Smooth Operator: Why Mazda Chose Inline-Six Over Downsized Turbos

The automotive world has been moving toward smaller, turbocharged engines for years. Most manufacturers have downsized to four-cylinder powerplants, trading away the natural balance and character that comes with six cylinders. Mazda took the opposite approach with their Large Platform vehicles, engineering a clean-slate 3.3L inline-six turbocharged engine that powers both the CX-70 and CX-90. This decision earned recognition from the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada, winning Best Technical Innovation in 2025 for its MHEV powertrains.

The inline-six configuration offers inherent advantages that V6 engines simply cannot match. Each cylinder fires in sequence, creating a naturally balanced engine with minimal vibrations. The result is a powertrain that feels composed and refined, especially during the long highway stretches that define driving across Ontario. From Woodstock to Thunder Bay, this engine maintains its smooth character through Muskoka's winding roads and along the Trans-Canada Highway.

At a Glance: CX-70 vs. CX-90 Inline-Six Options

The Science Behind Inline-Six Smoothness

Unlike V6 engines, which mount cylinders in two banks at an angle, inline-six engines arrange all cylinders in a straight line. This layout creates primary and secondary balance. Each time a cylinder fires, another one is completing its cycle 120 degrees later, creating a continuous flow of power pulses. The 48-volt M-Hybrid Boost system adds an electric motor that produces 16.9 hp and 113 lb-ft of torque, smoothing out low-end power delivery even further.

The 8-speed automatic transmission uses a small electric motor instead of a conventional torque converter. This design improves acceleration from rest and creates smoother gear changes. AJAC Innovation Awards jurors noted that this approach delivers benefits across multiple areas: boosting efficiency, improving acceleration, and enhancing both driving dynamics and frontal crash safety.

Sound Character and Driving Experience

The inline-six produces a distinct sound signature that differs markedly from V6 engines. V6s create a somewhat uneven firing pattern that can produce rougher tones under acceleration. The inline-six's even firing order generates a smoother, more consistent note that many drivers find more refined, especially during highway cruising as the engine settles into a steady rhythm.

This sound character becomes particularly noticeable during longer drives. The engine's inherent balance means less vibration transmitted through the chassis, reducing fatigue during extended trips. Road trips across Ontario benefit from this refinement, from cottage country drives to the journey to Toronto.

The key benefits include:

• Natural engine balance reduces vibrations throughout the vehicle
• Even firing order creates consistent power delivery
• 48-volt mild-hybrid system smooths low-speed operation
• Electric motor in transmission eliminates torque converter harshness

Performance Across Two Output Levels

Mazda offers the inline-six in two configurations. The standard version produces 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque using regular fuel. The high-output version delivers 340 hp and 369 lb-ft with premium fuel, dropping to 319 hp with regular fuel. Both versions use the same fundamental engine architecture, maintaining the same smooth characteristics across the power range.

The high-output version brings additional performance for drivers who frequently tow or need extra acceleration capability. Both versions maintain their refined character during Highway 401 merging or climbing through the hills north of Woodstock.

Which Configuration Suits Your Driving?

For most drivers in Ontario, the standard 280 hp version provides ample performance for daily driving and occasional highway trips. The additional smoothness compared to four-cylinder engines becomes most apparent during sustained highway speeds and when carrying passengers or cargo.

The high-output version makes sense for drivers who regularly tow trailers, frequently carry full loads, or simply prefer the additional acceleration capability. The CX-70 GT-P can tow up to 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs), while the CX-90 manages 1,588 kg (3,500 lbs) due to its three-row configuration and different weight distribution.

Experience Mazda's Inline-Six Innovation at Woodstock Mazda

The inline-six engine shows Mazda's focus on engineering solutions that enhance the driving experience rather than simply following industry trends. This powertrain's natural balance and refined character suit Ontario's diverse driving conditions, from city streets to highway touring.

Book your test drive today at our Woodstock dealership to experience how the inline-six's smooth power delivery and distinctive sound character enhance both daily commuting and weekend adventures across Ontario.