Five Reasons Calgary Drivers Are Choosing Inline-Six Engines Again

After years of automakers moving to smaller turbocharged four-cylinder engines, a different approach has emerged. Mazda's CX-70 and CX-90 bring back the turbocharged inline-six engine, pairing it with a 48-volt mild hybrid system. For drivers in Alberta who value smoothness, power delivery, and real-world efficiency, this configuration offers distinct advantages over the downsized engines that have dominated the market for the past decade.

The inline-six layout isn't new—it powered BMWs, Mercedes-Benz models, and many trucks for decades. What's different now is how Mazda has engineered a clean-slate inline-six specifically for today's driving needs, addressing the shortcomings of smaller turbocharged engines while improving efficiency and performance.

What Makes an Inline-Six Different

An inline-six engine arranges all six cylinders in a single row along the crankshaft. This layout creates natural balance, as opposing pistons move in perfect symmetry. The result is inherent smoothness that four-cylinder engines—even balanced ones—can't fully match.

This balance matters during acceleration, highway cruising, and when pulling away from a stop. The CX-70 and CX-90's 3.3 L inline-six produces power without the harshness or vibration that can accompany smaller turbocharged engines under load.

Reason 1: Smoother Power Delivery

Turbocharged four-cylinder engines deliver strong power, but they often exhibit turbo lag—a brief delay between pressing the accelerator and feeling full boost. This happens because the turbocharger needs time to spool up and build pressure.

The CX-70 and CX-90's inline-six turbo engine reduces this lag through a larger displacement (3.3 L) and a 48-volt mild hybrid system that provides immediate torque assistance. The mild hybrid's electric motor delivers 113 lb-ft of torque at just 200 rpm, filling in the gap while the turbocharger builds boost.

The standard-output version produces 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, while the high-output version delivers 340 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. Both engines deliver power smoothly across the rev range, without the abrupt surges common in smaller turbocharged engines.

Key Power Delivery Advantages:

• Mild hybrid assist eliminates turbo lag at low speeds
• Larger displacement provides stronger low-end torque
• Linear power delivery makes highway merging and passing predictable
• Reduced vibration improves refinement during acceleration

Reason 2: Efficiency Gains from Mild Hybrid Technology

The 48-volt mild hybrid system does more than fill turbo lag. It captures energy during deceleration and braking, storing it in a lithium-ion battery. That energy then assists the engine during acceleration and cruising, reducing the load on the gasoline engine.

The mild hybrid system includes:

• 11 kW electric motor (16.9 hp at 900 rpm)
• 113 lb-ft of torque at 200 rpm
• 0.33 kWh lithium-ion battery
• Seamless integration with the 8-speed automatic transmission

This setup improves efficiency without requiring plug-in charging or range anxiety. The CX-70 standard-output achieves 9.3 L/100 km combined, while the high-output version achieves 9.5 L/100 km combined. These figures compete with many smaller turbocharged four-cylinder crossovers, despite the larger engine size.

Reason 3: Better Towing Performance

For Calgary drivers who tow campers, boats, or utility trailers through Alberta's mountain highways, the inline-six's torque characteristics provide clear advantages. Both the CX-70 and CX-90 are rated to tow 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs) when equipped with Mazda genuine towing accessories.

The inline-six delivers torque lower in the rev range than most four-cylinder engines, reducing the need for frequent downshifts on grades. This makes towing less stressful and more controlled, especially on Highway 1 through the Rockies or Highway 40 in Kananaskis Country.

The Mi-Drive system includes a Towing mode that adjusts throttle response, transmission shift points, and AWD torque distribution specifically for trailer work. This mode helps maintain stability and control when hauling heavier loads.

Reason 4: Refinement That Matches Daily Driving Needs

Many drivers remember the smoothness of inline-six engines from older vehicles—BMW's naturally aspirated sixes, Mercedes-Benz's silky powertrains, or Toyota's reliable inline-six trucks. That refinement disappeared as automakers downsized to four-cylinder turbo engines for fuel economy.

Mazda's new inline-six brings back that refinement while meeting today's efficiency standards. The engine runs quietly at idle, accelerates without harshness, and settles into a smooth cruise at highway speeds. The mild hybrid system further reduces noise and vibration by assisting during low-speed operation, when engine vibration is most noticeable.

For drivers in Alberta who spend hours on Highway 2 between Calgary and Edmonton, or make frequent trips through the Rockies, this refinement reduces fatigue and improves comfort.

Reason 5: Long-Term Durability and Simplicity

Inline-six engines have a strong reputation for durability. The naturally balanced design reduces stress on internal components, and the larger displacement means the engine doesn't need to work as hard to produce power.

The CX-70 and CX-90's inline-six uses direct fuel injection and a straightforward turbocharger setup, avoiding the complexity of dual-scroll turbos or variable valve timing systems found in some competitors. The mild hybrid system adds minimal complexity—it's a simple motor-generator unit integrated into the transmission, not a full hybrid system with multiple motors and complex power management.

For buyers who plan to keep their vehicle for many years and cover high kilometres on Alberta's highways, this simplicity and proven engine layout offer reassurance.

How the Inline-Six Compares to Four-Cylinder Alternatives

The inline-six delivers comparable efficiency to many four-cylinder turbos, while offering smoother power delivery, stronger low-end torque, and better refinement.

Learn More at Sunridge Mazda

Curious about how the inline-six engine performs in real-world driving? Visit our team right here in Calgary to experience the CX-70 and CX-90 for yourself. We'll help you understand the differences and find the model that fits your driving needs.