Next-gen Mazda SUV favourite takes shape: 2027 Mazda CX-30 could gain hybrid and electric powertrains to give new MG ZS, GWM Haval Jolion, Toyota Corolla Cross and Chery Tiggo 4 a run for their money

The Mazda CX-30 is one of the Japanese carmaker’s most popular SUV models and it’s likely due to receive a major update or next-generation model in the next few years.

Essentially a lifted version of the Mazda3 hatchback and sedan, the CX-30 was revealed back in 2019 and hasn’t received any major facelift or update since it launched.

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Overall, the silhouette remains largely the same, but the biggest difference is the front fascia.

Inspired by the likes of the new-generation CX-5, there’s an angrier and more angular front end with thin LED headlights and prominent bonnet bulges.

There’s even an alternate version of the front end which is largely blanked out and reminiscent of the Vision X-Compact concept from the 2025 Japan Mobility Show.

This latter option indicates what an electric or hybrid version of the CX-30 could look like.

Mazda is currently developing its Skyactiv-Z in-house hybrid powertrain and the first vehicle it’ll feature in is the new CX-5 in 2027.

It’s expected that versions of this Skyactiv-Z hybrid engine will eventually filter out to the rest of Mazda’s line-up of vehicles. This means the CX-30 will likely eventually end up with some form of hybrid engine.

In fact, the CX-30 has previously already been offered with hybrid power, even in Australia, with the Skyactiv-X 24V mild hybrid on sale locally from 2020 to 2023, as well as the Skyactiv-G 12V mild hybrid that was briefly available.

Both were discontinued locally due to slow sales and since then the only engine options have been 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engines.

Mazda is also increasing its line-up of electric vehicles (EVs) and it wouldn’t be surprising if an update to the CX-30 brings more widespread adoption of electric powertrains.

An electric version of the CX-30 was previously offered in China and built by the joint venture company Changan Mazda. It was jacked up much higher than the regular CX-30 and featured a unique front bumper.

It was powered by a 160kW front-mounted electric motor which was fed by a 61.1kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The claimed range was up to 450km, according to NEDC testing.

The CX-30 EV has since been succeeded by the larger Mazda EZ-60, which is based on the same platform as the Deepal S07 that is sold in Australia.

At this stage it’s unclear what other changes may happen with this eventual CX-30 update, however the new CX-5 may preview some things.

Mazda has notably moved away from having a physical rotary dial on the centre console with the new CX-5 and is now focusing on a much larger central touchscreen multimedia system.

For now we’ll just have to wait and see what Mazda has in store for the CX-30.