A dedicated electric vehicle is coming in 2027 and plug-in hybrids could follow

Next week marks the eighth anniversary of Mazda introduced the second generation CX-5 at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show. It’s been a long time, but the crossover remains incredibly popular and is the brand’s best-selling vehicle in the United States. While the CX-50 is often considered the successor to the CX-5, this is not the case. On the contrary, Mazda has revealed a number of details about the new generation model.

The redesigned crossover will play a central role in Mazda’s Phase 2 plan, which will see the automaker move toward electrification between 2025 and 2027. As part of this effort, the CX-5 will offer a new hybrid powertrain developed in-house . This contrasts with the CX-50 Hybrid, which has raided the Toyota parts bin.

More: 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid Offers Toyota Technology and 38 MPG

In addition to packing hybrid power, the Next-generation CX-5 will be approximately 60% less complex than the current model. To achieve this, Mazda will streamline specifications as well as equipment. This means we can expect smaller and less complicated programming. This makes perfect sense since Mazda currently offers eight different versions in the United States.

In 2027, Mazda will present a new electric vehicle based on a dedicated platform. The automaker is also exploring plug-in hybrid variants based on the architecture and has suggested that developing them would be relatively cheap. That could make it an attractive hedge against lackluster adoption of electric vehicles.

Speaking of electric vehicles, the company reiterated its plans for an electric crossover from Changan Mazda. It was previewed by the Arata Conceptwhich was introduced at the Beijing Auto Show earlier this year.

While much of the focus was on electrification, Mazda confirmed the development of a new Skyactiv-Z engine scheduled for launch in 2027. The automaker hasn’t said much about it , but the engine also promises “more ideal combustion”. such as improved “environmental and driving performance”.

The Skyactiv-Z will be the four-cylinder successor to today’s Skyactiv-G and Skyactiv-X engines. It will use the “lambda one combustion method,” which promises to achieve “high thermal efficiency by achieving super lean combustion combustion over a wide range from low to high rpm.”

Mazda also reiterated its plans to simplify its internal combustion engine lineup, with the aim of “consolidating and streamlining overall engine complexity.” Despite this simplification move, they are committed to rotary engines and making “smooth progress” in their emissions compliance.

Although Mazda’s engine lineup will shrink in the coming years, they will eventually apply new combustion technology to their inline-sixes. This promises to improve its “environmental performance”, which should help the engine comply with future emissions standards.

Longer term, Mazda’s Phase 3 plan will take place between 2028 and 2030. Less is known about this period, but the company is promising a “large-scale launch” of electric vehicles.