The automaker has not confirmed whether a next-generation model is coming.
The popular Mazda CX-5 may not receive a third-generation successor despite the fact the compact crossover was the Japanese automaker's global best-seller last year. Speaking to Australia's Car Expert, CX-5 program manager Mitsuru Wakiie could not promise a third-generation model will come. “I'm not sure whether we are going to introduce a CX-5 or not, so I can't give you any details.” He refused to elaborate further.
The crossover received a facelift for the 2022 model year, so it's expected the current generation will remain in production and on sale for at least a few more years.
Beyond that is anyone's guess, at least according to Wakiie. So what could be the reason for Mazda dropping the CX-5, which first hit the market back in late 2012?
Mazda Mazda Mazda
The possible answer is the all-new CX-50, which went on sale a few months ago. The Alabama-built CX-50 has a more rugged exterior appearance and is also more spacious inside. The overseas-only CX-60 is also expected to spawn the CX-70, which will be sold in the US.
And there's the larger CX-90 flagship crossover, which was revealed to the world a few days ago. The CX-5 is no longer necessary.
Mazda sold 365,135 examples of the CX-5 globally last year – more than double Mazda3 sales, which totaled 173,619 units. The second-generation CX-5, which hit the market in 2017, is still reasonably luxurious for its price point and segment, but Mazda has been steadily moving upmarket over the past few years.
Mazda Mazda Mazda
The CX-50 and CX-90 are proven examples, and the CX-5 could find itself out of place compared to these latest offerings. Assuming, for a moment, this rumor is true, it would not be the first time Mazda dropped a model in favor of something else.
Previously, the Mazda CX-3 was replaced by the CX-30, a sportier compact crossover with sleeker exterior styling and a higher ride height. The CX-3 never sold very well in the US, but the CX-30 is doing just fine. Mazda reported a total of 52,808 CX-30s were sold in the US in 2022. To compare, just 5,100 CX-3s were sold in 2021.
But the CX-5 sold an impressive 151,594 examples in 2022, making it Mazda's best-seller in the US. The CX-50 might have done better if Mazda had the capacity to build more.
Mazda Mazda Mazda
Keyword: Mazda's Best-Selling CX-5 SUV May Not Have A Future