Does the Mazda have a Ford engine?

No. Mazda's current lineup uses engines designed and built by Mazda, not Ford. The two companies have a shared history, but today Mazda relies on its own SkyActiv powertrains for most models.

This article traces the historical ties between Mazda and Ford, explains Mazda's present engine strategy, and clarifies what that means for buyers and owners in 2024 and beyond.

A historical partnership with Ford

From the late 20th century into the early 2010s, Ford and Mazda collaborated on engineering and platforms. A notable outcome of that partnership was the MZR engine family, developed with Ford involvement and used across various Mazda models during the 2000s and early 2010s. The MZR family included naturally aspirated and turbocharged four-cylinders, such as 2.0L, 2.3L, and turbo variants that powered cars like the Mazdaspeed lineup and mid-size Mazdas.

Beyond engines, the alliance extended to shared platforms and joint development of vehicles intended for global markets. As the relationship evolved, Mazda began emphasizing its own engineering program under the SkyActiv umbrella, while Ford pursued a separate engine and product strategy. By the mid-2010s, Mazda clearly shifted toward independent powertrain development, and Ford engines no longer power Mazda’s mainstream lineup.

In short, the historical collaboration yielded important technology in the past, but Mazda’s current models are not Ford-powered.

Mazda's current engine technology

Today, Mazda designs and builds its engines in-house under the SkyActiv banner, focusing on efficiency, weight reduction, and refined performance. This marks a clear departure from Ford-supplied powertrains in Mazda’s contemporary models.

SkyActiv-G, SkyActiv-X, and SkyActiv-D explainer

• SkyActiv-G gasoline engines with high compression ratios and modern efficiency improvements, including common-displacement options across Mazda’s recent lineup.


• SkyActiv-X engines, a higher-efficiency technology that uses a spark-ignition / compression-ignition concept (where available) to improve power and economy in select markets and models.


• SkyActiv-D diesel engines offered in certain regions, designed for efficiency and torque; availability varies by model and market.

Overall, Mazda’s current powertrains are Mazda-developed efforts rather than Ford-derived units, aligning with the automaker’s emphasis on lightweight design and fuel efficiency.

What this means for buyers

If you are shopping for a Mazda today, you should expect an engine family built by Mazda engineers, not Ford. This has implications for maintenance, parts sourcing, and performance characteristics, all tailored to Mazda’s SkyActiv philosophy.

• Engine design and efficiency are driven by Mazda’s internal team, focusing on compression, thermal management, and weight reduction.


• Service and parts logistics revolve around Mazda’s dealer network and parts catalog; Ford-specific engine components are not standard in current Mazdas.


• Used-car considerations: older Mazda models from the mid-2000s to early-2010s might be found with MZR engines in some markets, but new Mazda models use SkyActiv engines exclusively.

For prospective buyers and current owners, the takeaway is clear: Mazda’s modern powertrains are independent of Ford’s engine lineup, aligned with Mazda’s own efficiency and performance goals.

Summary

Mazda does not currently use Ford engines in its new vehicles. The historical relationship produced the MZR engine family used in earlier Mazda models, but Mazda has since moved to its own SkyActiv engines—Gasoline (SkyActiv-G), Spark-ignition/Compression-ignition (SkyActiv-X), and Diesel (SkyActiv-D) where offered. As a result, contemporary Mazdas are powered by Mazda-designed engines, with Ford involvement largely a matter of historical context rather than present-day powertrains.

What mazdas have Ford engines?

To my knowledge Mazda has only once used a 4-cylinder Ford engine in the 1st gen Mazda Tribute (2.0 Zetec), otherwise only Ford V6's in the Tribute (3.0 Duratec), 2nd gen MPV (2.5/3.0 Duratec) and 1st gen CX-9 (3.5/3.7 MZI).

Is the Mazda 2.5 engine made by Ford?

Ford 2.5L Duratec 25 Engine (Four-Cylinder)
This engine was developed in partnership with Mazda (part of the MZR family), but under Ford ownership, which explains why it was used in a variety of different vehicle applications from one brand to the next.

Who makes engines for Mazda?

Mazda makes its own engines, with major manufacturing facilities in Japan and a subsidiary in Mexico that produces engines for the North and South American markets. Other regional plants, such as those in Thailand and China, also contribute to global demand, ensuring that engines are produced in various locations to meet regional needs.
 

• Japan: The headquarters and key engine manufacturing operations are located in Japan. Japan serves as the primary center for engine design and production. 
• Mexico: A subsidiary in Salamanca, Mexico, plays a critical role in producing gasoline and diesel engines for Mazda vehicles sold in North and South America. 
• Thailand: Mazda has an engine manufacturing plant in Thailand that started production in 2015 to support the Southeast Asian market. 
• China: A joint venture in China produces engines for the region. 

While Mazda handles its own engine manufacturing, it has a partnership with Toyota, resulting in a shared manufacturing plant in Huntsville, Alabama, for assembling vehicles.

Does Ford Motors own Mazda?

No, Ford does not own Mazda, although they had a significant partnership for decades. Ford began selling its shares in Mazda in 2008 and had completely divested its ownership by 2015, making Mazda a fully independent company. Mazda is now a separate, publicly traded Japanese automaker.
 

• Past partnership: Ford and Mazda had a long-standing alliance where Ford held a major stake and they shared platforms and technology. 
• Divestment: Following the 2008 financial crisis, Ford began selling its shares in Mazda. This process was completed by 2015. 
• Current status: Mazda is now an independent company with its ownership dispersed among various shareholders, including Japanese banks and investment companies. 
• Strategic alliances: While not owned by Ford, Mazda has formed new alliances, including a strategic partnership with Toyota, which holds a small stake in Mazda.