The only electrified vehicle Mazda offers in the United States is the mid-size CX-90 with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. However, the lineup is set to expand with the addition of a hybrid version of the Mazda CX-50.
This development was disclosed in the company’s latest first-quarter financial results, which outline plans to introduce the hybrid CX-50 in the second half of this year. Despite the recent announcement, a hybrid CX-50 isn’t new.
A couple of years ago, Mazda vehicle dynamics engineer Dave Coleman confirmed that the CX-50 would adopt a gas-electric powertrain developed by Toyota. After a period of silence, Mazda recently reaffirmed this plan.
A spokesperson said that the “CX-50 hybrid is coming soon,” and more details will be shared in June. Earlier this year, Mazda launched the CX-50 HEV in the Chinese market, utilizing the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid’s powertrain, which combines a gas-fed 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with up to two electric motors.
This setup could preview the version that will be available in the U.S. Mazda’s financial report, which also mentions plans for a next-generation CX-5. This is surprising, as Mazda previously thought that it might phase out the CX-5 in favor of the newer CX-50.
Contrary to those expectations, Mazda is developing its hybrid powertrain and intends to offer it on the next-gen CX-5. In the coming years, Mazda plans to grow its EV business with the launch of what it calls “e-Mazda.”
According to the financial report, this initiative includes introducing a new EV model in 2027 based on Mazda’s first dedicated electric platform. Recently, Mazda revealed the EZ-6, a rear-wheel-drive sedan for the Chinese market with an estimated range of 370 miles. While the EZ-6 is not expected to come to North America, it showcases the potential for new EV models that Mazda can produce.
