In case you missed it, Mazda and Toyota (along with Subaru) have collaborated to save the internal combustion engine. Of course, with a little help from electrification, these automakers believe that there is more than enough life left in these.
When it comes to electrification, Mazda has been making baby steps. However, its MX-30 R-EV is a sign of things to come. The subcompact plug-in hybrid crossover brought back rotary power to the brand, and we could likely see more models getting a similar arrangement.
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That said, Mazda does need a more, um, conventional hybrid. Cue Toyota to give its compatriot a bit of a helping hand.
Over in the US, the Mazda CX-50 has just received hybrid power. But instead of a rotary-hybrid arrangement, it uses a familiar setup from Toyota. Under the hood of the sporty compact crossover is a 2.5-liter Atkinson Cycle engine mated to three electric motors. Yes, it’s the same as the one found in the RAV4 HEV.
There’s nothing wrong with that, of course. If anything, Mazda isn’t hiding that fact and even proudly acknowledged that the powertrain comes from Toyota. Well, if you’re going to borrow a hybrid system, you might as well get one from one of the pioneers.
It’s interesting to note that the CX-50 was actually engineered to accommodate that system. As for power figures, it has a combined horsepower rating of 219hp, while the 2.5-liter engine alone makes 226Nm of torque. Combined torque figures weren’t given, but if we were to base it on the RAV4’s numbers, it’ll likely be in the region of 350Nm.
Granted, the CX-50 isn’t sold in the Philippines. But given that it’s closely related to the CX-5, there is a good chance that the next-generation version of the latter might use this powertrain. Speaking of which, the all-new CX-5 is reportedly due to make its debut in 2025, possibly for the 2026 model year.
