Next CX-5 will get a hybrid petrol engine, as Mazda plans to shred and go lean

Mazda’s confirmed (again) that its smart CX-5 crossover SUV is going hybrid in 2027.

Currently, we have few details on the third-gen Mazda CX-5, beyond knowing that a hybrid version of the mid-sized SUV will drink petrol, and sit on an in-house platform. The latter will likely be a product of its ongoing collaboration with Subaru and Toyota; of that, we can be almost certain.

Why? At its annual investor meeting, the Japanese carmaker highlighted its plan to reduce the costs of EV manufacture by working with others.

This ‘Lean Asset Strategy’ might sound like the latest-flavoured protein shake, but Mazda calculates partnerships could cut the number of "development man-hours" in half, and lower capital investment by up to 85 per cent by using "existing manufacturing assets to produce both battery EV and engine vehicles on the same production line".

If times sound tough, that’s ‘cause they are. Only last week, the UK bosses of Kia and BMW spoke of the colossal investment made to re-tool for the global EV revolution, when – in spite of manufacturer-funded incentives and a choice of 130 models – folks just aren’t buying EVs.

Nonetheless, Mazda's also planning another fully electric model to join the MX-30 in 2027. More as we get it.