Despite shifting to a two-digit nameplate designation for its SUVs—the CX-30, CX-50, CX-70, CX-80, and CX-90—Mazda is keeping the CX-5 nameplate for its global compact SUV line. In fact, the carmaker has confirmed that it will receive an in-house developed hybrid powertrain.

The presentation didn’t offer any timelines as to the next-generation CX-5’s launch, but it’s very likely to appear as early as 2025.

In the recently concluded Auto China in Beijing, Mazda showed off the 創 or Arata Design Concept (lead photo). The Soulful + Futuristic x Modern design may form the basis for the CX-5. Among the design elements highlighted by Mazda include thick doors with three-dimensional surfacing, the cross-wing rear combination lamps, and integrated aero elements peppered around the exterior.

In some markets, the current CX-5 is already offered with electrification, albeit the mild kind. This technology, called M Hybrid, uses a belt-driven integrated starter generator (ISG) and lithium-ion battery to assist the engine. However, this system cannot drive the wheels on electric power alone (at least in its 24-volt guise), unlike the full hybrids offered by Toyota and Honda.

The similarly-sized CX-50 is already offered with a full hybrid, but only in China so far. The electrified engine, co-developed with Toyota, will be offered in North America by the second half of this year.

Mazda has also launched an electrification business division called e-Mazda and plans to introduce a battery electric vehicle (BEV) based on its first BEV-dedicated platform by 2027.