Mazda has always followed its own tune, which is a little different from what larger Japanese automakers like Toyota and Honda hum. That’s often a good thing. It leaves Mazda to produce fun-to-drive cars at reasonable prices. However, it can also leave the company a little behind the times. Mazda has embraced hybrids slowly, even as Americans increasingly shop for them.
Mazda is catching up.
In a presentation to investors on first-quarter financial results, Mazda revealed plans for a new pair of hybrid SUVs.
The company will release hybrid editions of its CX-5 and CX-50 compact crossovers. The CX-5 is Mazda’s best-selling model, a well-liked small SUV known for agile handling and an upscale cabin for its price. The CX-50 is a similar, more rugged version with light off-roading chops.
The hybrid CX-50 will reach dealerships in the second half of 2024. It may use a Toyota-derived drivetrain. Mazda sells the model in Australia with a licensed version of the Toyota RAV4‘s hybrid drivetrain.
Mazda is working on a gasoline-electric powertrain. The presentation says the CX-5 will carry a “Mazda-developed hybrid engine” that will come later.
Mazda currently sells two plug-in hybrid models, the 3-row CX-90 and 2-row CX-70 SUVs, but it builds no conventional hybrids. Plug-in hybrids differ from regular hybrids in that they carry a larger battery pack and can travel on electric power alone for a set number of miles – 26 miles for both of Mazda’s examples – before using gas. And, as the name suggests, you can plug in a plug-in hybrid to recharge its battery.
