What is MAZDA SKYACTIV-X?

Mazda is committed to shifting production from gas-powered vehicles to full EVs. However, it’s expected that up to 85% of vehicles will rely on gas to some degree until 2035. Thus, the engineers at Mazda teamed up to develop an innovative new combustion engine design called SKYACTIV-X that will cut 50% of “well-to-well” 2010-level carbon emissions by 2030 and 90 percent by 2050. This design dramatically reduces carbon emissions, not counter to, but alongside the general push to shift to a full-electric industry. 

Now that you know what SKYACTIV-X is, take a moment to learn about how Mazda SKYACTIV-X works, and what cars will have SKYACTIV-X. If our Santa Clarita neighbors have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact Hello Mazda of Valencia! 

How Does MAZDA SKYACTIV-X Work? 

Before jumping into how SKYACTIV-X works, Valencia drivers should ground themselves in some fundamental concepts by taking a moment to compare how gas and diesel engines work. In a gas engine, a mixture of oxygen and gasoline is ignited by a spark plug, which causes a miniature exploration in your combustion chamber. This force propels your vehicle forward. 

In a diesel engine, much less fuel is used to create an explosion, because diesel fuel is more energy dense. In fact, no spark plug is required to cause the explosion. Diesel fuel and air mixture can explode off heat and pressure alone. This streamlining of the combustion process is what allows diesel engines to achieve better fuel economy numbers and produce lower emissions. Still, diesel engines are known to produce higher rates of other types of pollutants. 

This is where Mazda SKYACTIV-X comes in. This revolutionary new engine design provides you with the best of both worlds thanks to a new technology called Spark Controlled Compression Ignition (SPCCI). The SPCCI uses a significantly higher compression ratio to combust fuel and air mixtures at a much more efficient rate. While it uses a spark, as a traditional gas-powered engine would, it uses that spark far less. In fact, it only used a spark plug to generate enough pressure and heat to set off a chain reaction of combustion, so that the fuel will begin to combust in the more streamlined manner of diesel. What does this mean for you?

What Are the Specific MAZDA SKYACTIV-X Benefits? 

As you’ve gathered from above, the SKYACTIV-X engine design streamlines every aspect of combustion to make your fuel as potent and efficient as possible. But let’s translate that into concrete benefits. A Mazda with SKYACTIV-X engine technology will feature: 

• Between 10%-30% more torque, depending on model 
• Between 20%-30% better fuel efficiency 
• Instant torque response like a turbo diesel

What Cars Will Have MAZDA SKYACTIV-X?

The Mazda3 and Mazda CX-30 have already been introduced to European markets with SKYACTIV-X. As for the U.S. market, there are no confirmed details about how SKYACTIV-X will roll out, but it’s possible that it will be equipped on some next-generation SUVs that are currently in development within the next year. 

Do You Have More Questions? 

If you have any further questions about what SKYACTIV-X is, how Mazda SKYACTIV-X works, or what cars will have SKYACTIV-X, call Hello Mazda of Valencia at (844) 361-5010. We’re happy to answer any questions that our neighbors in Sylmar may have. In the meantime, take a moment to explore our guides on the differences between premium and regular gas and whether electric cars use oil!