be deploying its next-generation Skyactiv-Z in the new Mazda CX-5 Hybrid, which is scheduled for 2027.
(Skyactiv-Z) To be Mounted on Next Generation CX-5 in Combination with Mazda Original Hybrid System for Introduction in 2027.
From the Mazda Multi-Solution Briefing 2025 presentation (March 18, 2025)
The Skyactiv-Z 2.5L in-line 4-cylinder gasoline engine will be used in the hybrid system, and is designed to balance driving performance with environmental standards. Mazda confirms it will comply with Euro 7 emissions in Europe, as well as LEV4 and Tier 4 regulations in North America, while delivering noticeable improvements in fuel economy and real-world performance compared to the current engine.
Following the Skyactiv-G (2011) and Skyactiv-X (2019), the Skyactiv-Z, coming in 2027, represents the culmination of Mazda’s pursuit of the ideal internal combustion engine. It builds on a roadmap that focuses on the fundamentals, optimizing seven key control factors: compression ratio, air-fuel ratio, wall surface heat transfer, combustion period, combustion timing, pumping loss, and mechanical loss.
Mazda’s new hybrid powertrain should consist of an electric generator motor and an electric propulsion motor. We expect at least 200 hp, with an EPA combined fuel efficiency of around 40 mpg. The traction battery should be under 1.5 kWh capacity, giving drivers a few miles of pure-electric range.
Gauging from spy photos the next-gen CX-5 (and the future CX-5 Hybrid) will feature vertically stacked headlight clusters with a trapezoidal lower intake for more aggression. Test mules also hint that Mazda is switching to the cleaner-looking capacitive touch door handles, squarer wheel arches, and a recognizable greenhouse. The D-Pillar appears thicker, which connotes that Mazda has addressed complaints about the SUV’s modest cargo capacity.
Meanwhile, Mazda will not wait until the ‘Z’ is ready, proceeding with the launch of the new CX-5. Test prototypes have been spotted in Europe and in the U.S. since early this year, with Mazda’s South African MD, Craig Roberts, confirming to MoneyWeb that it will debut (world premiere) the new compact SUV in Q3 2025 (July to September 2025). Interestingly, CEO of Mazda North American Operations, Tom Donnelly, mentioned to USNews that they were launching the new CX-5 “soon.”
Also See: Next-gen 2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid & Plug-in Hybrid: What to Expect
While the renewed gas model could arrive stateside for MY2026, the CX-5 Hybrid could be a MY2028 launch in North America. While the next-gen RAV4, CR-V Hybrid facelift, and the Forester Hybrid are heading to dealers this year, we’ll also see a Nissan Rogue Hybrid (e-Power), and a new Hyundai Tucson Hybrid (NX5) come out by then to challenge the Mazda compact SUV.
Featured image: TopElectricSUV’s exclusive illustration of the new CX-5 Hybrid.
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
