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2022 Mazda CX-50 SUV May Replace CX-5 With RWD Platform, Straight-Six Engines

Without a shadow of a doubt, the CX-5 is the most important Mazda in the United States. Not only did it outsell all other Mazda models in 2019 and 2018, but it’s pretty fun-to-drive for a compact crossover even though it doesn’t feature a sporty badge such as ST, AMG, and so on.
2022 Mazda CX-50 unconfirmed engine list (design sketch depicts the CX-5) 57 photos
Photo: Coche Spias
2022 Mazda CX-50 unconfirmed engine list (design sketch depicts the CX-5)2022 Mazda CX-50 trademark application in Europe2019 Mazda CX-5 2.2 SkyActiv-D2019 Mazda CX-5 2.2 SkyActiv-D2019 Mazda CX-5 2.2 SkyActiv-D2019 Mazda CX-5 2.2 SkyActiv-D2019 Mazda CX-5 2.2 SkyActiv-D2019 Mazda CX-5 2.2 SkyActiv-D2019 Mazda CX-5 2.2 SkyActiv-D2019 Mazda CX-5 2.2 SkyActiv-D2019 Mazda CX-5 2.2 SkyActiv-D2019 Mazda CX-5 2.2 SkyActiv-D2019 Mazda CX-5 2.2 SkyActiv-D2019 Mazda CX-5 2.2 SkyActiv-D2019 Mazda CX-5 2.2 SkyActiv-D2019 Mazda CX-5 2.2 SkyActiv-D2019 Mazda CX-5 2.2 SkyActiv-D2019 Mazda CX-5 2.2 SkyActiv-D2019 Mazda CX-5 2.2 SkyActiv-D2019 Mazda CX-5 2.2 SkyActiv-D2019 Mazda CX-5 2.2 SkyActiv-D2019 Mazda CX-5 2.2 SkyActiv-D2019 Mazda CX-5 2.2 SkyActiv-D2019 Mazda CX-5 2.2 SkyActiv-D2019 Mazda CX-5 2.2 SkyActiv-D2019 Mazda CX-5 2.2 SkyActiv-D2019 Mazda CX-5 2.2 SkyActiv-D2019 Mazda CX-5 2.2 SkyActiv-D2019 Mazda CX-5 2.2 SkyActiv-D2019 Mazda CX-5 2.2 SkyActiv-D2019 Mazda CX-5 2.2 SkyActiv-D2019 Mazda CX-5 2.2 SkyActiv-D2019 Mazda CX-5 2.2 SkyActiv-D2019 Mazda CX-5 2.2 SkyActiv-D2019 Mazda CX-5 2.2 SkyActiv-D2019 Mazda CX-5 2.2 SkyActiv-D2019 Mazda CX-5 2.2 SkyActiv-D2019 Mazda CX-5 2.2 SkyActiv-D2019 Mazda CX-5 2.2 SkyActiv-D2019 Mazda CX-5 2.2 SkyActiv-D2019 Mazda CX-5 2.2 SkyActiv-D2019 Mazda CX-5 2.2 SkyActiv-D2019 Mazda CX-5 2.2 SkyActiv-D2019 Mazda CX-5 2.2 SkyActiv-D2019 Mazda CX-5 2.2 SkyActiv-D2019 Mazda CX-5 2.2 SkyActiv-D2019 Mazda CX-5 2.2 SkyActiv-D2019 Mazda CX-5 2.2 SkyActiv-D2019 Mazda CX-5 2.2 SkyActiv-D2019 Mazda CX-5 2.2 SkyActiv-D2019 Mazda CX-5 2.2 SkyActiv-D2019 Mazda CX-5 2.2 SkyActiv-D2019 Mazda CX-5 2.2 SkyActiv-D2019 Mazda CX-5 2.2 SkyActiv-D2019 Mazda CX-5 2.2 SkyActiv-D2019 Mazda CX-5 2.2 SkyActiv-D
The first generation was produced from 2012 to 2017, and although the Japanese company says the second generation is all-new, the truth of the matter is that the underpinnings are similar. From the platform to the engine and transmission options, the CX-5 is showing its age.

Considering the production life of the Gen 1, it’s likely for the newcomer to arrive in 2022 with redesigned bits and bobs. Coche Spias says that Mazda will change to the Large Architecture thanks to an unconfirmed engine list that includes inline-six powerplants from the SkyActiv-X family.

Don’t be fooled by the image, though, because that’s a design sketch of the CX-5 from 2017. What does come as a surprise, however, is that the straight-six turbo diesel is listed as the SkyActiv-D 3.3 and the straight-six gasoline engine is called SkyActiv-X 3.0 48V M Hybrid. Why is it curious?

Well, Mazda did confirm both engines but didn’t mention a thing about their displacements. The 3.3-liter oil burner is utmost interesting because each cylinder would get 0.55 liters of displacement. The 1.8-liter engine in the Mazda3, on the other hand, boasts 0.45 liters per every cylinder.

As for the SkyActiv-X, 3.0 liters means that we’re likely treated to an evolution of the 2.0-liter engine in the Mazda3 and CX-30 compact crossover. The Japanese automaker isn’t following the small-displacement turbo trend with the SkyActiv-X; instead, this engine uses a Roots-type supercharger to maintain the air supply without the response delay of a turbocharger. What 48V M Hybrid means is pretty obvious (48 volts and mild hybrid).

The thing is, Coche Spias dubs the CX-5 Gen 3 as the CX-50. It’s easy to imagine this change in nomenclature given the introduction of the CX-30, and a simple search into this name reveals that Mazda also holds the right to use CX-50 in Europe. The trademark was sent to the EUIPO in July 2019, and the Nice Classification states "automobiles, parts, and fittings thereof."

Also worthy of mentioning, if the CX-5 switches from a front-/all-wheel-drive platform to the Large Architecture of the next-generation Mazda6, then we’ll be treated to a sports utility vehicle instead of a crossover. As a mid-size SUV, the CX-50 would compete against the rear- and all-wheel-drive Ford Explorer.

As for the engine list published by Coche Spias, here’s how it breaks down.

- SkyActiv-G 2.5 48V M Hybrid with 190 PS and 270 Nm
- SkyActiv-D 2.2 with 190 PS and 450 Nm
- SkyActiv-G 2.5T with 230 PS and 420 Nm
- SkyActiv-D 3.3 with 285 PS and 600 Nm
- SkyActiv-X 3.0 48V M Hybrid with 285 PS and 340 Nm

In U.S. currency, those output ratings translate to 187, 223, and 281 horsepower plus 199, 332, 310, 443, and 251 pound-feet of torque.
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About the author: Mircea Panait
Mircea Panait profile photo

After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well.
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