The 2nd-generation Mazda CX-5 is the brand's best-selling model by a significant margin, and it's also the fourth best-selling small crossover in America, outsold by the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and the Hyundai Tucson. It's easily our favorite one out of the four because of its style, driving dynamics, quality, and easy tech. What remains to be seen is whether or not the brand will redesign it for a 3rd-generation model or if it will be replaced altogether.
It was hard (and still is hard) to tell what the brand is doing with the CX-5. It was recently (2022) mildly refreshed with headlights and taillights from the new CX-50. The CX-5 also received smoothed out front and rear fascias, an updated grille with a new mesh pattern, and even more supportive seats. Mazda even went so far as to revise the suspension and transmission, bump the horsepower from 250 to 256, and make all-wheel drive standard across the trim line.
Shortly after, Mazda introduced the new and similarly sized CX-50, which looks more rugged than the CX-5 and is built more for mild off-roading than the CX-5. It also started selling the CX-60 overseas. Both of these vehicles mark a new direction for the brand without sacrificing the style, quality, and driving dynamics Mazda is known for. The question remains, will the CX-5 stay? The Japanese-built CX-60 is already selling overseas, and it will purportedly come to the states next year as the CX-70. Is there room enough in the stable for these three: CX-50, CX-70, and the CX-5?
Even Mazda doesn't seem to know what it wants to do because they stated just that. The Mazda CX-5 program manager, Mitsuru Wakiie said, “I’m not sure whether we are going to introduce a CX-5 or not, so I can’t give you any details.” It would be important to see how the CX-70 is received stateside before making any decisions, but they should have some kind of strategy. The CX-5 is easily the most successful model in the history of the brand, so it behooves them to think carefully about the next move.
Supposedly, the CX-70 will have either an inline-six gasoline engine with a 48-volt hybrid system or a plug-in-hybrid drivetrain with a 2.5-liter inline-four. The inline-six will likely be the same 340-horsepower, turbocharged 3.3-liter engine that's in the new CX-90. The plug-in-hybrid version may share its powertrain with the CX-60, which offers a combined output of 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. It also has an all-electric driving range of 39 miles.
Time will tell what Mazda will do, but we're sure that they will perpetuate their reputation for building some of the best vehicles in the industry. Nobody does vehicles for this price the way Mazda does, and it's no longer a well-kept secret.
Find Local Discounts on the Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 is one of our favorite crossovers. Read our road trip article below:
2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Signature AWD
