Mazda Inline-6 Engine: Horsepower, Specs & How It Works

Mazda's 3.3-litre turbocharged Inline-6 engine is one of the most distinctive powertrains available in the brand's current Canadian SUV lineup.

Found in the Mazda CX-70 Mild Hybrid Inline 6 Turbo and Mazda CX-90 Mild Hybrid Inline 6 Turbo, the e-Skyactiv G engine combines six-cylinder performance with Mazda's 48-volt M Hybrid Boost system, an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard i-ACTIV AWD.

What Is the Mazda Inline-6 Engine?

Mazda's Inline-6 is a 3.3-litre turbocharged six-cylinder gasoline engine developed for Mazda's larger rear-biased vehicle platform.

Unlike a V6, which divides six cylinders between two banks, an inline-six arranges all six cylinders in a single row.

This configuration is naturally well balanced, helping the engine deliver smooth power with reduced vibration.

Mazda pairs the engine with its M Hybrid Boost mild-hybrid system and an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Mazda Inline-6 Engine Specs

Mazda offers the 3.3L e-Skyactiv G Inline-6 Turbo in different output levels depending on model and trim.

How Much Horsepower Does the Mazda Inline-6 Make?

The standard-output Mazda 3.3L Inline-6 Turbo produces 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque.

Mazda also offers a high-output version capable of producing up to 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque when operating on the recommended premium fuel.

The high-output engine can also operate on regular gasoline, although maximum horsepower is reduced.

This gives Mazda shoppers a choice between strong everyday performance and a higher-output configuration for drivers who want additional acceleration and capability.

Which Mazda Models Have the Inline-6 Engine?

In Canada, Mazda currently uses its 3.3L Inline-6 Turbo in two SUVs:

• Mazda CX-70 Mild Hybrid Inline 6 Turbo
• Mazda CX-90 Mild Hybrid Inline 6 Turbo

Both use the same fundamental e-Skyactiv G engine architecture, but they serve different types of drivers.

The CX-70 is a two-row SUV with seating for five, while the CX-90 is a three-row SUV designed for drivers who need additional passenger capacity.

Mazda CX-70 Inline-6

The Mazda CX-70 combines the Inline-6 powertrain with a two-row SUV layout.

It is designed for drivers who want generous cargo capacity and strong performance without requiring a third row of seating.

Depending on trim, the CX-70 Inline-6 is available with either the standard-output or high-output version of Mazda's 3.3L turbo engine.

Select CX-70 Inline-6 configurations are rated to tow up to 5,000 lb (2,268 kg) when properly equipped.

Mazda CX-90 Inline-6

The Mazda CX-90 uses the same Inline-6 engine family in a larger three-row SUV.

It combines six-cylinder performance with family-oriented passenger capacity, standard i-ACTIV AWD and Mazda's rear-biased vehicle architecture.

The CX-90's standard towing capability is 3,500 lb (1,588 kg), with select configurations capable of towing up to 5,000 lb (2,268 kg) when properly equipped.

Mazda CX-70 vs CX-90 Inline-6

Why Did Mazda Choose an Inline-6?

One of the major advantages of an inline-six engine is its inherent mechanical balance.

The cylinders are arranged in a straight line, allowing the movement of the engine's internal components to naturally counterbalance one another.

This can result in smoother operation and reduced vibration compared with some other engine configurations.

Mazda uses those characteristics to support the refined driving experience it wanted for the CX-70 and CX-90.

Mazda Inline-6 vs V6

Both an inline-six and a V6 use six cylinders, but their layouts are fundamentally different.

A V6 divides the cylinders into two banks arranged in a V shape. An inline-six places all six cylinders in a single straight row.

The inline configuration is naturally balanced and can provide exceptionally smooth power delivery. A V6 is physically shorter, which can make it easier to package in vehicles designed around transverse engine layouts.

Mazda designed its larger vehicle architecture specifically to accommodate the longitudinal Inline-6 powertrain.

Is the Mazda Inline-6 a Hybrid?

Yes, but it is important to understand what type of hybrid it is.

Mazda pairs the Inline-6 with its 48-volt M Hybrid Boost mild-hybrid system.

The system uses a small electric motor and lithium-ion battery to support the gasoline engine, recover energy and help improve overall efficiency.

It is not a plug-in hybrid and does not need to be connected to an external charger.

How Does Mazda M Hybrid Boost Work?

M Hybrid Boost uses a 48-volt electrical system integrated with the vehicle's powertrain.

The electric motor can assist the gasoline engine and recover energy that can be stored in the lithium-ion battery.

Mazda's system is designed to complement the Inline-6 rather than transform the CX-70 or CX-90 into electric vehicles.

The result is a mild-hybrid powertrain that retains the characteristics of Mazda's turbocharged six-cylinder engine while adding electrified assistance.

Does the Mazda Inline-6 Need Premium Gas?

It depends on the engine configuration.

The standard-output Inline-6 is designed to produce 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque on regular gasoline.

Mazda's high-output version achieves its maximum 340 horsepower using premium fuel.

The high-output engine can operate on regular gasoline, but peak horsepower is lower than when using the recommended premium fuel.

Mazda Inline-6 High Output on Regular Gas

Mazda rates the high-output 3.3L Inline-6 Turbo at 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque with 93-octane gasoline.

When using 87-octane regular gasoline, output is approximately 319 horsepower, while Mazda lists the same 369 lb-ft peak torque figure.

Drivers looking for maximum rated performance should therefore use the fuel recommended for the high-output engine.

Mazda Inline-6 Transmission

The Inline-6 is paired with Mazda's 8-speed automatic transmission.

Mazda developed this transmission as part of the same large-platform powertrain strategy used for the CX-70 and CX-90.

The engine, transmission, mild-hybrid system and AWD system work together to provide smooth acceleration and responsive power delivery.

Does the Mazda Inline-6 Have AWD?

Yes. Canadian CX-70 and CX-90 Inline-6 models are equipped with i-ACTIV AWD.

The system continuously manages power distribution based on vehicle and driving conditions.

For drivers in Woodstock and throughout Southwestern Ontario, standard AWD can be particularly useful when dealing with rain, snow and rapidly changing winter road conditions.

How Much Can a Mazda Inline-6 Tow?

Towing capacity depends on the vehicle and configuration rather than the engine alone.

The Mazda CX-90 Inline-6 has a standard towing capacity of 3,500 lb, with up to 5,000 lb available on select trims when properly equipped.

Select CX-70 Inline-6 configurations can also tow up to 5,000 lb when properly equipped.

Always confirm the towing rating and equipment requirements for the specific vehicle before towing.

Is the Mazda Inline-6 Reliable?

Reliability depends on factors including maintenance, operating conditions and long-term vehicle use.

Mazda's 3.3L Inline-6 is a relatively new engine family compared with some of the company's long-running four-cylinder engines, so long-term reliability data will continue to develop as more CX-70 and CX-90 vehicles accumulate mileage.

Following Mazda's recommended maintenance schedule and using the appropriate fluids and fuel are important for any turbocharged powertrain.

Is the Mazda Inline-6 a Good Engine?

The Mazda Inline-6 is particularly well suited to drivers looking for smooth power delivery, strong torque and a more performance-oriented experience from a midsize SUV.

The standard-output engine provides plenty of performance for everyday driving, while the high-output version offers additional horsepower for drivers who prioritize acceleration and capability.

Combined with standard i-ACTIV AWD and M Hybrid Boost, the engine gives the CX-70 and CX-90 a distinctive powertrain compared with many four-cylinder SUVs.

Mazda Inline-6 FAQs

What size is Mazda's Inline-6 engine?

Mazda's current Inline-6 is a 3.3-litre turbocharged e-Skyactiv G six-cylinder gasoline engine.

How much horsepower does the Mazda Inline-6 have?

The standard-output version produces 280 horsepower. The high-output version can produce up to 340 horsepower when using the recommended premium fuel.

How much torque does the Mazda Inline-6 make?

The standard engine produces 332 lb-ft of torque, while the high-output version produces 369 lb-ft.

Which Mazda has an Inline-6?

In Mazda Canada's current lineup, the CX-70 Mild Hybrid Inline 6 Turbo and CX-90 Mild Hybrid Inline 6 Turbo use Mazda's 3.3L turbocharged Inline-6 engine.

Is the Mazda Inline-6 turbocharged?

Yes. Mazda's 3.3L Inline-6 uses turbocharging in both its standard and high-output configurations.

Is the Mazda Inline-6 a mild hybrid?

Yes. The engine is paired with Mazda's 48-volt M Hybrid Boost mild-hybrid system.

Do you have to plug in a Mazda Inline-6?

No. M Hybrid Boost is a mild-hybrid system and does not require external charging.

Does the Mazda Inline-6 require premium fuel?

The standard-output version produces its rated 280 horsepower on regular gasoline. Premium fuel is used to achieve the maximum 340-horsepower rating of the high-output engine.

Is a Mazda Inline-6 better than a V6?

Neither configuration is automatically better for every vehicle. Inline-six engines offer excellent inherent balance and smoothness, while V6 engines are more compact. Mazda designed the CX-70 and CX-90 platform specifically around the Inline-6 configuration.

Does the Mazda Inline-6 have AWD?

Yes. Canadian Mazda CX-70 and CX-90 Inline-6 models come with i-ACTIV AWD.

Experience Mazda's Inline-6 in Woodstock, Ontario

The best way to understand the difference between Mazda's standard and high-output Inline-6 engines is to experience them on the road.

Woodstock Mazda can help you compare the Mazda CX-70 and CX-90, explore available Inline-6 trims and determine which configuration best fits your passenger, cargo, towing and performance requirements.

Vehicle specifications, horsepower, towing capacity, fuel requirements and equipment are subject to change and may vary by model and trim. Towing requires appropriate equipment and should not exceed the rating of the specific vehicle. Consult Mazda Canada or Woodstock Mazda for current Canadian specifications.