Which Mazdas Have Turbo?

May 2nd, 2025 by

mazda cx-30 with turbo engine

If you’re looking for a Mazda with increased power and torque without sacrificing efficiency, consider getting one with a turbocharged engine. In this comprehensive guide, created by our team at Sport Mazda South in Orlando, Florida, we’ll discuss what a turbocharged engine is, its benefits, and the Mazda models that have one.

What Is a Turbocharged Engine?

A turbocharged engine is an internal combustion engine that runs on fuel instead of an electric motor. The engine has a device called a turbocharger that compresses air, forcing more fuel into the engine to increase power. Generally, you need a larger engine for more power, but turbocharged technology allows for increased power in a smaller engine.

One of the main benefits is that the turbocharger can downsize the number of cylinders in an engine. For example, an eight-cylinder naturally aspirated engine can convert to a six-cylinder turbocharged one. The smaller engine fits into a smaller-sized vehicle, but it produces the same, if not more, horsepower than the big one. Because the turbocharged engine uses fewer cylinders, it uses less fuel to create power, thus becoming more fuel-efficient.

Mazda has developed a turbocharged engine, the Mazda SKYACTIV-G Turbo. The cutting-edge design of this turbocharged technology has increased power and performance over traditional turbocharged vehicles. Most turbocharged engines compress air at an approximate compression ratio of 8.1 to 1 — in contrast, the Mazda SKYACTIV-G Turbo engine has an approximate compression ratio of 10.5 to 1. This compression ratio cools the heated turbo exhaust at a rapid pace that helps with acceleration while conserving fuel.

Pros of a Mazda Turbocharged Engine

The benefits of a turbocharged Mazda engine are numerous and include:

  • High torque at low rpm for quicker acceleration
  • Enhanced performance for overall driving dynamics
  • Increased fuel efficiency for reducing carbon footprints
  • Reduced engine and exhaust noise

Which Mazda Vehicles Offer a Turbo Engine?

Now that you have an idea of what a turbocharged engine is and how the Mazda SKYACTIV-G Turbo stands out for efficiency and power, let’s explore the Mazda models that come standard with SKYACTIV and which trims have the option for a turbocharged engine.

Mazda3

The Mazda3 comes as a sedan or hatchback in six trim levels. The 2.5 Carbon Turbo and the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus come standard with the Mazda SKYACTIV-G 2.5 Dynamic Pressure Turbo engine. This engine produces 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque or 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque with high-octane fuel. The nonturbo trims have the SKYACTIV-G 2.5 engine with an output of 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque.

Mazda CX-30

The Mazda CX-30 is a compact crossover SUV offered in eight trims, of which three are turbo editions: the 2.5 Carbon Turbo, the 2.5 Turbo Premium, and the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus. The nonturbo versions have the 191-horsepower Mazda CX-5 SKYACTIV-G 2.5, while the turbo trims have the 250-horsepower SKYACTIV-G 2.5 Dynamic Pressure Turbo engine.

Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 compact SUV comes standard with all-wheel drive and eight trim levels. The 2.5 Carbon Turbo, 2.5 Turbo Premium, and 2.5 Turbo Signature all have a 250-horsepower SKYACTIV-G 2.5 engine. Using premium fuel boosts the output to 256 horsepower. The nonturbo Mazda CX-5 has a SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter engine.

Mazda CX-50

The popular Mazda CX-50 is a midsize crossover SUV with the Mazda i-ACTIV all-wheel drive and Mi-Drive selector for off-road capability. This SUV comes in seven trims, and the 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition, 2.5 Turbo Premium, and 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus have the SKYACTIV-G 2.5 with a twin-scroll turbo engine that produces 256 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque with high-octane fuel. The nonturbo models have the naturally aspirated SKYACTIV-G 2.5 engine.

Mazda CX-70

The Mazda CX-70 is a midsize SUV with a mild hybrid powertrain and five trim levels. All trims have an e-SKYACTIV 3.3-liter turbocharged I-6 engine combined with a 48V hybrid boost that produces 280 horsepower and 340 horsepower in the high-output variants. This SUV comes standard with i-ACTIV all-wheel drive and Mi-Drive terrain management selector.

Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90, the pinnacle of the Mazda SUV lineup, comes in six trim levels with a 3.3-liter I-6 engine generating 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. The same engine in the Turbo S variants boosts the boosts the output to 340 horsepower and the torque rating to 369 lb-ft. Mazda i-ACTIV all-wheel drive is standard across the lineup.

Performance Comparison: Turbo vs. Nonturbo Mazda Models

Many Mazdas have SKYACTIV-G 2.5, with the turbo models getting the turbocharged version of this dynamic engine. If you want power for acceleration, choose the turbo model, but if you prefer a cheaper Mazda with less maintenance, the nonturbo models are suitable.

Consider getting a Mazda with a turbocharged engine if you enjoy a spirited drive with a racecar feel. When you want to tow a small boat or trailer, you’ll appreciate the torque and power of the turbocharged engine. While choosing a turbo vs. nonturbo Mazda is personal, it comes down to what you need for your Orlando lifestyle.

Learn More About Mazda Turbocharged Engines

If you’re keen to get behind the wheel of a Mazda with a turbocharged engine, contact our team at Sport Mazda South in Orlando, Florida, to schedule a test-drive of one of our turbocharged Mazdas and discover more about the benefits of their engines. Through our full-service center, we also offer competitive prices for all your automotive needs.

Posted in Mazda