There are still no official specifications for the highly anticipated all-new Mazda hybrid powertrain set to debut in the third-gen Mazda CX-5, but there is word that it will not be lacking in performance. As per a recent CarBuzz interview, Mazda North America’s Vice President for Strategic Planning, Stefan Meisterfeld, has confirmed that the upcoming CX-5 Hybrid, set to release globally in 2027, will match its turbo-petrol engine for performance.
“The hybrid system will have performance that is comparable to or exceeding the turbo powertrain,” the vice president said.
While the recently unveiled third-generation Mazda CX-5 is set to launch here in 2026 with a non-turbo 2.5-litre SkyActiv-G petrol engine, buyers seeking more power will have to wait until the hybrid arrives a year later. Unfortunately, that means the 2.5-litre G35 turbo-petrol engine that’s quite popular with Australian buyers won’t be offered with the new Mazda CX-5.
Mazda’s turbo steps aside for hybrid power
The current 2.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, producing up to 170 kW and 420 Nm (on premium fuel), will not be carried over to the new-generation Mazda CX-5 in Australia or other right-hand-drive markets. Instead, the upcoming hybrid SUV will feature Mazda’s new SkyActiv-Z engine paired with an in-house Mazda Hybrid System, a setup confirmed by Meisterfeld in the same interview.
The hybrid will surpass the performance figures of the 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine (138 kW and 252 Nm), and could approach or exceed the outgoing turbocharged variant’s 170 kW/420 Nm, closing the performance gap while improving fuel efficiency.
What makes this hybrid different?
In contrast to the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid, which utilises Toyota’s hybrid technology, the hybrid system for the new Mazda CX-5 has been developed entirely in-house. Named as the SkyActiv-Z engine, it is described by Mazda as its most thermally efficient combustion engine yet, designed to meet Euro 7 emissions standards and Australia’s upcoming Euro 6 and NVES targets.
It remains unclear whether the hybrid will use a Toyota-style planetary setup or Mazda’s current PHEV layout, where the electric motor is sandwiched between the engine and gearbox (as in the Mazda CX-60 and Mazda CX-90).
Mazda CX-5 Turbo alternative
In case you’re not interested in waiting till 2027 for the newly developed Mazda CX-5 Hybrid but still want a punchy Mazda SUV as your next car, the Japanese carmaker would like you to turn your attention to the CX-60. :
| Model | Engine type | Power output |
| Mazda CX-60 G40e | 3.3L inline-six turbo petrol with 48V mild-hybrid | 209kW / 450Nm |
| Mazda CX-60 PHEV (P50e) | 2.5L four-cylinder + plug-in hybrid | 241kW / 500Nm |
| Mazda CX-60 Diesel (D50e) | 3.3L inline-six turbo diesel | 187kW / 550Nm |
| Mazda CX-60 Base Petrol | 2.5L four-cylinder | TBA |
Interestingly, the inline-six Mazda CX-60 G40e is more efficient while also being more powerful than the CX-5 Turbo, rated at 7.4L/100km, compared to the turbo Mazda CX-5’s 8.2L/100km combined. You can get a CX-60 packing more grunt for similar prices to the CX-5 Turbo variants, but it would be missing out on creature comforts. For a similar feature-set in a higher grade, you’ll have to stretch your budget by a couple of thousand AUD.
Looking ahead
The 2027 Mazda CX-5 Hybrid is likely to be one of the brand’s most important models for the Australian market, competing with rivals such as the all-new Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, and Kia Sportage Hybrid.
With Australia moving toward stricter fuel economy and emissions standards, Mazda’s focus on offering hybrids could help the brand stay competitive without compromising on the driving dynamics and performance that have long defined the Mazda CX-5.
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