Mazda’s Volume Player Gets a Boost
The Mazda CX-5 is the brand’s best-selling model in the current lineup, though that isn’t as strongly felt in the U.S., where buyers continue to favor nameplates like the Ford F-150 and Toyota RAV4. For the 2026 model year, however, the Japanese marque introduced a long-awaited update to its compact crossover after nearly a decade, which may have helped it attract more shoppers.
According to Consumer Reports, the CX-5 has been the most popular model among shoppers so far this year. It is reportedly the most researched vehicle in the publication’s rankings, which may not mean much on its own, but it could offer a preview of where sales may head in the coming months. After all, buyers who do not have as much time to research often default to what is popular, viewing it as a safer choice than a niche or newer nameplate.
Mazda
Evolving the CX-5 Formula
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 has been redesigned, though the front end still features several similarities to the outgoing model. The changes to the rear end are more pronounced, especially with the slimmer taillights that make it look closer to the automaker’s newer offerings, the CX-70 and CX-90.
It is unclear exactly why shoppers are showing interest in the all-new CX-5, but Consumer Reports noted that models with high Overall Scores tend to earn its recommendation. Those scores are based on factors such as road-test performance and the availability of safety features, an area where Mazda has stood out this year. In fact, in a separate Safety Verdict assessment, Mazda ranked ahead of Volvo – a notable result given how long the Swedish automaker has dominated that space.
Moreover, Mazda earned the most 2026 Top Safety Pick+ awards last month with eight, followed by Hyundai and Audi with six apiece.
Not Without Its Trade-Offs
So far, one of the most common criticisms of the CX-5 has been its larger touchscreen, which Mazda argues helps deliver a better driving experience. The move away from physical controls has become a broader issue across the industry, with brands like Volkswagen already reversing course after drawing negative feedback. It is also worth noting that more technology can mean more points of failure, which could hurt long-term reliability.
It is still too early to say how the new-generation model will hold up over time, but the latest popularity rankings suggest it has clear potential. The CX-5 is followed by the Toyota RAV4, Subaru Forester, Subaru Outback, Subaru Forester Hybrid, Honda CR-V, Subaru Crosstrek, and Honda Passport, with the Toyota Camry and Toyota Highlander rounding out the top 10.
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