Mazda Unveils All-New Electric SUV: Larger Than CX-5, Blending CX-50 to CX-90 Design, Slated for 2027 Launch

Mazda’s journey into the global electric vehicle (EV) market has been fraught with challenges. The MX-30, its initial offering, had a brief two-year stint in the U.S. market, exclusively available in California, with only 324 units sold in 2022.

The MX-30 was an oddity, priced at a starting point of $34,110 for the 2023 model. It featured a modest 35.5 kWh battery, offering a limited range of just 100 miles. Coupled with its higher price tag compared to competitors and its unconventional “suicide” rear doors, the MX-30 struggled to find its footing. Its electric motor produced 143 horsepower, further limiting its appeal.

Following the MX-30’s underperformance, Mazda turned to Chinese partnerships to develop models like the EZ-6 and EZ-60. While these vehicles cater to specific markets, the company recognized the urgent need to create a true, in-house electric vehicle. This marks a pivotal shift in Mazda’s electrification strategy.

Insiders suggest that the mysterious electric SUV may not debut until 2027, potentially arriving in the U.S. market as a 2028 model.

The first glimpse of this new electric vehicle comes from recent test drive images. A prototype was spotted near Mazda’s research and development center in Irvine, California. The vehicle appears to be based on a modified CX-70 or CX-90 platform.

The front end is heavily camouflaged, but a fully sealed grille and covered side air intakes are visible, emphasizing aerodynamic efficiency. A small central air intake further highlights this focus.

More significant changes are evident from the A-pillar backward. The prototype has a shorter wheelbase than the CX-90 and a notably truncated rear end. It also features quarter glass at the rear, reminiscent of the CX-80 design. While exact dimensions are hard to gauge from photos, spy photographers estimate its size to be comparable to the CX-5/CX-50.

In terms of proportions, the upcoming EV is narrower than its body suggests. Closer inspection reveals wheels set deeper within the wheel wells, indicating a shorter track width compared to the CX-90. The vehicle also features aerodynamic wheels and a charging port likely concealed under a rear bumper flap.

Limited details are available about this new model. However, Mazda announced its Skyactiv EV Scalable Architecture in 2021, a dedicated EV platform slated for introduction in 2025, supporting “various sizes and body types.”

Mazda initially planned to launch several models on this platform between 2025 and 2030. With 2025 nearing its end, delays are evident. Many now anticipate a 2027 launch, with a U.S. arrival in 2028, underscoring Mazda’s cautious yet committed approach to the competitive EV market.