What type of transmission fluid does the Mazda 3/Mazda 2/Mazda CX-5 use? How to determine it based on the vehicle model, transmission code, and OEM standard.

Do the Mazda 3, Mazda 2, and Mazda CX-5 use the same type of transmission fluid?

It should not be assumed that all Mazda models use the same type of transmission fluid.

In fact, Mazda has used many different generations of engines and transmissions. Vehicles using SKYACTIV technology often experience transmission fluid issues.Mazda ATF FZMeanwhile, some older Mazda 3 models using the MZR 1.6 engine were designated by Mazda.ATF M-VIn some configurations of the new generation Mazda 3 using SKYACTIV-X, Mazda also specifies...ATF A7. Mazda Owner's Manual

Therefore, the correct way to choose oil should be in this order:

Vehicle model → engine → transmission type/code → OEM standard → compatible product.

This is a much safer approach than simply asking, "What type of oil does Mazda use?".

 

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What type of transmission fluid does the Mazda 3 use?

The Mazda 3 is the clearest example of how the same model but different generations can require different types of oil.

Older generation Mazda 3 with MZR 1.6 engine

According to Mazda's technical documentation, the Mazda 3 uses an engine.MZR 1.6For automatic transmissions as specified:

Mazda Original Oil ATF M-V. Mazda Owner's Manual

This is a group of vehicles that requires special attention because you shouldn't automatically switch to ATF FZ just because newer Mazda models use FZ.

Mazda 3 SKYACTIV-G

The Mazda 3 uses SKYACTIV-G engines such as:

• SKYACTIV-G 1.5

• SKYACTIV-G 2.0

• SKYACTIV-G 2.5

Mazda specifies the following oil types:

Mazda Genuine/Original ATF FZ. Mazda Owner's Manual

This is the type of oil used in many of Mazda's SKYACTIV-Drive automatic transmissions.

Mazda also announced the total displacement of the automatic transmission on some SKYACTIV-G configurations, approximately.7.8 litersHowever, this is the system capacity, which doesn't mean that every oil change requires exactly this amount. The actual amount of oil to be replaced also depends on the draining method, whether the oil pan is removed, and the condition of the system. Mazda Owner's Manual

Mazda 3 SKYACTIV-X

One easily overlooked point is that some Mazda 3 models use different engines.SKYACTIV-X 2.0Do not use ATF FZ.

Mazda designates:

Mazda Genuine ATF A7for SKYACTIV-X 2.0. Mazda Owner's Manual

This shows that even in the new generation of Mazda 3, one shouldn't choose oil based solely on the name "Mazda 3".

 

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What type of transmission fluid does the Mazda 2 use?

With several versions of the Mazda 2 using the SKYACTIV-G 1.3 or 1.5 engine and automatic transmission, official Mazda documentation specifies:

Mazda Original Oil ATF FZ. Mazda Owner's Manual

Therefore, with the Mazda 2 SKYACTIV using an automatic transmission, ATF FZ is a common standard feature.

However, it's still advisable to check the vehicle's make and model and technical specifications before changing the oil, especially for imported vehicles or those that have undergone major repairs.

 

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What type of transmission fluid does the Mazda CX-5 use?

The Mazda CX-5 uses the SKYACTIV-Drive transmission on various engine configurations.

In Mazda's technical documentation for the CX-5, the versions used are:

• SKYACTIV-G 2.0

• SKYACTIV-G 2.5

• SKYACTIV-G 2.5T

• SKYACTIV-D 2.2

All are specified automatic transmission fluid:

Mazda Genuine special fluid ATF FZ. Mazda Owner's Manual

On some CX-5s, Mazda states the total automatic transmission fluid capacity is approximately:

• 7.8 liters for SKYACTIV-G 2.0/2.5

• 8.0 liters for SKYACTIV-D 2.2

However, this is still a reference system capacity and not a fixed amount for every maintenance. Mazda Owner's Manual

 

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Quick guide to differentiating transmission fluid for Mazda 3, Mazda 2, and Mazda CX-5.

This table is for quick reference. When changing the oil, it's still advisable to check the VIN, engine, and transmission information.

 

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What is ATF FZ?

ATF FZ is an automatic transmission fluid developed by Mazda for various SKYACTIV-Drive transmissions.

These gearboxes require oil with the appropriate viscosity and friction properties to:

• Hydraulic pressure control

• Engage and disengage the clutches.

• Lock-up clutch control

• Assisting with the gear shifting process.

• Cools and protects internal components.

This is why you shouldn't use just any type of ATF simply because it's red or advertised as "for Japanese cars."