Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.Mazda's Best-Seller Starts a New ChapterThe Mazda CX-5 isn't just another crossover – it's the backbone of the Japanese marque. Since 2011, it's become Mazda's global sales champ, shaping what we expect from the company's modern lineup. Earlier this year, it smashed through the five-million mark in worldwide production and sales, joining a very exclusive club with just two other Mazda models.The new generation isn't slowing down, either. Mazda claims over 10,000 orders for the CX-5 in Japan as of June 21 – just a month after launch. For context, Mazda only expected to move 2,000 units a month, so demand has blown past the target by more than five times. Not bad for a fresh face.MazdaBuyers Are Choosing the Premium VersionsMazda says everyone's getting in on the action, from first-time buyers to retirees. Early feedback? It's all about practicality and comfort.AdvertisementAdvertisementAccording to Mazda, owners are loving the bigger back seat, wider doors, and the fact that wrangling a child seat is less of a wrestling match. The extra space also means more room for road trips and car camping – just in case you want to turn your CX-5 into a mobile hotel.Japanese buyers aren't messing around with base models, either. A whopping 65% are going for the top-shelf L grade, 32% pick the mid-range G, and only 3% settle for the entry-level S. Clearly, most folks want their CX-5s loaded with Mazda's latest features.Premium options are getting plenty of love, too. About 40% of L-grade buyers are choosing the Sport Tan interior, and Rhodium White Premium Metallic is the runaway favorite for exterior color, grabbing a quarter of all orders.MazdaThe Giant Screen Wasn't a Deal BreakerThe new CX-5's interior has stirred up plenty of contention, especially from internet users. As you know by now, the new-generation version ditched a bunch of old-school buttons in favor of a giant touchscreen.AdvertisementAdvertisementMazda stands by the move, saying the bigger screen and new interface actually make things less distracting and easier to use. The company also points out that drivers are getting used to smartphone-style controls anyway.Judging by the sales, Japanese buyers aren't put off by the tech overhaul. In fact, Mazda says plenty of customers are raving about the big screen and new infotainment, calling them upgrades that make the cabin a nicer place to be.MazdaView the 5 images of this gallery on the original articleThis story was originally published by Autoblog on Jun 24, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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