UPDATE: 2026/07/04 11:00 EST BY DAN CLOUGHER
Why The CX-5 Might Be Stumbling
A section explaining various theories as to why CX-5 sales could be down has been included.
Mazda’s year in sales has been a mixed bag so far, with the American-built CX-50 being the consistent up-side. Things are starting to pick up as a whole, though, because Mazda just had its best June sales run yet. The headline is 37,167 vehicles sold, for an increase of 11.3% compared to June 2025.
Base Trim Engine
2.5L SKYACTIV-G I4 ICE
Base Trim Transmission
SKYACTIV-Drive 6-speed automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
187 HP @6000 RPM
Base Trim Torque
185 lb.-ft. @ 4000 RPM
Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
24/30/26 MPG
Infotainment & Features
8 /10
But there are some odd trends, including the Mazda CX-5, which just entered a new generation, stuttering in sales. There’s also an unlikely hero in Mazda’s lineup. Let’s take a closer look at the numbers, because they tell an interesting story.
The Market Is Tricky For Mazda Right Now
2026 Mazda CX-5Ian Wright/CarBuzz/Valnet
Sales of the Mazda CX-5 dropped in June 2026 compared to 2025. The year-over-year difference is 13,759 units sold in June 2025 compared to 9,689 in 2026. That wouldn’t be a complete surprise if the CX-5 compact crossover was toward the end of its generational life cycle, but the new generation is a 2026 model year. Therein lies the likely issue, as it’s not uncommon to see a temporary sales dip as automakers transition production from old to new models.
Then again, the current Mazda3 (sedan and hatchback combined) is getting along in years, and it just sold like gangbusters. Mazda moved 3,787 units in June compared to just 1,906 units for the same period last year. That’s a 98.7% year-over-year improvement.
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The bigger picture shows the CX-5 is still selling, with the total year so far seeing 62,692 units sold against 70,260 in 2027 by this point. That’s just a 10.8% downturn. Overall, the Mazda MX-5 sports car has sold 5% more units in total this year versus 2025.
Why The CX-5 Might Be Stumbling
2026 Mazda CX-5 screenIan Wright/CarBuzz/Valnet
The CX-5 has always been a big seller for Mazda, so a drop in sales could be a serious red flag. Toyota is experiencing a similar pattern right now with the newly designed RAV4, and just as there are reasons for the Toyota’s sales slowing, the same is true for the Mazda also. Here are just three reasons why buyers might be holding off:
- No hybrid. The CX-5 is currently a combustion-only model, with a hybrid model confirmed as coming soon. With hybrid crossovers proving popular right now, it’s possible buyers are simply waiting for it to arrive before placing their CX-5 order.
- There is no longer a performance-oriented turbo model, unlike the last-gen CX-5. Buyers may be hesitant to trade-in their old boosted CX-5 for a new model that simply cannot match it for pace, or they may be shopping elsewhere if performance is a high priority for them.
- Mazda took a bold direction in ditching buttons and knobs in the new CX-5, instead swapping in an all-new touchscreen interface. Mazdas have traditionally sported very functional interiors, and loyal fans could be turned off by the less-tactile approach in the new CX-5.
- The new CX-5 is still within its first model year, and for reliability purposes, many shoppers will avoid a first-year model, as the automaker could still be working through teething issues.
So, there are plenty of reasons that explain why CX-5 sales might be dwindling right now. The hybrid’s arrival next year will have a lot to answer for, in terms of picking up the slack from this year’s reduced sales.
Big Crossovers Are Doing Well
2024 Mazda CX-90 front 3/4 viewIan Wright/CarBuzz/Valnet
Compact crossovers are the bread and butter of automakers, but the CX-70 and CX-90 have seen an improvement in sales. The CX-70 is up 15.9% while the CX-90 is up 20.8% for June 2026 versus June 2025. For the year so far, the CX-70 is up 28.5 percent over 2025 and the CX-90 is up 24.2 percent.
However, it looks like they’re filling the gap for the CX-5, not outselling it. Combined for the year so far, the two models have sold 27,245 units, with the Mazda CX-90 selling 21,271 units compared to the 5,974 sales accounted for by the Mazda CX-70. Meanwhile, the CX-50 has now sold 64,819 units this year compared to 46,914 last year, making for a 38.2% increase.
Cars Versus SUVs
2019 Mazda3 sedan. Front, three-quarters. Motion. On-roadMazda
The increase in sales for the Mazda3 is absolutely worth noting, but only 25,462 units sold for Mazda this year have been cars. In total, Mazda has sold 176,372 SUVs. That brings the total up to 201,834 units sold in the US, which is solid for one of the few independent automakers in the mainstream.
CarBuzz Insight – Why This Matters:
Top down view of 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid off-roadingMazda
The big picture shows Mazda is dropping in sales for the CX-5, which has just moved into a new generation that improves on the last in just about every important area, including safety and tech. CX-5 sales should pick up as the year goes on, but if they don’t, it could point to a shift in buyer’s tastes for larger Mazdas, especially since the big vehicles, the CX-70 and CX-90, are gaining in popularity.
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Meanwhile, the CX-50 appears to be going from strength to strength, including gaining an excellent hybrid version. Which could also factor into the CX-5’s dip – it’s made in the US, so tariffs aren’t impacting things so much, and it’s the most adventure-ready and fun-to-drive crossover Mazda offers. Either way, though, Mazda has a lot to celebrate this month along with some thinking to do.
