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30 September 2025 (updated) Mazda CX-5 engines
The Mazda CX-5 has established itself as an innovative compact SUV since its launch in 2012, offering a sophisticated Mazda CX-5 engine range with revolutionary SKYACTIV technology across two generations. The continuous evolution of the powertrains demonstrates Mazda's focus on efficiency and reliability without electrification.
Mazda CX-5 Generation I (2012-2017)
The first generation Mazda CX-5 pioneered Mazda's SKYACTIV philosophy and was characterized by exceptionally economical and durable engines. With proper maintenance, mileage easily reached 250,000 to 350,000 kilometers, with the SKYACTIV-G petrol engines operating particularly efficiently thanks to their high compression ratio of 14:1. Major engine damage was extremely rare, with only the timing chain occasionally requiring replacement around 150,000 kilometers in the petrol engines. The absolute top engine of this generation was the SKYACTIV-D 2.2 with 175 hp, which optimally combined power, reliability and excellent fuel consumption figures. Mazda deliberately positioned the CX-5 as an alternative to German premium SUVs with a focus on reliability rather than luxury.
Mazda CX-5 petrol engines: Generation I (2012-2017)
The Mazda CX-5 petrol engine range was based entirely on the revolutionary SKYACTIV-G technology. The 2.0 SKYACTIV-G was available with 121 kW (165 hp) as the main engine and was characterized by an exceptionally high compression ratio of 14:1. A more powerful variant with 118 kW (160 hp) was added later, but was installed less frequently. These Mazda CX-5 engines were regarded as the most reliable petrol engines in their class: the only notable weaknesses were occasional timing chain elongation after 120,000-150,000 kilometers and rare problems with the high-pressure injection pumps with low-grade fuels. The SKYACTIV-G 2.0 developed into the reference engine for economical naturally aspirated engines and achieved consumption figures that were otherwise reserved for turbocharged engines.
Mazda CX-5 diesel engines: Generation I (2012-2017)
The SKYACTIV-D 2.2 dominated the Mazda CX-5 diesel range with various power levels from 110 kW (150 PS) to 129 kW (175 PS). This Mazda CX-5 diesel was a technical masterpiece with the lowest compression ratio in its class (14:1 instead of the usual 16-17:1) and two-stage turbocharging. The SKYACTIV-D 2.2 with 175 hp developed into the best engine of the entire generation - especially the variants produced from 2015 onwards with optimized emission control proved to be extremely durable and economical. These Mazda CX-5 diesel engines already met the Euro 6 standard without AdBlue system and offered an excellent combination of performance, fuel economy and reliability with test fuel consumption figures of just 4.8-5.2 liters per 100 km.
| Mazda CX-5 engine | Power output | Fuel consumption | Typical weaknesses | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SKYACTIV-G 2.0 | 160-165 HP | 6.2-7.1 l/100km | Occasional timing chain | Very good |
| SKYACTIV-D 2.2 | 150-175 HP | 4.8-5.6 l/100km | Very robust, rarely problems | Very good |
Mazda CX-5 Generation II (2017-2024)
The second Mazda CX-5 generation refined the proven SKYACTIV technology and is considered the most mature of all generations. Most engines of this generation can easily reach 300,000 to 400,000 kilometers with proper maintenance, and both the SKYACTIV-G petrol and SKYACTIV-D diesel engines are considered to be exceptionally durable. Major engine damage is practically unheard of, with only the powerful 2.5 turbo petrol engines occasionally showing weaknesses under extreme stress. The absolute highlight was the SKYACTIV-D 2.2 with 184 hp - a further developed diesel with even better efficiency and smoothness. As a special feature, Mazda introduced the SKYACTIV-G 2.5 Turbo with 230 hp in 2019, which does not require hybridization but is still very economical.
Mazda CX-5 petrol engines: Generation II (2017-2024)
The Mazda CX-5 petrol engine range started with the further developed SKYACTIV-G 2.0 (121 kW/165 hp), which was supplemented by the more modern SKYACTIV-G 2.5 (143 kW/194 hp) from 2019. These naturally aspirated Mazda CX-5 engines proved to be even more reliable than their predecessors, with virtually no production problems. For sporty drivers, the Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo with 170 kW (231 hp) was available from 2019, but only with all-wheel drive. The SKYACTIV-G 2.5 Turbo developed into the most powerful engine of this generation, but occasionally showed increased oil consumption with a very sporty driving style - yet it was significantly more reliable than comparable German turbo engines. The special feature of all Mazda CX-5 petrol engines was their high compression ratio without turbocharging (except for the 2.5 Turbo), which led to exceptional durability.
Mazda CX-5 diesel engines: Generation II (2017-2024)
The Mazda CX-5 SKYACTIV-D 2.2 was offered in various power levels from 110 kW (150 hp) to 135 kW (184 hp). All Mazda CX-5 diesels featured the further developed SKYACTIV-D technology with optimized combustion and even lower compression. The SKYACTIV-D 2.2 with 135 kW (184 hp) proved to be the most efficient and reliable engine of this generation, with a test consumption of just 4.5-5.1 liters per 100 km and virtually no series problems - ideal for frequent drivers and trailer operation. The special feature was the lack of an AdBlue system, which kept maintenance costs low and increased reliability.
| Mazda CX-5 engine | Power output | Fuel consumption | Typical weaknesses | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SKYACTIV-G 2.0 | 165 HP | 6.0-6.8 l/100km | Virtually no standard problems | Very good |
| SKYACTIV-G 2.5 | 194 HP | 6.4-7.2 l/100km | Very robust | Very good |
| SKYACTIV-G 2.5 Turbo | 231 HP | 7.8-8.4 l/100km | Occasional oil consumption | Good |
| SKYACTIV-D 2.2 | 150-184 HP | 4.5-5.4 l/100km | Extremely robust | Very good |
Mazda CX-5 Generation III (2024-today)
The current Mazda CX-5 generation continues to rely on proven combustion engines without electrification and represents Mazda's belief that perfected combustion engines can be more efficient than hybrids. All engines are based on the latest SKYACTIV-X technology with controlled compression ignition for gasoline engines. As the generation has only been on the market since 2024, there is no long-term experience yet, but the initial tests show promising approaches. The top-of-the-range engine is the SKYACTIV-X 2.0 with 186 hp, which combines diesel efficiency with smooth running. The SKYACTIV-X technology promises a service life of over 400,000 kilometers, as the controlled compression ignition allows the engine to work extremely gently.
Mazda CX-5 SKYACTIV-X petrol engine: Generation III (2024-today)
The revolutionary SKYACTIV-X 2.0 with 137 kW (186 PS) forms the basis of the Mazda CX-5 engine range. This Mazda CX-5 engine features Spark Controlled Compression Ignition (SPCCI) and works like a diesel engine, but runs on gasoline. The SKYACTIV-X 2.0 is considered a technical revolution and is developing into the most innovative engine of this generation - it offers diesel consumption with smooth running and has so far been free of series production problems. The technology allows a compression ratio of 16:1 in gasoline operation, which was previously considered impossible.
Mazda CX-5 petrol engines: Generation III (2024-today)
In addition to the SKYACTIV-X, the proven SKYACTIV-G 2.5 with 143 kW (194 hp) is available, which continues the tradition of reliable naturally aspirated Mazda CX-5 engines. For sporty demands, there is still the SKYACTIV-G 2.5 Turbo with 170 kW (231 hp), which has been technically adopted unchanged from the previous generation.
Mazda CX-5 diesel engines: Generation III (2024-today)
The tried-and-tested SKYACTIV-D 2.2 with 135 kW (184 PS) remains the only diesel engine available and continues the tradition of extremely reliable Mazda CX-5 diesels. Technical innovations are limited to optimized emission control for Euro 7 compliance.
| Mazda CX-5 engine | Power output | Fuel consumption | Typical weaknesses | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SKYACTIV-X 2.0 | 186 HP | 5.2-5.8 l/100km | No series problems so far | Very good |
| SKYACTIV-G 2.5 | 194 HP | 6.2-7.0 l/100km | Proven robust | Very good |
| SKYACTIV-G 2.5 Turbo | 231 HP | 7.6-8.2 l/100km | Occasional oil consumption | Good |
| SKYACTIV-D 2.2 | 184 HP | 4.3-5.0 l/100km | Extremely robust | Very good |
Conclusion: The best Mazda CX-5 engines of all generations
The development of the Mazda CX-5 engines shows a consistent pursuit of the SKYACTIV philosophy without electrification. While other manufacturers rely on complex hybrid technology, Mazda continues to perfect combustion engines, achieving impressive efficiency and reliability figures. The new third-generation SKYACTIV-X technology represents a revolutionary approach that combines diesel and gasoline technology.
- Best Mazda CX-5 gasoline engine:
The SKYACTIV-X 2.0 (186 hp, Generation III) combines revolutionary compression ignition with diesel efficiency and fuel smoothness with excellent reliability to date.
- Best Mazda CX-5 diesel engine:
The SKYACTIV-D 2.2 (184 hp, Generation II & III) offers the best combination of reliability, economy and everyday usability across all generations without an AdBlue system.
- Best Mazda CX-5 all-round engine:
The SKYACTIV-G 2.5 (194 hp, Generation II & III) with its proven naturally aspirated engine technology, high compression ratio and virtually no production problems.
For maintenance and spare parts for all Mazda CX-5 generations, AUTODOC offers a comprehensive range of original and quality spare parts with fast delivery and expert advice.
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