The 2021 Mazda CX-4 might appear in the USA market. The carmaker is already delivering the crossover with this nameplate in China for a few years. Well, we were surprised with the CX-30 hybrid, since most experts claimed that Mazda will use the CX-4 to place it between CX-3 and CX-5.
Now, with the subcompact hybrid model getting a different name, we are somehow confused about what’s next for the 2021 Mazda CX-4. Well, the Chinese crossover is 3 inches longer than the CX-5. So, the CX-4 could be the coupe version of the compact SUV. Also, we could see other upgrades based on the SkyActiv technology. What’s more, we can find more similarities between these two nameplates.
The company will continue to develop hybrid technology. Having this in mind, some experts predict an electrified future for the CX-4. Not impossible with all the things Mazda is doing recently. We got the CX-30 and another hybrid could join the lineup pretty soon.
What is the Mazda CX-4
The nameplate already shows up at dealerships in China. The company uses it for the compact crossover for this market. It is based on the Koeru concept and it has the shapes which could position the vehicle between a station wagon and crossover class. A couple of gasoline engines are powering the CX-4 and the Traum MA501 is a very similar model by another Chinese carmaker, Zotye.
When It Will Be Available in the USA?
The release date for the USA is not set yet. However, there are more rumors telling about the arrival of new territories. One of them is North America. Further speculations are speaking of the position the 2021 Mazda CX-4 could take. First, as its name suggests, it could be between CX-3 and CX-5. But, the CX-4 is longer than the CX-5.
Where Does the 2021 Mazda CX-4 fit?
Next idea is to bring the new model as a coupe version of the larger crossover. It would be an experiment, since not too many companies are delivering such models. Also, the CX-4 could keep its station wagon look. Subaru uses this versatile concept for their vehicles, especially the Crosstrek.
Finally, the most likely option is to bring the 2021 Mazda CX-4 as a hybrid model. On the other hand, we already expected this move, but the Japanese carmaker brought the CX-30 as the hybrid version of CX-3. The outcome we won’t consider too seriously is leaving the CX-4 outside the largest market in the world. The CX nomenclature is already recognizable and we will see more and more crossovers and SUVs with Mazda badge on the market. There is a gap between CX-5 and CX-9. So, expect CX-6, CX-7, and CX-8 to appear in the foreseeable future.
2021 Mazda CX-4 Engines, Specs
Mazda became famous and popular because of its SkyActiv technology. In short, it is a system that makes petrol engines work as diesel units. The Chinese crossover is already using these mills and similar configurations we see on the CX-5 appearing in the USA. So, the 2021 Mazda CX-4 will probably keep a 2.0-liter SkyActive four-pot engine as the base one. The powerplant is capable of producing 148 hp and 146 pound-feet of torque. The main advantage of this unit is the fuel economy that achieves 31 mpg combined.
The alternative is a larger 2.5-liter petrol engine with either 187 or 225 horsepower, depending on a configuration. Turbochargers will help it achieve higher outputs. For example, torque reaches 320 pound-feet. It is good for 3,500 pounds of towing capacity. The crossover will send power through a six-speed automatic gearbox, and the fuel economy achieves 27-28 mpg on the CX-5.
Hybrid Replaces Diesel
The CX-5 in the USA uses a diesel engine. It is not a bad configuration for a compact crossover. A 2.2-liter unit is creating 170 hp and 290 lb-ft of torque while returning 28 mpg combined. Still, emission standards are becoming tougher to meet and Mazda is going to discontinue a diesel unit sooner or later. It might happen under the hood of the 2021 Mazda CX-4.
The carmaker is considering a hybrid unit. The system is going to combine one of the existing petrol units with an electric battery. It will boost horsepower rating, fuel economy, and emissions ratings. Well, all about the 2021 Mazda CX-4 is still speculation, but the hybrid configuration is something we see happening.
2021 Mazda CX-4 Price, Release Date
If we have to predict the price of the 2021 Mazda CX-4, we must consider the costs of other similar vehicles. CX-5 starts at $26,000 and the smaller sibling is $5,000 lower. It leaves a lot of room for the new model, which will likely settle somewhere around $24,000. The arrival of the crossover is not confirmed, but if the Japanese company wants to come out with CX-4 as 2021 YM, then they will have to launch it in the final quarter of 2020.
