Mazda Skyactiv-G 2.0 and 2.5 (naturally aspirated): years, specs & known problems

By CarWhere Research · Updated

Skyactiv-G is Mazda's family of direct-injection four-cylinder gasoline engines. In the US the 2.0-liter arrived in the 2012 Mazda3 at 155 hp and now powers the MX-5 at 181 hp. The 2.5-liter, at 184–187 hp, runs in the Mazda3, CX-30, CX-5, CX-50 and the 2014–2021 Mazda6, with cylinder deactivation since 2018.

Mazda's US releases give the Skyactiv-G 2.0 a 12.0:1 compression ratio in the 2012 Mazda3, where it made 155 hp and 148 lb-ft, and 13.0:1 in the 2013 CX-5, rated 155 hp and 150 lb-ft. The 2.5-liter followed in the 2014 Mazda3 and Mazda6 at 184 hp and 185 lb-ft, with an 89 x 100 mm bore and stroke and 2,488 cc. Mazda says no other gasoline production vehicle ran a 14.0:1 ratio when it introduced the Skyactiv engines; the US engines in these releases use 12.0:1 to 13.0:1.

For 2018 Mazda added cylinder deactivation to the 2.5 in the CX-5 and Mazda6, shutting the two outer cylinders at steady speeds between 25 and 50 mph. Mazda said it was the only automaker in North America with a four-cylinder that did this. Current 2.5 ratings are 186–187 hp. The MX-5 Miata's 2.0 was raised to 181 hp for 2019, with the redline raised from 6,800 to 7,500 rpm.

Skyactiv-X, Mazda's spark-controlled compression-ignition 2.0, appeared in European-specification CX-30 and Mazda3 lineups. None of the US model releases CarWhere reviewed list it; US Mazdas use Skyactiv-G engines.

Skyactiv-G 2.0 and 2.5 (naturally aspirated) at a glance

Mazda Skyactiv-G 2.0-liter and 2.5-liter direct-injection inline four-cylinder engines, naturally aspirated, US 2012–present: model years, fuel and peak Mazda-published output by version
EngineModel yearsFuelPeak hpPeak torque (lb-ft)Documented problemsRecalls
Skyactiv-G 2.0 (2012–present)2012–presentRegular gasoline (87 octane)18115101
Skyactiv-G 2.5 (2014–present)2014–presentRegular gasoline (87 octane); Mazda rates most applications the same on premium18718612

CarWhere lists 1 documented problem and 3 NHTSA recalls for the Skyactiv-G 2.0 and 2.5 (naturally aspirated), each with a source. Part of the Skyactiv-G four-cylinder family family.

Skyactiv-G 2.0 (2012–present)

The 2.0-liter four arrived in the 2012 Mazda3 and the 2013 CX-5 at 155 hp. Today it powers only the MX-5 Miata, at 181 hp after the 2019 update.

Skyactiv-G 2.0 (2012–present) specifications

Skyactiv-G 2.0 (2012–present): design facts (2012–present)
SpecificationValue
Compression ratio, 2012 Mazda312.0:1[1]
Compression ratio, CX-513.0:1[7]
2012 Mazda3 PZEV version154 hp at 6,000 rpm (California and other PZEV states)[1]
CX-5 redline6,800 rpm (2015 CX-5 2.0)[7]
2019 MX-5 updateLighter pistons and rods, larger throttle; redline raised from 6,800 to 7,500 rpm[8]
EPA listing, 2016 CX-5 2WD2.0 L offered only with the 6-speed manual; 2.5 L with the automatic[9]
EPA listing, 2018 Mazda32.0 L and 2.5 L fours[10]
First Skyactiv-G engineSKYACTIV-G 1.3 in the refreshed Demio (Mazda2), Japan, 2011[11]
Skyactiv-XSpark-controlled compression ignition 2.0; launched in the Mazda3 in Japan in 2019[12]
Skyactiv-X combustionSpark plug used to control compression ignition of a lean mixture (SPCCI)[13]
Skyactiv-X marketListed for the European-specification CX-30 with Skyactiv-G 2.0 and Skyactiv-D 1.8[14]
EPA listing, 2016 MX-52.0 L four, 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic[15]

Skyactiv-G 2.0 (2012–present) horsepower and torque by year

Skyactiv-G 2.0 (2012–present): Mazda-published horsepower (hp) and torque (lb-ft) by model year and application
Model yearsApplicationHorsepower (hp)Torque (lb-ft)Source
2012Mazda3155 hp at 6,000 rpm; 148 lb-ft at 4,100 rpm155148[1]
2013CX-5150 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm155150[2]
2014Mazda3 i155150[3]
2016–2018MX-5 MiataMazda did not publish a standalone 2016–2018 output figure in the sources we used; the 2019 update is stated as +26 hp and +3 lb-ft over this engine.——[4]
2019MX-5 Miata181 hp at 7,000 rpm; 151 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm181151[4]
2021Mazda3 2.0 sedan155150[5]
2026MX-5 Miata7,500 rpm redline181151[6]

"—" means we could not confirm the figure from a primary source.

Which vehicles have the Skyactiv-G 2.0 (2012–present)?

Models and model years offered with the Skyactiv-G 2.0 (2012–present)
ModelModel yearsNotes
Mazda32012–2018, 20212.0 i models; 2021 Mazda3 2.0 sedan
CX-52013–2016Base 2.0; by 2015 offered only on FWD Sport models
MX-5 Miata2016–presentFourth generation; output raised to 181 hp for 2019

Skyactiv-G 2.0 (2012–present) recalls

NHTSA safety recalls related to the Skyactiv-G 2.0 (2012–present) (campaign numbers link to NHTSA)
NHTSA campaignReportedVehiclesSummary
17V7452017-11-212018 Mazda3144 vehiclesSome engines were built with an incorrect exhaust valve spring that may fail and stall the engine. Dealers inspect the engine and replace any incorrect springs free of charge. The record does not say which Skyactiv-G displacement is affected.

Skyactiv-G 2.5 (2014–present)

The naturally aspirated 2.5 is Mazda's core US engine. It launched at 184 hp and 185 lb-ft in the 2014 Mazda3 and Mazda6, gained cylinder deactivation for 2018, and is rated 186–187 hp in current models.

Skyactiv-G 2.5 (2014–present) specifications

Skyactiv-G 2.5 (2014–present): design facts (2014–present)
SpecificationValue
Displacement2,488 cc[26]
Bore x stroke89.0 x 100.0 mm[26]
Compression ratio13.0:1[26]
Cylinder deactivationAdded for 2018 (CX-5 and Mazda6); outer two cylinders shut off at steady 25–50 mph[27]
EPA listing, 2014 CX-5 2WD2.0 L and 2.5 L fours[28]
First use of cylinder deactivation2018 CX-5, standard on all trims[16]
Fuel2020 CX-5 rated 187 hp and 186 lb-ft on regular or premium[29]
2026–2027 CX-5Carries over the Skyactiv-G 2.5 with standard AWD and a 6-speed automatic[24]

Skyactiv-G 2.5 (2014–present) horsepower and torque by year

Skyactiv-G 2.5 (2014–present): Mazda-published horsepower (hp) and torque (lb-ft) by model year and application
Model yearsApplicationHorsepower (hp)Torque (lb-ft)Source
2014Mazda3 and Mazda6184 hp at 5,700 rpm; 185 lb-ft at 3,250 rpm184185[3]
2015CX-5 2.5184185[7]
2018CX-5With cylinder deactivation187186[16]
2020CX-30186186[17]
2021Mazda3 2.5 S186186[5]
2021Mazda6Regular or premium fuel187186[18]
2023CX-50 2.5 S187186[19]
2025CX-5 2.5 S187186[20]
2026CX-30 2.5 SAny fuel grade186186[21]
2026CX-50 2.5 SRegular 87-octane fuel187185[22]
2026CX-5 (third generation)Figure in Mazda's July 2025 reveal187185[23]
2027CX-5Figure in Mazda's October 2026 pricing release187186[24]
2027Mazda3 2.5 S186186[25]

"—" means we could not confirm the figure from a primary source.

Which vehicles have the Skyactiv-G 2.5 (2014–present)?

Models and model years offered with the Skyactiv-G 2.5 (2014–present)
ModelModel yearsNotes
Mazda32014–present
Mazda62014–2021Discontinued in the US for 2022
CX-52014–present2.5 optional at first; standard engine in current models
CX-302020–present
CX-502023–present

Skyactiv-G 2.5 (2014–present) problems and what to check

Cylinder-deactivation software and intake rocker arms (recall 19V497) (2018–2019)

Major repair

Mazda said software for the hydraulic valve clearance adjuster could misbehave when the engine moved from cylinder deactivation back to four cylinders, letting an intake rocker arm slip out of position and contact engine parts. The recall covered 2018–2019 CX-5 and Mazda6 and 2019 Mazda3 vehicles.[30][31]

Symptoms

  • Engine misfire
  • Loss of engine power or a stall that may not restart
  • Malfunction indicator light

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup or Mazda's recall site for campaign 19V497 (Mazda 3719F)
  • Ask for service records showing the PCM reprogramming

Program: Safety recall 19V497 (Mazda 3719F): PCM software reprogrammed free of charge

Skyactiv-G 2.5 (2014–present) recalls

NHTSA safety recalls related to the Skyactiv-G 2.5 (2014–present) (campaign numbers link to NHTSA)
NHTSA campaignReportedVehiclesSummary
19V4972019-06-272018–2019 CX-5 and Mazda6, 2019 Mazda3262,220 vehiclesA PCM software error can cause the engine to stall. Mazda's statement ties it to the switch from cylinder deactivation back to full operation. Dealers reprogram the PCM free of charge.
14V1732014-04-032014 Mazda3, 2014–2015 Mazda6 with the 2.5L and regenerative engine braking5,700 vehiclesIn heavy rain or deep puddles the alternator belt can slip, and the PCM may wrongly decide the charging system has failed, which can lead to a stall. Dealers reprogram the PCM free of charge.

Related Mazda research

Confirm a car really has the Skyactiv-G 2.0 and 2.5 (naturally aspirated).

The engine a Mazda left the factory with is part of its build record. The CarWhere Mazda build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Mazda build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

Is Skyactiv-G a turbo engine?

Not by default. Skyactiv-G covers Mazda's naturally aspirated 2.0 and 2.5 four-cylinders, and Mazda also uses the name for the turbocharged Skyactiv-G 2.5T. The non-turbo 2.5 is rated 186–187 hp in current models, while the turbo makes 250–256 hp on premium fuel.

Which Mazdas have cylinder deactivation?

Mazda added cylinder deactivation to the naturally aspirated Skyactiv-G 2.5 for the 2018 CX-5 and Mazda6. Later CX-5 releases and the 2020 CX-30 release list it too. It shuts down the two outer cylinders at steady speeds between 25 and 50 mph.

How much horsepower does the MX-5 Miata's 2.0 make?

Since the 2019 model year, Mazda rates the MX-5's Skyactiv-G 2.0 at 181 hp at 7,000 rpm and 151 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm, with a 7,500 rpm redline. That was 26 hp and 3 lb-ft more than the 2016–2018 version.

Does the Skyactiv-G need premium fuel?

No. Mazda rates the naturally aspirated 2.5 on regular 87-octane fuel; several releases give the same 187 hp and 186 lb-ft on regular or premium. Only the turbocharged 2.5T gains power on 93-octane.

Was Skyactiv-X sold in the US?

Mazda listed Skyactiv-X for the European-specification CX-30 and launched it in the Mazda3 in Japan in 2019. None of the US model releases CarWhere reviewed include it, so US buyers will find only Skyactiv-G engines.

Sources

Ratings are Mazda-published figures as cited; descriptions are CarWhere’s own summaries of the sources below. Repair costs appear only where a source states them and vary by shop and region.

  1. 2012 Mazda3 Overview (press release, PDF) — Mazda North American Operations
  2. 2013 Mazda CX-5 Short-Lead Program overview (PDF) — Mazda North American Operations
  3. 2014 Mazda3 Overview (press release, PDF) — Mazda North American Operations
  4. Enhanced Engine, New Brown Soft Top for 2019 MX-5 Miata (Oct. 1, 2018) — Mazda North American Operations
  5. 2021 Mazda3: Well-Suited With Added Powertrains (July 8, 2020) — Mazda North American Operations
  6. 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata: Pricing and Packaging (Sept. 15, 2026) — Mazda North American Operations
  7. 2015 Mazda CX-5 Overview Press Release (PDF) — Mazda North American Operations
  8. 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata Packs More Punch, Features (June 20, 2018) — Mazda North American Operations
  9. Fuel economy listing: 2016 Mazda CX-5 — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  10. Fuel economy listing: 2018 Mazda3 — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  11. History (2010–2014) — Mazda Motor Corporation (mazda.com)
  12. History (2015–2019) — Mazda Motor Corporation (mazda.com)
  13. Mazda Next-Generation Technology - Press Information (Oct. 24, 2017) — Mazda North American Operations
  14. 2019 Geneva Auto Show Press Information - Mazda CX-30 (Mar. 5, 2019) — Mazda North American Operations
  15. Fuel economy listing: 2016 Mazda MX-5 — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  16. Mazda CX-5 Adds Numerous Upgrades After Being on Sale Just Nine Months (Nov. 22, 2017) — Mazda North American Operations
  17. 2020 Mazda CX-30: Inspiring The Road Ahead (Nov. 20, 2019) — Mazda North American Operations
  18. 2021 Mazda6: Standing Out From Its Class (Sept. 1, 2020) — Mazda North American Operations
  19. Mazda Announces Pricing and Packaging for 2023 CX-50 (Feb. 22, 2022) — Mazda North American Operations
  20. 2025 Mazda CX-5: Pricing and Packaging (July 16, 2024) — Mazda North American Operations
  21. 2026 Mazda CX-30: Pricing and Packaging (Sept. 18, 2025) — Mazda North American Operations
  22. 2026 Mazda CX-50: Pricing and Packaging (Sept. 16, 2025) — Mazda North American Operations
  23. Mazda Reveals All-New 2026 CX-5 (July 10, 2025) — Mazda North American Operations
  24. 2027 Mazda CX-5: Pricing and Packaging (Oct. 26, 2026) — Mazda North American Operations
  25. 2027 Mazda3: Pricing and Packaging (Nov. 3, 2026) — Mazda North American Operations
  26. 2014 Mazda6 Specifications (PDF) — Mazda North American Operations
  27. Re-Engineered, Refined Mazda6: Mazda's Path to Premium (Nov. 29, 2017) — Mazda North American Operations
  28. Fuel economy listing: 2014 Mazda CX-5 — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  29. 2020 Mazda CX-5 Continues To Separate Itself From Its Class (Nov. 12, 2019) — Mazda North American Operations
  30. Statement on Recall of Certain 2018 and 2019 MY Mazda CX-5, Mazda6 and 2019 Mazda3 Vehicles (July 10, 2019) — Mazda North American Operations
  31. NHTSA recall 19V497000: Software Error May Cause Engine Stall — NHTSA

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Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Mazda North American Operations or Mazda Motor Corporation. Mazda and the model names are trademarks of their owners.