The increase was nearly 32% compared to January 2023, and Mazda also emphasized the record-breaking January sales for the CX-30 and CX-50 crossover models. However, that doesn’t mean its single-digit CX choices took a step back. In fact, as always, the CX-5 compact crossover SUV represented Mazda’s top-selling vehicle series with over 10k units sold.
Even though it’s no longer young, as it was introduced in late 2016, nothing can compare to the second-generation Mazda CX-5. However, the Japanese carmaker cannot be complacent as the competition is also active. For instance, recently, Chevrolet launched the all-new Equinox, and it won’t be long before Toyota’s RAV4, the sector’s best-seller, gets a new generation.
For what it’s valued, Mazda is very involved in the North American market – after releasing the updated Mazda MX-5 Miata (which saw a sales increase of over 46% in January), it also announced the first-ever Mazda CX-70 for the US market. Essentially a two-row version of the CX-90 with minor design changes, the CX-70 has the same bodywork, length, and powertrain options.
It makes sense that Mazda should soon begin the new generation change process for the popular CX-5 after addressing the flagship mid-size crossover SUV segment – and maybe it could even feature the same Large Product Group platform as the CX-60, CX-70, and CX-90 (plus the upcoming CX-80). This way, it would have access to rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) longitudinal engine options, including the turbo inline-six e-Skyactiv mild hybrid engine or the 2.5-liter inline-four e-Skyactiv Plug-In Hybrid option. Thus, it would be well-prepared to face competitors like the Equinox (GM is also planning plug-in hybrids) or Honda CR-V Hybrid and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.
However, some individuals believe that it will not be sufficient, and instead, Mazda also needs to consider a proper electric vehicle (EV) after the recent North American setback with the MX-30 crossover EV. Some even believe that from across the imaginative realm of digital car content creators. For example, Vince Burlapp (aka vburlapp on social media or burlappcar.com) is a prolific virtual artist who loves to envision all the latest models across the wide-ranging automotive realm – and recently imagined the hypothetical appearance of the next-generation Mazda CX-5 EV.
So, do you think it’s time for Mazda to move in the right direction with a zero-emissions version of the third-generation CX-5 since this is the most popular model series in the lineup? Or is the Japanese carmaker immune to EVs because the excitement surrounding them has started to diminish?