- Mazda plans to launch a hybrid CX-50 later this year, and the next-gen CX-5 will have a hybrid too, according to details in the company’s latest financial results.
- Mazda previously confirmed that the CX-50 would add a Toyota-sourced hybrid powertrain; the next CX-5 will use a Mazda-developed hybrid setup.
- While its first EV—the California-only, range-limited MX-30—was a commercial flop, Mazda will launch another electric car in 2027 using a dedicated platform.
At the moment, the only electrified Mazda sold in the United States is the mid-size CX-90, which is offered with a plug-in-hybrid powertrain. However, it looks like the lineup will soon add another one, with the Mazda CX-50 destined to get the hybrid treatment. That’s according to information released as part of the company’s latest first-quarter financial results, which include plans to introduce a hybrid CX-50 in the second half of this year.
Hybrid CX-5 and CX-50
Despite the recent news, this isn’t the first time we’ve heard about it. A couple of years ago, Mazda vehicle dynamics engineer Dave Coleman confirmed that the CX-50 would adopt a gas-electric powertrain that was developed by Toyota. But that was the last we had heard about it until last month when we reached out to a Mazda spokesperson who confirmed to Car and Driver that the “CX-50 hybrid is coming soon” and that more details will be shared in June. Earlier this year, Mazda launched the CX-50 HEV in the Chinese market; it uses the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid’s powertrain, which pairs a gas-fed 2.5-liter four-cylinder with up to two electric motors. It could preview the version that we’ll get in the U.S.
Also mentioned in Mazda’s financial report are plans for a next-generation CX-5. That’s kind of odd considering we thought the company would phase that model out after its current life cycle, considering it competes with the newer CX-50. It seems like that’s not the case, though, as Mazda is also developing its own hybrid powertrain and plans to offer it on the next-gen CX-5.
In the coming years, the automaker will be working on growing its EV business, with plans to launch what it’s calling “e-Mazda. According to its financial report, this will include introducing a new EV model in 2027 that will be based on Mazda’s first dedicated electric platform. The company recently revealed the Mazda EZ-6—a rear-wheel-drive sedan for the Chinese market with an estimated 370 miles of range. While it’s not destined to come to North America, the EZ-6 provides a glimpse at the type of new EVs that Mazda can make.
Eric Stafford’s automobile addiction began before he could walk, and it has fueled his passion to write news, reviews, and more for Car and Driver since 2016. His aspiration growing up was to become a millionaire with a Jay Leno–like car collection. Apparently, getting rich is harder than social-media influencers make it seem, so he avoided financial success entirely to become an automotive journalist and drive new cars for a living. After earning a journalism degree at Central Michigan University and working at a daily newspaper, the years of basically burning money on failed project cars and lemon-flavored jalopies finally paid off when Car and Driver hired him. His garage currently includes a 2010 Acura RDX, a manual ’97 Chevy Camaro Z/28, and a ’90 Honda CRX Si.