CX-5

Make
Mazda
Segment
SUV

The recently revealed Mazda CX-60 beckons a new era for the Japanese brand. Not only is it the most powerful Mazda ever made, but it's also one of the most luxurious. In an attempt to chase more premium buyers, the carmaker is targeting Lexus to offer consumers a unique upmarket experience. The CX-60 and the CX-50 are just the beginning, with several other plush SUVs still to come.

The brand still enjoys great popularity in the mainstream market, with vehicles such as the CX-5 boasting relatively healthy sales figures. It managed to crack a spot in the top 20 best-selling cars of 2021, with the brand shifting 168,383 units last year. That figure is still far behind rivals such as the CR-V (361,271) and the RAV4 (407,739), though. To bolster appeal, the brand refreshed the range with a subtle facelift last year - but now it seems a new model may be on the way.

A user on cx50forums.com posted pictures suggesting an entirely new model is on the way. The image shows a covered Mazda SUV and, while we can't see much, the front- and taillight graphics do share similarities with the current CX-5. It would be strange if Mazda had to release an all-new model considering the facelift debuted just a few months ago, but this could, perhaps, be yet another facelift to bring the CX-5 in line with the rest of the updated range.

This picture wasn't taken in the USA though, as evidenced by the Mazda2 sitting in the showroom. Perhaps then, it's previewing the current-generation CX-5 debuting in a market yet to receive it. The new CX-5 could even be a special or final edition, introduced as a runout model before the debut of a yet unseen replacement. Based on the debut date, this may just be a rather unfunny April Fool's joke.

If it's not a joke and a new CX-5 is on the way, we will be very surprised. The facelifted model is a talented and well-made crossover with plenty of value on offer. With prices starting at $25,900, the Mazda undercuts both the base model CR-V and RAV4 by a few hundred dollars. It also boasts the most premium-feeling cabin and a very smooth ride.

When the new model does eventually arrive in the US, it will reportedly utilize Mazda's new rear-wheel-drive platform and offer six-cylinder engines in both gas and diesel form. While this is exciting, it will undoubtedly increase the base price and, perhaps, alienate more value-minded buyers.

While the CX-60 and CX-50 are marketed as more premium propositions, Mazda would do well to remember the CX-5 is its bread and butter. If the carmaker can push it upmarket without drastically increasing the price, it will have a winner on its hands.