Andi HedrickCar and Driver
- Mazda says that recent reports stating that the next CX-5 crossover will use its new longitudinal architecture and inline-six engine are not true. We think it will instead be replaced by a new model called CX-50.
- The new architecture will also likely be used for the CX-9 three-row SUV, which could change its name to CX-90, and a new 6 sedan.
- This new crossover should debut soon, and it could go on sale in the U.S. as early as next year.
Mazda announced plans for a new longitudinal architecture in 2019 that will support an inline-six engine and rear-wheel drive in a push to make the Japanese automaker more of a premium brand. Recent reports from Australia stated that Mazda confirmed that the next-generation CX-5 crossover would get this platform with a six-cylinder engine, but Mazda told Car and Driver that’s not the case. We think that the new six-cylinder–powered crossover will instead be a new model called the CX-50.
“The recent disclosure of the Mazda CX-5’s future platform and powertrain coming from Australia is not correct,” Mazda said in a statement provided to C/D. The Japanese automaker told us that it is not yet ready to confirm which future vehicles will use its all-new large platform, but we expect the first models to be SUVs. Mazda filed trademarks for the names CX-50, CX-70, and CX-90 in the U.S., which could refer to these new inline-six–powered SUVs. Mazda is also expected to relaunch a new version of the 6 sedan with the new underpinnings, even though the 6 was recently discontinued in the U.S. in its current form.
Prototypes of a what appear to be a new Mazda crossover have been seen testing. YouTube channel TFLnow posted a video featuring images sent in by a viewer that they claim is a camouflaged prototype of a possible CX-5 replacement. The photos show a subtle redesign compared with the current CX-5 including a new grille and larger wheels.
Mazda
Mazda’s Skyactiv-X powertrain will use an inline-six engine in conjunction with a 48-volt hybrid system (pictured left). Rear-wheel drive will be standard with all-wheel drive optional. The engine will be longitudinally mounted compared to the current four-cylinder offerings’ transverse arrangements. Mazda says that it is also working on a plug-in-hybrid powertrain (pictured center) that uses an inline-four gasoline engine, which could also make its way into these new models.
Look for more news on the Mazda CX-50 in the coming months, as the new model could make its debut as soon as the end of this year or early next year. Australian site Wheels reports that the CX-50 will debut at the Los Angeles auto show in November 2021 and go on sale for the 2023 model year.
Because of its new premium milieu, the CX-50 will likely start a few thousand dollars higher the current CX-5’s $26,545 starting price. It’s also possible that Mazda will keep the existing CX-5 around even after the CX-50 arrives, as the company did with the smaller CX-3 and its replacement, the CX-30.
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