Mazda's Fuel-Efficient Hybrid System Wins 2025 AJAC Award

Mazda's innovative approach to hybrid technology has earned top recognition from automotive experts across Canada. The automaker's Large Platform MHEV Powertrains received the Best Technical Innovation award at the 2025 AJAC Innovation Awards, announced at the Vancouver International Auto Show this March.

The award highlights Mazda's success in creating powertrains that deliver exceptional efficiency without sacrificing the performance drivers expect. This recognition from the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada validates what King Mazda customers have already experienced—Mazda's hybrid technology offers practical benefits you'll notice on every drive.

Efficiency Without Compromise

The award-winning system pairs a turbocharged 3.3L inline-six engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, creating a powertrain that delivers remarkable fuel efficiency in real-world driving conditions. Unlike competitors who've moved to smaller engines that often fall short of their efficiency claims, Mazda's approach provides tangible savings at the pump.

"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," said Graham Heeps, Chair of the AJAC Innovation Awards.

The intelligent placement of the electric motor between the engine and transmission allows for direct electric power at low speeds, significantly reducing fuel consumption during city driving and stop-and-go traffic—situations where conventional vehicles typically waste the most fuel.

Advanced Transmission Technology

A key component of the award-winning system is Mazda's all-new eight-speed automatic transmission. Unlike conventional transmissions with torque converters, this innovative design works seamlessly with the hybrid system to maximize efficiency.

The transmission achieves smooth, direct acceleration while improving overall drivetrain efficiency. You'll feel the difference immediately—power delivery is more responsive, gear changes are nearly imperceptible, and the entire driving experience feels more refined than traditional powertrains.

For the CX-70 and CX-90 models equipped with the PHEV option, the system delivers even greater efficiency. The 17.8 kWh high-capacity battery enables pure electric driving in numerous scenarios, giving you the flexibility to minimize fuel usage on daily commutes while maintaining the convenience of gasoline power for longer trips.

Real-World Benefits

The award-winning hybrid system isn't just about numbers on a specification sheet—it delivers practical advantages you'll appreciate every day. The powertrain offers two different output levels to match your driving preferences: a standard version for balanced performance and a high-power variant that delivers 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque when using premium fuel.

Both versions exceed competitor efficiency while maintaining impressive capabilities. The system supports towing up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped—perfect for weekend adventures with boats or campers. The standard Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) system offers specialized modes for different driving conditions, including a dedicated Towing Mode that optimizes power delivery.

The technology also enhances safety through improved frontal crash protection—a benefit that comes from the innovative engine layout and design. Mazda's Kinematic Posture Control further improves stability during cornering, making every drive more comfortable and secure.

"Technical innovation has always been at the core of Mazda, and over the years that innovation has produced many great chapters in our history," noted 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."

The award-winning Large Platform MHEV Powertrains are available now in both the CX-70 and CX-90 at King Mazda. Visit our showroom to see how this innovative technology transforms fuel efficiency without sacrificing the performance and driving dynamics you love.