Mazda’s CX-5 has consistently been outselling the Subaru Forester and other popular models. Now it has passed the Honda CR-V, once the top-selling crossover in the segment.
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Mazda’s CX-5 could hardly be more popular. In February, Mazda delivered 16,404 CX-5s to American driveways. That number was up over 35% compared to last February. Honda’s says that its sales have been impacted by the company’s inability to manage supply chain issues and has dropped in the past month. By a whopping 50%. Honda’s deliveries in February are reported to be 15,232 units.
Related Story: Most Mazda CX-5 Buyers Report Paying Less Than MSRP
Why Mazda’s production levels have not been as greatly impacted as other automakers is unclear. However, having passed Subaru’s Forester, the Ford Escape, and now the CR-V, it is safe to say that Mazda produces one of the most popular crossovers in America’s largest automotive segment. Quite an accomplishment for the automaker once known primarily for its Miata.
Related Story: Mazda Named Most Reliable Brand For 2022 By Consumer Reports
Mazda’s most recent plans are to begin siphoning off the sales of Subaru’s Outback and Honda’s Passport with its just-launched CX-50. Deliveries of that American-made SUV are expected to begin by late March or early April. Mazda’s Alabama production plant has the capacity to build up to 150,000 of the new CX-50.
In other Mazda news, the company had a 100% Top Safety Pick + rating in recent IIHS safety testing of 2022 model year vehicles. The CX-5 was also the only crossover to score Good on the new tougher side impact test IIHS has developed.
Mazda CX-5 Fast Facts:
-One of the top-selling two-row crossovers in America
-IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus
-Has earned a score of either 4 or 5 every year since 2013 on the Consumer Reports reliability scale (5 is best)
-Optional Turbo trims have over 310 lb-ft of torque
-Uses a geared transmission - NOT a CVT
-Standard AWD for 2022 Model Year
Image of CX-5 courtesy of Mazda.
John Goreham is a long-time New England Motor Press Association member and recovering engineer. John's interest in EVs goes back to 1990 when he designed the thermal control system for an EV battery as part of an academic team. After earning his mechanical engineering degree, John completed a marketing program at Northeastern University and worked with automotive component manufacturers, in the semiconductor industry, and in biotech. In addition to Torque News, John's work has appeared in print in dozens of American news outlets and he provides reviews to many vehicle shopping sites. You can follow John on TikTok @ToknCars, on Twitter, and view his credentials at Linkedin
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The writer of this article is
The writer of this article is clearly a Mazda representative. If he did the minimal investigative work he would be aware that Honda's production has suffered with the supply chain crisis. Thus, there are no CRVs on many dealer lots. The Mazda CX-5 is so ancient that it does not have the complex chips in newer Hondas that are resulting in production delays.
Interesting take on the
Interesting take on the subject, Jake. Which chips do you suppose the Mazda CX-5 lacks, or if you prefer, which functionality do the more advanced chips you imagine give the Honda CR-V that the Mazda CX-5 lacks? The current generation CR-V was released in late 2016. The most recent press kit for the CR-V is from 2017. were no changes to the 2022 Model year Honda CR-V except to make AWD standard on one trim. The CX-5's generation change was in 2017 and it was updated in 2022.
The CVT on the CRV is the
The CVT on the CRV is the deal killer for me. Test drove one a couple years ago. All I can say is YAWN! Only slightly more fun than taking the bus. IMO Honda is over priced and over rated. The CX5 6 speed makes the mundane commute a little more engaging in both the Normally Aspirated and the Turbo. The 5/3 year unlimited mileage warranty gives piece of mind. I’m an advanced DIY’r so once the warranty is over, I have found Mazda’s ridiculously easy to work on. IMO the entire Mazda line up has one of the nicest looks out there. Mazda has really stepped up their game in the last few years and consumers are taking notice. The chip shortage is just a good excuse by Honda. I drive by the plant that builds the CRV in Alliston Ontario Canada every day. The over flow lot is NOT full of vehicles waiting on chips.