Mazda Cars: A Symphony of Design, Performance, and Innovation

Mazda, a Japanese automaker renowned for its distinctive approach to vehicle design and engineering, has consistently delivered cars that are not just modes of transport but extensions of the driver’s will. Rooted in the philosophy of ‘Jinba Ittai’ – horse and rider as one – Mazda vehicles are crafted to provide an intuitive and engaging driving experience. This document explores Mazda’s current lineup, highlighting the unique features and technologies that set them apart in the competitive automotive landscape.

Sedans & Hatchbacks: The Mazda3 Series

The Mazda3, available in both sedan and hatchback configurations, embodies Mazda’s commitment to refined design, responsive performance, and advanced technology. Both models have earned the prestigious 2025 Car and Driver Editors’ Choice Award, a testament to their exceptional quality and driving dynamics.

Mazda3 Sedan

The 2025 Mazda3 Sedan, starting at $24,150, offers a premium compact car experience with meticulous craftsmanship and engineering focused on comfort and driver engagement. Its KODO Exterior Design presents a poised and dignified aesthetic. Under the hood, the Mazda3 Sedan is available with a responsive Skyactiv®-G 2.5-liter Turbo engine, delivering up to 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque [1].

Key features of the Mazda3 Sedan include:

•Performance: Available Skyactiv®-G 2.5-liter Turbo engine with up to 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. Standard i-Activ AWD® on 2.5 Turbo models. G-Vectoring Control Plus for enhanced stability [1].

•Interior: Available Nappa leather upholstery, Ultrasuede trim, and ambient lighting. Sophisticated upholstery choices including Black, White, or Red leather options [1].

•Technology: Available Alexa Built-in, Mazda Connect™ with a 10.25-inch screen center display, Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ integration, and Mazda Connected Services via the MyMazda App [1].

•Safety: i-Activsense® suite of safety features, including Cruising & Traffic Support, 360° View Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Smart Brake Support – Rear Crossing. The 2025 Mazda3 Sedan has a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating and is a 2025 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award winner [1].

Mazda3 Hatchback

The 2025 Mazda3 Hatchback, starting at $25,150, offers expressive refinement with striking curves and angles that create a sense of motion even at a standstill. It shares many of the advanced features and performance capabilities with its sedan counterpart, with the added versatility of a hatchback design [2].

Key features of the Mazda3 Hatchback include:

•Design: KODO Exterior Design with dynamic black accents and available 18” black alloy wheels. Available leather-trimmed interior options [2].

•Performance: Available 2.5-liter turbo engine delivering up to 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. Standard i-Activ AWD® on 2.5 Turbo models. Available SKYACTIV®-MT 6-speed manual transmission on 2.5 S Premium Hatchback models [2].

•Technology: Available Alexa Built-in, Mazda Connect™ with Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ integration, and MyMazda App with Mazda Connected Services [2].

•Safety: i-Activsense® suite of safety features, including Cruising & Traffic Support, Parking Sensors, 360° View Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Smart Brake Support – Rear Crossing. The 2025 Mazda3 Hatchback has a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating and is a 2025 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award winner [2].

Crossovers & SUVs: Versatility Meets Refinement

Mazda’s crossover and SUV lineup combines utility with the brand’s signature driving dynamics and sophisticated design, offering a range of options for diverse needs.

Mazda CX-90

The 2025 Mazda CX-90, starting at $38,045, is Mazda’s largest SUV, built for families and journeys. It seamlessly blends design and capability, offering flexible seating options and expansive cargo space [3].

Key features of the Mazda CX-90 include:

•Utility: 3-row configuration options with seating for up to 8 passengers. Expansive cargo space and available hands-free Rear Power Liftgate [3].

•Design: Crafted details and available Nappa leather-trimmed seats create a harmonious and inviting interior [3].

•Performance: Rear-biased i-Activ AWD® for responsive performance. M Hybrid Boost for improved driving performance and fuel economy. Flexible Mi-Drive Technology with Normal, Sport, Off-road, and available Towing modes. Kinematic Posture Control (KPC) for enhanced cornering stability. Up to 5,000-lb towing capacity when properly equipped [3].

•Safety: i-Activsense® suite of safety features, including Smart Brake Support – Front Crossing, Smart Brake Support and Turn-Across Traffic, Road Keep Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Head-on Traffic Avoidance Assist, Cruising & Traffic Support, Vehicle Exit Warning, Driver Monitoring, and 360° View Monitor with See-Through View. The 2025 Mazda CX-90 has a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating and is a 2025 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award winner [3].

•Technology: Available 360° View Monitor with See-Through View and Active Driving Display. Mazda Connected Services via the MyMazda App [3].

Mazda CX-90 PHEV

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), starting at $49,945, offers elevated efficiency with the same smooth, dynamic performance as the standard CX-90. It provides the flexibility of a plug-in hybrid powertrain [4].

Key features of the Mazda CX-90 PHEV include:

•Performance: PHEV powertrain with up to 323 hp. Standard i-Activ AWD®. Charging capabilities with Level 2 AC charger. Flexible Mi-Drive Technology with Normal, Sport, Off-road, EV mode, and available Towing. Kinematic Posture Control (KPC). Up to 3,500-lb towing capacity when properly equipped [4].

•Utility: Expansive cargo space, Rear Power Liftgate, and convenient 1500W outlet [4].

•Safety: i-Activsense® suite of safety features, including Smart Brake Support – Front Crossing, Road Keep Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Head-On Traffic Avoidance Assist, Cruising & Traffic Support, Vehicle Exit Warning, and 360° View Monitor with See-Through View. The 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV has a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating and is a 2025 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award winner [4].

•Technology: Available 360° View Monitor with See-Through View and Active Driving Display. Mazda Connected Services via the MyMazda App [4].

Mazda CX-70

The 2025 Mazda CX-70, starting at $40,445, is an agile SUV with a Mild Hybrid powertrain, versatile i-Activ AWD®, and a spacious interior. It’s recognized as the

best 2-row midsize SUV for families by U.S. News & World Report [5].

Key features of the Mazda CX-70 include:

•Performance: 3.3-liter Inline 6 Turbo engine producing up to 340 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle system for optimized fuel efficiency. i-Activ AWD® for changing road conditions. Towing capabilities up to 5,000 lbs with available Towing Mode. Kinematic Posture Control (KPC) and Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) with Normal, Sport, Off-road, and available Towing modes [5].

•Design: Dramatic front and rear fascia design with black trim accents. Available Nappa leather-trimmed seats [5].

•Safety: i-Activsense® suite of safety features, including Cruising & Traffic Support, Smart Brake Support – Front Crossing, Smart Brake Support – Turn-Across Traffic, Road Keep Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Head-on Traffic Avoidance Assist, and Vehicle Exit Warning. The 2025 Mazda CX-70 is a 2025 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award winner [5].

•Technology: Available Alexa Built-in, Bose® premium audio system, wireless charging, and Mazda Connected Services via the MyMazda App [5].

Mazda CX-70 PHEV

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 PHEV, starting at $54,400, offers an electrified driving experience with both all-electric power for short trips and a hybrid gas engine for longer journeys. It provides flexibility and efficiency [6].

Key features of the Mazda CX-70 PHEV include:

•Performance: e-SKYACTIV®-PHEV powertrain with up to 323 hp. User-selectable electrification for all-electric or hybrid driving. i-Activ AWD®. Towing capabilities up to 3,500 lbs with available Towing Mode. Kinematic Posture Control (KPC). Portable and at-home charging options [6].

•Design: Meticulous Japanese craftsmanship with eye-catching trim and available Nappa leather-trimmed seats [6].

•Safety: i-Activsense® suite of safety features, including Cruising & Traffic Support, Smart Brake Support – Front Crossing, Road Keep Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Head-on Traffic Avoidance Assist, and Vehicle Exit Warning. The 2025 Mazda CX-70 PHEV is a 2025 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award winner [6].

•Technology: Available Alexa Built-in, 360° View Monitor with See-Through Trailer Hitch View, and Mazda Connected Services via the MyMazda App [6].

Mazda CX-50

The 2025 Mazda CX-50, starting at $30,500, is engineered for capability and refined performance, designed to take you nearly anywhere. It combines strength and dynamism with meticulous detailing [7].

Key features of the Mazda CX-50 include:

•Performance: Standard i-Activ AWD®. Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) with Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and available Towing modes. Towing capacity up to 3,500 lbs. Available Skyactiv-G® 2.5 engine with Twin-scroll Turbo and i-Stop [7].

•Design: Durable interior features shaped for comfort. Available Panoramic Moonroof. Expansive cargo space and available Rear Power Liftgate. Available Rooftop Platform for equipment [7].

•Safety: i-Activsense® suite of safety features, including Adaptive Front-Lighting System, Blind Spot Monitoring, Parking Sensors, 360° View Monitor with See-Through View, and Lane Departure Warning. The 2025 Mazda CX-50 is a 2025 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award winner [7].

•Technology: Available Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ integration, wireless phone charger, and Mazda Connected Services via the MyMazda App [7].

Mazda CX-50 Hybrid

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid, starting at $33,970, offers an adventurous spirit with enhanced fuel efficiency. It features a new on-demand e-AWD system and three different trim levels [8].

Key features of the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid include:

•Performance: Up to 219 hp total and up to an EPA-estimated 38 combined city/highway mpg. New on-demand e-AWD system [8].

•Safety: The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid is a 2025 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award winner [8].

Mazda CX-30

The 2025 Mazda CX-30, starting at $25,195, is a subcompact crossover that offers a blend of sophisticated design, nimble performance, and advanced safety features. It’s designed for urban adventures and beyond [9].

Key features of the Mazda CX-30 include:

•Performance: Available Skyactiv®-G 2.5-liter Turbo engine with up to 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. Standard i-Activ AWD® on select models. G-Vectoring Control Plus [9].

•Design: KODO design philosophy for a dynamic and elegant exterior. Premium interior materials and craftsmanship [9].

•Safety: i-Activsense® suite of safety features, including Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Smart Brake Support with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Driver Attention Alert. The 2025 Mazda CX-30 has a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating and is a 2025 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award winner [9].

•Technology: Available Mazda Connect™ infotainment system with 8.8-inch or 10.25-inch display, Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ integration, and available Bose® premium audio system [9].

Mazda CX-5

The 2025 Mazda CX-5, starting at $28,770, is a compact SUV that continues to be a popular choice for its refined driving dynamics, stylish design, and comprehensive safety features. It offers a balance of performance and practicality [10].

Key features of the Mazda CX-5 include:

•Performance: Available Skyactiv®-G 2.5-liter Turbo engine with up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. Standard i-Activ AWD®. Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) [10].

•Design: KODO design with a sleek and athletic stance. Premium interior with available Nappa leather and genuine wood trim [10].

•Safety: i-Activsense® suite of safety features, including Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Smart Brake Support, Lane Departure Warning System, Lane-keep Assist, and Advanced Smart City Brake Support with Pedestrian Detection. The 2025 Mazda CX-5 has a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating and is a 2025 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award winner [10].

•Technology: Mazda Connect™ infotainment system with 10.25-inch display, Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ integration, and available Bose® 10-speaker audio system [10].

Sports Cars: The MX-5 Miata Series

The Mazda MX-5 Miata, a legendary roadster, embodies the pure joy of driving with its lightweight design, balanced handling, and open-air experience. It is available in both soft-top and retractable fastback (RF) configurations.

Mazda MX-5 Miata

The 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata, starting at $29,530, is designed to deliver an exhilarating and connected driving experience. Its compact size and agile handling make it a favorite among driving enthusiasts [11].

Key features of the Mazda MX-5 Miata include:

•Performance: Skyactiv®-G 2.0-liter engine, known for its responsiveness and efficiency. Available with a SKYACTIV®-MT 6-speed manual transmission for ultimate driver engagement [11].

•Design: Iconic roadster styling with a focus on lightweight construction and aerodynamic efficiency. Driver-centric cockpit design [11].

•Technology: Mazda Connect™ infotainment system with Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ integration. Available Bose® 9-speaker audio system [11].

•Safety: i-Activsense® safety features such as Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Lane Departure Warning System [11].

Mazda MX-5 Miata RF

The 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF (Retractable Fastback), starting at $37,550, offers the same thrilling driving experience as the soft-top Miata but with the added versatility and security of a power-retractable hardtop. The RF’s unique silhouette provides a distinct aesthetic appeal [12].

Key features of the Mazda MX-5 Miata RF include:

•Design: Distinctive fastback styling with a power-retractable hardtop that can be opened or closed in approximately 13 seconds [12].

•Performance: Shares the same responsive Skyactiv®-G 2.0-liter engine and transmission options as the soft-top Miata [12].

•Technology & Safety: Equipped with similar technology and i-Activsense® safety features as the MX-5 Miata [12].

Core Mazda Technologies and Philosophies

Mazda’s commitment to innovation extends beyond individual models, encompassing a suite of core technologies and design philosophies that define the brand.

Skyactiv Technology

Skyactiv Technology is Mazda’s umbrella term for a series of innovations that improve fuel efficiency and driving dynamics. This includes highly efficient engines (Skyactiv-G gasoline and Skyactiv-D diesel), advanced transmissions (Skyactiv-Drive automatic and Skyactiv-MT manual), optimized body and chassis designs (Skyactiv-Body and Skyactiv-Chassis), and G-Vectoring Control Plus. The goal of Skyactiv is to create a harmonious relationship between the driver, vehicle, and environment, delivering both exhilarating performance and impressive fuel economy [13].

i-Activsense Safety Technology

i-Activsense is Mazda’s comprehensive suite of advanced safety features designed to help drivers recognize potential hazards, avoid collisions, and minimize damage when impacts are unavoidable. This proactive approach to safety utilizes a range of sensors and cameras to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings. Key i-Activsense features often include:

•Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go: Maintains a set speed and following distance from the vehicle ahead, even in stop-and-go traffic.

•Smart Brake Support (SBS): Detects obstacles and can automatically apply brakes to prevent or mitigate collisions.

•Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM): Alerts the driver to vehicles in their blind spots.

•Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA): Warns the driver of approaching vehicles when backing out of a parking space.

•Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) & Lane-keep Assist (LAS): Alerts the driver if the vehicle drifts out of its lane and can provide steering assistance.

•Adaptive Front-Lighting System (AFS): Pivots headlights in the direction of a turn to improve visibility.

•360° View Monitor: Provides a bird’s-eye view of the vehicle’s surroundings for easier parking and maneuvering in tight spaces [14].

Mazda Connect Infotainment System

Mazda Connect is the brand’s intuitive infotainment system, designed for seamless connectivity and ease of use. It typically features a central display screen (ranging from 8.8-inch to 10.25-inch), a multi-function commander control knob, and voice command capabilities. The system supports Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ integration, allowing drivers to access their smartphone’s features safely on the go. Many Mazda vehicles also offer available Alexa Built-in, further enhancing connectivity and convenience [15].

KODO: Soul of Motion Design

KODO, meaning ‘Soul of Motion,’ is Mazda’s distinctive design philosophy that aims to capture the dynamic beauty of living things in motion. This design language emphasizes flowing lines, sculpted surfaces, and a sense of vitality. KODO design is evident across the entire Mazda lineup, contributing to the vehicles’ elegant proportions, athletic stance, and emotional appeal. It’s a philosophy that seeks to evoke a sense of movement and energy, even when the vehicle is stationary [16].

Conclusion

Mazda continues to carve out a unique niche in the automotive industry by consistently delivering vehicles that prioritize driving pleasure, sophisticated design, and advanced technology. Through its Jinba Ittai philosophy, innovative Skyactiv Technology, comprehensive i-Activsense safety suite, and captivating KODO design, Mazda offers a compelling blend of performance, efficiency, and safety across its diverse lineup. From the agile Mazda3 to the versatile CX-90 and the iconic MX-5 Miata, each Mazda vehicle is crafted to create a deep connection between car and driver, making every journey an engaging experience. Mazda’s dedication to continuous improvement and its human-centric approach ensure that its vehicles remain a top choice for those who truly love to drive.