Someone needs to warn the Toyota RAV4. The Mazda CX-5 Hybrid has officially put a target on its back, and it’s not even out yet. To make things more interesting, Mazda isn’t sharing a powertrain with Toyota this time around. 

The Mazda CX-5 Hybrid promises to be better than the Toyota RAV4 

You may know that the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid and the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid share the same engine. The 2026 RAV4 Hybrid will use the same engine as the standard option as well. However, the 2026 model also has a new, more powerful hybrid engine available. 

But the upcoming Mazda CX-5 Hybrid is breaking free from Toyota engines. It also swears that it will be a better SUV than the RAV4. 

According to MSN, the entire Mazda SUV lineup is planning to get hybrid. We might see the CX-5 hybrid by the end of 2025 or early in 2026. It promises to deliver a better performance than the RAV4. Rumors suggest that it will be worth waiting for. 

A new hybrid powertrain is being developed in-house. It’s expected to be paired with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder Skyactiv-Z engine with a pair of two electric motors. Plus, rumors suggest that a conventional hybrid model will arrive ahead of a PHEV model. 

In true Mazda fashion, it should have standard AWD. However, AWD does make quite an impact on fuel economy. Other CX-5 updates include a brand-new style with a refreshed front and rear end. 

The interior will be modernized with luxurious, upscale materials and advanced tech. I wonder if it will finally gain a touchscreen. Stay tuned for updates.