2017 Mazda CX-5 Diesel Confirmed - 310 Lb-ft of Torque in an Equinox Fighter Not Named TDI

Timothy Cain
by Timothy Cain

Chevrolet won’t be the only automaker attempting to woo former Volkswagen TDI owners with a diesel-powered compact crossover. Mazda North America confirmed this afternoon the soon-coming availability of a 2.2-liter turbocharged diesel four-cylinder in the thoroughly refreshed 2017 Mazda CX-5.

Thought to be a sure bet before major setbacks seemed to become insurmountable impediments, we reported earlier this week that the reveal of a new CX-5 would include a diesel engine. Then, in press releases from both Mazda USA and Mazda Canada last night, the 2.2-liter Skyactiv-D was included in the list of otherwise carryover powertrains offered.

Today, at a press conference not 24 hours after a design-oriented reveal of the 2017 CX-5, Mazda made it clear. Consider it confirmed, validated, and verified. Mazda’s best-selling model is about to gain 68 percent more torque.

Mazda’s executive vice president, Akira Marumoto, touting 24-percent global sales growth over the last four years and the CX-5 as a vehicle responsible for one-quarter of the brand’s global volume, eventually homed in a very market-specific message.

“As part of the full model change for the CX-5, I’m also delighted to say Mazda will introduce a diesel engine option to the North American market,” Marumoto announced, who surely did not accidentally call the 2.2 Skyactiv-D a “clean diesel.”

Calling this a tough time to launch a diesel, Mazda nevertheless believes there is enough demand to support a diesel-powered CX-5 beginning in the second-half of 2017.

The outgoing CX-5’s 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel offered in many global markets produces 173 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Compared with the 2.5-liter gas-powered inline-four currently topping the North American range, that’s a 12-horsepower drop and a 125 lb-ft increase in torque. Consumption, based on comparisons between the 2.5 Skyactiv-G and 2.2 Skyactiv-D, should decrease by more than 20 percent, suggesting combined EPA fuel economy of 34-36 miles per gallon.

While Volkswagen’s TDI-powered diesel cars formed a small slice of the overall automotive industry pie in the U.S., the market for such affordable diesel-powered cars was long since secured by Volkswagen. Because of Volkswagen’s now 14-month-old diesel emissions scandal and the consequent removal of TDIs from Volkswagen lots, rival automakers are stepping into the small, abandoned diesel space in search of a unique consumer subset.

Except now, without Volkswagen’s dominating presence, these automakers don’t have to fight an uphill battle against the one automaker that had a loyal following.

Whether Mazda will take diesel a step further by offering the 2.2-liter Skyactiv-D in the Mazda 6 midsize sedan (or any other North American-market Mazda) is currently on the list of TTAC’s known unknowns. The Mazda CX-5 generates more than double the volume achieved by the Mazda 6 in the United States.

Timothy Cain is the founder of GoodCarBadCar.net, which obsesses over the free and frequent publication of U.S. and Canadian auto sales figures. Follow on Twitter @goodcarbadcar and on Facebook.

Timothy Cain
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  • Pch101 Pch101 on Nov 17, 2016

    Mazda's engine experiments don't always work out so well. The obligatory rotary version surely must be under development.

  • Brettc Brettc on Nov 17, 2016

    Intriguing. I'm glad that it's finally coming. Who knows, maybe I'll end up with a used CX-5 diesel in 2018 when I turn in my TDI. This engine option promises more horsepower and more torque than the Equinox diesel, so that's something.

  • Dartdude The bottom line is that in the new America coming the elites don't want you and me to own cars. They are going to make building cars so expensive that the will only be for the very rich and connected. You will eat bugs and ride the bus and live in a 500sq-ft. apartment and like it. HUD wants to quit giving federal for any development for single family homes and don't be surprised that FHA aren't going to give loans for single family homes in the very near future.
  • Ravenuer The rear view of the Eldo coupe makes it look fat!
  • FreedMike This is before Cadillac styling went full scale nutty...and not particularly attractive, in my opinion.
  • JTiberius1701 Middle of April here in NE Ohio. And that can still be shaky. Also on my Fiesta ST, I use Michelin Pilot Sport A/S tires for the winter and Bridgestone Potenza for my summer tires. No issues at all.
  • TCowner We've had a 64.5 Mustang in the family for the past 40 years. It is all original, Rangoon Red coupe with 289 (one of the first instead of the 260), Rally Pac, 4-speed, factory air, every option. Always gets smiles and thumbs ups.
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