Mazda has kicked off 2026 with a milestone worthy of celebration, the Mazda CX-5 has officially surpassed five million units in global production and sales, cementing its place as one of the brand’s most influential nameplates. Announced by Mazda Motor Corporation, the achievement positions the CX-5 alongside the legendary Mazda323 and Mazda3 as only the third model in the company’s history to reach this level of worldwide success.
Since its debut, the CX-5 has consistently embodied Mazda’s ethos of vibrant design and engaging dynamics. Sold in more than 100 countries and regions, it has remained the brand’s most popular crossover SUV, evolving with each generation while retaining the sporty, driver-focused personality that helped define Mazda’s modern identity. Production began at the Ujina Plant No. 2 in Hiroshima, before expanding to other Japanese facilities and additional manufacturing and assembly operations in China, Malaysia, and Vietnam, an expansion that helped elevate the CX-5 to its status as Mazda’s best-selling model globally.
Now, as Mazda ushers in a new era for the CX-5, the momentum shows no signs of slowing. The all-new model (revealed in Europe in July 2025) ushers in the first full model change in eight years. With a renewed focus on space, comfort, and daily usability, Mazda says the latest CX-5 builds on its sporty DNA while delivering a richer, more refined driving experience. Program Manager Koichiro Yamaguchi describes the new-generation SUV as a vehicle “meticulously focused on daily usability” and one that will continue to be nurtured so it remains cherished by customers for years to come.
New Zealand, a stronghold for the CX-5, is set to receive the all-new version in the second half of 2026, following releases in Europe, North America, and Japan earlier in the year. Since arriving locally in 2012, the CX-5 has become a familiar sight on Kiwi roads. With over 34,000 sales nationwide, it has proven itself a trusted companion for families and adventurers alike. Mazda Motors of New Zealand Managing Director David Hodge says the model is perfectly tuned to Kiwi lifestyles and that anticipation for the new generation is already building.
Across urban streets, rural highways, and scenic coastal routes, the CX-5 has earned its reputation as a versatile and dependable crossover. Its blend of driver-centric engineering and everyday practicality continues to resonate strongly with New Zealand buyers, a trend that shows no signs of waning as the new model approaches release. With five million units now behind it, the CX-5 enters its next chapter not just as a best-seller, but as a global icon in Mazda’s lineup.
For a model that helped redefine what a mainstream SUV could be, this milestone is a showcase of enduring craftsmanship, thoughtful engineering, and the loyal owners who have made the CX-5 a cornerstone of Mazda’s success story.
