Mazda CX-5 Reaches a Significant Milestone
The Mazda CX-5 crossover, which debuted in 2011, has officially surpassed the milestone of 5 million units produced and sold by the end of 2025. This figure makes it only the third model in Mazda’s history, after the 323 and the Mazda3, to achieve such a volume. Notably, the CX-5 set an internal brand record by reaching this mark the fastest—in just 14 years.
Model History and Global Distribution
The first generation CX-5, introduced in 2011 and based on the Minagi concept, marked the beginning of the Kodo design philosophy in Mazda’s SUV lineup. The second generation appeared in 2016, and the third—in 2025. Throughout its entire lifecycle, this model has been offered in markets across over 100 countries and regions worldwide, remaining the company’s undisputed sales leader.
This SUV has just done what only two other Mazda models in the entire history of the brand have managed to do.
Mazda’s All-Time Sales Leaders
In the overall ranking of Mazda’s most successful models, first place is still held by the long-lived 323 (also known as Familia or Protegé), whose production lasted from 1963 to 2003, with a volume of over 10 million units. In second place is the Mazda3, launched in 2003, with a result of over 6 million cars sold. In fourth position is the MX-5 Miata roadster, which has sold over 1.2 million copies since its debut in 1989.
Sales Geography: Key Markets
North America remains the primary driver of demand for the CX-5. This region accounts for about 40% of global sales, or over 1.9 million units, despite the car not being produced in the USA or Canada. The second largest market is China with 1 million crossovers sold. Europe ranks third with a result of 820 thousand units, followed by Japan (560 thousand) and Australia (300 thousand).
Competitive Struggle and the Model’s Future
Although the CX-5 is Mazda’s most popular model in the USA, it still lags significantly behind its main competitors in this market. In 2025, 136,335 units of the CX-5 were sold in the USA, which is significantly less than the Honda CR-V (403,768) and Toyota RAV4 (479,288). However, it is worth considering that the similarly sized Mazda CX-50 added another 110,345 sales to this result, creating internal competition within the model range. The question of whether the balance will change with the arrival of the new generation CX-5 remains open. The fully updated 2026 model is expected to appear at dealers in the coming weeks, starting at a price of $29,990.
Achieving the mark of 5 million cars for a model that has existed for only 14 years is a significant testament to the CX-5’s global appeal and competitiveness. This success has been largely ensured by Mazda’s clear positioning in the compact crossover market, where the CX-5 offers a balance of design, quality, and driving dynamics. Although it lags behind segment leaders in sales volume, its role as the brand’s flagship and a catalyst for technological innovations, such as Kodo design and efficient powertrains, is undeniable. The future of the model, especially in the context of electrification development and growing competition from the CX-50, will shape the next chapter in the history of one of Mazda’s most important modern cars.