Not long ago, we shared details on how Mazda plans to reinvent itself. Now it appears that the brand's best-selling model - the CX-5 - will not only continue to be a part of Mazda's portfolio but is also about to become a lot more exciting. Mazda has confirmed that the upcoming CX-5 will “ride” on their new rear-wheel-drive architecture. Of course, you’ll still be able to get it with all-wheel-drive, but the new platform promises a lot more flexibility and sportiness. But that’s not all that’s new for the next generation CX-5.
We already talked about Mazda’s sustainable “Zoom zoom” strategy and how the focus will eventually be moved to electrification. Until then, the Skyactive X engines will still evolve and continue to be offered in Mazda models, including the next-generation CX-5.
More importantly, the new turbocharged inline-six units will be put to good use in the upcoming SUV.
Some predicted numbers for the 3.0-liter Skyative X engine range from 282 to over 350 horsepower and 265 to 400 pound-feet (360 to 542 Nm). As for the diesel engine, predicted numbers are around 260 horsepower and 450 pound-feet (610 Nm). However, we’ll have to wait until 2022 to see how accurate these figures are.
Another big upgrade is the “retirement” of the six-speed automatic, which was deemed the only weak link in recent Mazda models when it comes to performance. Instead, the new Mazda CX-5 will feature a new eight-speed torque-converter automatic, as will every other model based on the rear-wheel-drive platform.
Alistair Doak – Mazda marketing and product director – confirmed that the new platform and inline-six engines will indeed be used for their larger models, which include everything from the CX-5 and above. Speaking of the CX-5, it is expected to arrive in late 2022, as a 2023 model. Reports also indicate that the SUV might be renamed CX-50.
Mazda has been on a roll and although some of their models are not getting enough of a market share in the U.S., they’ve been quite successful in other regions of the world - case in point being the Mazda 6. The Mazda CX-5 has been one of the more exciting propositions as far as mid-size SUVs go and now, once again, Mazda is making a transition to a more upscale lineup with the 2023 CX-5 (CX-50?) being at the forefront. The fact that the above-mentioned information is confirmed by Mazda officials means that there is a lot to be excited about in Mazda’s corner.