The CX-30 killed off the CX-3 in the US and Canada.
Mazda touts different buyers for the CX-50 and CX-5 but that seems doubtful.
The CX-5 is Mazda’s best-selling product in Canada and the US.
But then, based on history, the popular Mazda CX-5 SUV should be phased out. Supporting this suggestion is the fact that the Japanese automaker pulled the plug on the small CX-3 about a year after introducing the CX-30. Now, while the CX-50 might put a dent in CX-5 sales, the math here is very different.
The CX-3 never generated any substantial volume for Mazda. Removing it from the roster in favour of the sportier and more dynamic-looking CX-30 posed few risks. If anything, the only consequence would be a volume increase. Where the CX-5 is concerned, taking it down from Mazda’s product offering is far riskier.
Last year alone, Mazda sold more than 168,500 CX-5s in the US. Production of the new CX-50 is limited to 150,000 units annually from the Mazda-Toyota factory in Huntsville, Ala. Until Mazda can increase CX-50 output, they are unlikely to kill off the CX-5.
“The CX-5 will only stick around for another one to three years after CX-50 sales pick up,” said Ivan Drury, senior manager of insights at Edmunds, as reported by Automotive News.
We tend to agree as the CX-50’s rugged design is far more appealing despite the CX-5’s handsome and refined lines. Anything “outdoorsy” is trendy now and will probably remain for several years. Most likely, buyers will organically migrate to the CX-50, and eventually, we’ll say our goodbyes to the CX-5.
