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e-Skyactiv D 3.3 vs 2.5 TDI R5: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the e-Skyactiv D 3.3 carries less risk than the 2.5 TDI R5: 21/100 (low risk) versus 45/100 (moderate risk). The e-Skyactiv D 3.3 has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Stalling and restart failures due to control unit software»; the 2.5 TDI R5 has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Plasma coating flaking off the cylinders».

Risk index

e-Skyactiv D 3.3

21

Low risk · 2 serious faults

Lower risk

Risk index

2.5 TDI R5

45

Moderate risk · 2 serious faults

The index (0–100) weights the severity and frequency of the three most serious documented faults. How it is calculated

11 sourcesHow we work

Is the e-Skyactiv D 3.3 reliable?

The e-Skyactiv D 3.3 is an inline-six diesel with mild-hybrid assistance that Mazda debuted in the CX-60. It is a very recent engine: there is no in-service reliability data, and what is documented are software recalls (stalling, restarting, clutch) fixed at the official dealer.[1][2][3]

See the 2 of the e-Skyactiv D 3.3 faults

Is the 2.5 TDI R5 reliable?

The 2.5 TDI R5 in the T5 and the Touareg has a poor reputation: camshaft wear, pump injectors and cylinder coating. The later series were more reliable. It is not Audi's V6 TDI.[4][5][6]

See the 5 of the 2.5 TDI R5 faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of e-Skyactiv D 3.3 and 2.5 TDI R5
e-Skyactiv D 3.32.5 TDI R5
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelDieselDiesel
Displacement3,283 cm³2,461 cm³
Timing—Timing belt (dry)
Power254 hp88–174 hp
Productionsince 2022[7][8]2003–2011[9][10][11]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)21Low risk45Moderate risk
Documented faults25
Of high or critical severity22
Worst severityHigh severityCritical severity
Main faults
  1. High severity: Stalling and restart failures due to control unit software
  2. High severity: Clutch between engine and electric motor that does not re-engage after braking
  1. Critical severity: Plasma coating flaking off the cylinders
  2. High severity: Camshaft and hydraulic tappet wear
  3. Medium severity: Leaks and play in the unit injectors
Most expensive documented repairNo reliable dataNo reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versionsNoneNone
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • 3.3 e-Skyactiv D 254 (T3-VPTS, 2022-present)[1][2][3]
  • 2.5 TDI 130 and 174 hp with DPF (BNZ, BPC, 2006-2009)[4]
  • 2.5 TDI common rail Crafter (88 to 163 hp, 2006-2011)[11]
AvoidVersions to avoidNone
  • 2.5 TDI 130 and 174 hp (AXD, AXE, 2003-2006)[4]

Severity of each fault: green, low; amber, medium; red, high; dark red, critical. How we rate them

Cars that each one is fitted to

e-Skyactiv D 3.3

2.5 TDI R5

Other comparisons

With the e-Skyactiv D 3.3

With the 2.5 TDI R5

Compare other engines

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Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. DVSA – base de llamadas a revisión (Mazda CX-60)DVSA (Reino Unido) · Official body · consulted 29 October 2026
  2. Mazda CX-60 (2022 – 2024): engine stall (Safety Gate SR/01913/25)Car-Recalls.eu · Official body · published 23 May 2025 · consulted 29 October 2026
  3. Mazda CX-60: The engine not responding to the accelerator after stopping (KBA 14131R)Car-Recalls.eu · Official body · published 11 August 2025 · consulted 29 October 2026
  4. VW T5 4Motion Gebrauchtwagen-TestAuto Bild · Motoring press · consulted 5 October 2026 · in German
  5. Kaufberatung gebrauchter VW T5 (2003-2015)Promobil · Motoring press · consulted 5 October 2026 · in German
  6. Ratgeber Technik: Fehler VW T5Auto Bild · Motoring press · consulted 5 October 2026 · in German
  7. Skyactiv (apartado Skyactiv-D 3.3)Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 29 October 2026
  8. Mazda CX-60 3.3 e-Skyactiv D MHEV 254ps AWD HomuraPractical Caravan · Motoring press · consulted 29 October 2026
  9. VW T5Wikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in German
  10. VW Touareg IWikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in German
  11. Volkswagen CrafterWikipedia (es) · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in Spanish