AJAC Names Mazda's New Engine Tech Best Innovation of 2025

Mazda's forward-thinking approach to engine design has earned top honors from Canadian automotive experts. The Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) has awarded Mazda's Large Platform MHEV Powertrains the Best Technical Innovation in the 2025 AJAC Innovation Awards, announced at the Vancouver International Auto Show.

The recognition highlights Mazda's strategic decision to develop turbocharged inline-six engines with mild hybrid technology while many competitors have moved toward smaller four-cylinder options. This engineering choice delivers noticeable benefits you'll appreciate during everyday driving—from smoother acceleration to enhanced fuel efficiency.

Award-Winning Engineering

At the core of this award-winning innovation is Mazda's fresh approach to powertrain design. The system pairs a newly developed turbocharged inline-six engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system and an innovative 8-speed transmission.

Unlike conventional automatic transmissions that use torque converters, Mazda's design incorporates a small electric motor that creates smoother transitions between gears. You'll feel the difference immediately through more responsive acceleration from a standstill and remarkably fluid gear changes at all speeds.

"The AJAC Innovation Awards jurors loved that this delivered benefits in several areas: boosting efficiency, improving acceleration from rest and smoothing out gearchanges, while enhancing both driving dynamics and frontal crash safety," noted Graham Heeps, Chair of the AJAC Innovation Awards.

The placement of the electric motor between the engine and transmission allows for direct electric power at low speeds, creating a premium driving experience typically found only in more expensive luxury vehicles.

Practical Performance Advantages

This award-winning technology powers both the Mazda CX-70 and CX-90, giving you two distinct options to suit your driving needs. The CX-90's high-output version of the 3.3L engine generates 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque when using premium fuel—impressive figures that translate to confident highway passing and effortless acceleration.

For drivers interested in maximizing efficiency, the e-Skyactiv PHEV option delivers 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque while enabling pure electric driving in various scenarios. The 17.8 kWh battery works alongside the engine to give you flexibility for both daily commutes and longer journeys.

Both powertrains are expertly tuned to deliver an engaging driving experience. The standard i-Activ all-wheel drive system provides confident traction in all weather conditions, while Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) lets you customize your driving experience with various modes including Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing.

When properly equipped with Mazda Genuine Towing Accessories, these models can tow up to 5,000 lbs—plenty of capacity for boats, campers, and trailers that enhance your weekend adventures.

Safety-Enhancing Design

Beyond performance benefits, the award-winning powertrain design enhances safety through improved frontal crash protection. The inline configuration and overall layout contribute to better energy absorption during collisions—a benefit that gives you additional peace of mind.

Standard Kinematic Posture Control (KPC) technology further improves safety by enhancing stability during cornering. This system works by applying subtle braking force to reduce body lift in tight turns, helping all occupants maintain a natural posture and creating a more stable, connected feeling through curves.

"Technical innovation has always been at the core of Mazda," said David Klan, President and CEO of Mazda Canada. "Mazda has always designed vehicles first with human centricity to help improve the lives of our customers, and we are grateful to be recognized by AJAC with this award."

The award-winning technology demonstrates Mazda's ongoing commitment to thoughtful innovation that improves your driving experience in tangible ways. Visit Sunridge Mazda today and test drive the CX-70 or CX-90—your hands on the wheel and foot on the accelerator will tell you more about this award-winning technology than words ever could.