One significant change anticipated for the new Mazda CX-5 is the inclusion of a hybrid powertrain. Drawing inspiration from models like the Toyota RAV4 and Corolla Cross, it is likely that Mazda will offer a hybrid variant of the CX-5. This move aligns with the fact that Toyota owns a five percent stake in Mazda, and the two companies have collaborated on various projects, including the production of a Japan-market Mazda 3 hybrid. Notably, both the Toyota Corolla Cross and Mazda CX-50 are manufactured at the Mazda Toyota Manufacturing plant in Huntsville, Alabama.
Earlier, Mazda had revealed plans to introduce three electric vehicles, five plug-in hybrids, and five conventional hybrids by 2025. However, the specific models that will incorporate these powertrains have not been disclosed. There are also rumors of Mazda exploring the use of rotary engines in hybrid vehicles. The company has hinted at the possibility of offering a rotary engine hybrid version of the CX-30 in the US, and patents have been filed for a sports car featuring a rotary plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) setup.
