Future Mazda SUVs and Crossovers for 2022 and 2023

Mazda is making its way through a tough competition. The Japanese company made a huge success when the CX-5 joined the lineup in 2012. There are a couple of older units, but CX-9 and discontinued CX-7 were not as popular as the compact crossover. It showed the way to other projects, and now we have subcompact CX-3 and the CX-8 SUV, which is limited to the Japanese market. The CX-30 is already on the way, while the CX-50 is in the process of registration.

For a long time, Mazda was in partnership with Ford. The cooperation has ended and the Japanese company now turns a new page. In the truck segment, the manufacturer will team up with Isuzu, but the collaboration won’t be carried over to SUVs and crossovers. Let’s check which Mazda vehicles will be new for the 2022 and 2023 season, since most 2021 models are already unveiled.

2022 Mazda CX-3 (Unchanged)

Ever since its arrival, the subcompact CX-3 wasn’t under a bigger refresh. Opinions are split and the official info is missing. The company launched the CX-30, it seems like the focus will be on the electric version of this model. As the smallest vehicle in the squad, there is not too much of attention on the CX-3. The small SUV is efficient and suitable for everyday commuting. But, if you are about to go to longer trips, or need extra space for cargo/passengers, the 2022 Mazda CX-3 is not going to be the vehicle for you.

Designers might bring a few changes to keep the offer fresh and interesting. Nevertheless, the subcompact segment is not quite popular in the US, so the 2022 Mazda CX-3 could borrow solutions from its siblings. On the other hand, the company will keep the crossover, so its lineup can be larger.

2022 Mazda CX-30 (Electric)

The CX-30 is the newest member of the lineup, for now. The vehicle is in production since 2019 and no bigger cosmetic changes are going to be applied in the next couple of seasons. The crossover is slotted between CX-3 and CX-5. It uses the same drivetrain configurations as its bigger sibling, only without a diesel unit. In the future, the 2022 Mazda CX-30 might arrive with a hybrid or even all-electric configuration.

The SkyActiv-X system is optimized for a hybrid setup and the engineers will use it for the next CX-30. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder will probably be the base for the future model, offering at least 190 hp in its base configuration. A hybrid will upgrade already excellent gas mileage. Currently, the CX-30 can do nearly 30 mpg.

2022 Mazda CX-5 skyactiv

2022 Mazda CX-5 (Redesign or Discontinuation)

CX-5 is the reason why the interest in Mazda vehicles is revived, especially the crossover range. The compact model is more than successful. The vehicle exceeded expectations from sales in all markets. Only in the US in 2019, more than 150,000 buyers opted for the CX-5. It is not a surprise having in mind what SkyActiv technology is offering. Also, the vehicle is available both with petrol and diesel engine.

But, the 2022 Mazda CX-5 might be the last edition of the compact crossover. Why the heck the Japanese company would discontinue its flagship model? A new, better CX-50 is on the way. Rumors immediately started swirling and some of them are mentioning that the upcoming vehicle is about to replace the CX-5. Well, names are similar. Also, the 2022 Mazda CX-5 might start the new generation, after five years. That is how long the first series lasted before the company launched the new model in 2017.

Continue reading…

2023 Mazda CX-50 (Another EV)

The CX-50 is a so serious concept that threatens the future of the most important vehicle in the lineup. However, everything is still an idea. All we know is that Mazda filed for a new nameplate. Everything else are rumors, especially about the all-electric drivetrain. But, these speculations have a foundation. Bosses were speaking about such a possibility, but they didn’t confirm which vehicles are becoming all-electric.

The production of the vehicle won’t start so soon. We believe the first edition will appear as the 2023 Mazda CX-50. Compared to the CX-30, the new crossover might also land between two popular vehicles – compact CX-5 and mid-size CX-9. The largest model in the lineup is still not considered as the full-size SUV, although it is 200 inches long. So, there is room for the 2023 Mazda CX-50 to fit between its siblings.

2022 Mazda CX-5 facelift

2022 Mazda CX-7 (Comeback)

The comeback of the 2022 Mazda CX-7 is also an option for the Japanese company. The SUV was discontinued in 2012. But, Mazda needs a two-row mid-size SUV to be more competitive. It is not a very popular segment, but many other companies are basing such SUVs on existing models, offering a better fuel economy than three-row vehicles, and extra interior room compared to compact crossovers.

Some enthusiasts are mentioning that the 2022 Mazda CX-7 could be a version of CX-8 for Europe and the US. The CX-8 is available only in Japan and the company launched it in 2017. So, a rebadging and minor tuning will be enough for the Mazda to create a new model for other markets.

2022 Mazda CX-8 (Only in Japan)

So, the mid-size SUV arrived in 2017, which means it is time for the first update. The facelift of the 2022 Mazda CX-8 will draw more attention, although the market for this vehicle is limited to its homeland. If the company goes after the CX-7, the redesign will be bigger and more eye-catching.

Under the hood of the 2022 Mazda CX-8 will be a familiar lineup. Everything starts with a naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine and 190 horsepower. Engineers are boosting the output with a turbocharging system that makes the system delivering 250 horsepower. Also, a turbodiesel is part of the squad. A 2.2-liter SkyActiv-D is good for 190 hp but creates more torque than the gasoline unit. A hybrid version might join the lineup for the 2022 Mazda CX-8.

2022 Mazda CX-9 (V6 Engine)

The mid-size SUV is 200 inches long. Some smaller vehicles belong to the full-size class. Such models are using a V8 power and the 2022 Mazda CX-9 will stick to the turbo-four. Well, that is why the sales of the existing model are poor compared to rivals. And the SUV looks great. However, it lacks power. That is why fans are calling for a V6 engine.

Until 2015, CX-9 used Ford’s 3.5-liter powerplant. But, the two companies ended the partnership after 30 years. So, Mazda is on its own now. The Japanese company already announced a new powerplant for the BT50 truck. But, it is not likely that the turbodiesel mill will feature in the US market. However, the initiative is for praising and we can expect updates in the gasoline lineup.

Continue reading…