SKYACTIV-G is a family of direct injection gasoline engines. The engine compression ratio is increased to 14:1. To reduce the chance of engine knock at high compression, residual gas is reduced by using a 4-2-1 exhaust system, implementing a piston cavity, and optimizing fuel injection. In addition, combustion duration is shortened by intensifying air flow, increasing injection pressure, using multi-hole injectors, and having a piston cavity.
The U.S. version of the CX-5 debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The only engine available is a direct-injected, 2.0-liter four-cylinder Skyactiv-G gasoline engine with 155 bhp (116 kW; 157 PS), which is less than the 163 bhp (122 kW; 165 PS) first reported. However, it is rated at 26 mpg city and 32 mpg highway with automatic transmission and 26 mpg city and 35 mpg highway with manual transmission.