Mazda Says Today’s Hybrids Still Don’t Feel Good Enough To Drive

Mazda's Electrification Efforts So Far

We can probably describe Mazda's road to electrification as a bit bumpy. Perhaps it's the company's occasional stubbornness (see: rotary engines), or due to its small size compared to the Japanese Big Three, Mazda just hasn't quite hit the nail on the head when it comes to building in-house hybrids and EVs.

Mazda didn't release its first full hybrid until 2022, and it was literally a rebadged Euro-market Toyota Yaris. The CX-50 Hybrid also benefits from Toyota's aid, and in all fairness, it's doing well for itself. It's a stark contrast to Mazda's own efforts, as the MX-30 and its plug-in hybrid version were practically permanent fixtures in dealer lots. The plug-in hybrid versions of its larger crossovers have also been met with a mixed reception.

A Need for the Brand

While it's good that Mazda is getting help from Toyota, it'll have to stand on its own someday when it comes to developing electrified vehicles, and it's well aware of that. The folks from Hiroshima are preparing the SkyActiv-Z powertrain, and we'll see it first in the new-generation CX-5.

That said, we won't see it until 2027 or 2028, but it's coming nonetheless. Mazda is promising a lot about it, namely more power and greater efficiency than the current mild-hybrid setups. That should be an easy benchmark to pass, given that some markets are saddled with a 139 hp slightly electrified boat anchor.

Promising a New Driving Experience

As this is Mazda we're talking about, it predictably wants to make its hybrids more engaging than the competition. Speaking to Australian publication Drive, CX-5 program manager Koichiro Yamaguchi had some strong words about its competitor's hybrid systems. "I have tried so many different hybrid systems from other brands, but none of them satisfied me, so I decided to make sure we have this unique Mazda hybrid system that will satisfy me," said the engineer.

Fighting words, but Yamagichi is generally dissatisfied with the way hybrids respond to throttle inputs. It seems he wants to give Mazda's hybrid system a more linear, progressive feel that better replicates an ICE-powered vehicle. It's also possible that he would like an even smoother transition from battery power to engine power.

Now, hybrids have come a long way in terms of the driving experience, but Mazda reckons there's still a lot that can be done. But given the brand's philosophy, this just made us expect even more from the company. No pressure, then.

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