Sales of CX-5 vs CX-50 in US

[sugob]

Coming to end of my lease of a 2021 CX-5 SIG (US) and comparing the CX-5 vs CX-50 as a possible replacement.
Checking the sales charts, I was expecting the newer model [CX-50] to be gradually cannibalising CX-5 sales i.e. CX-5 sales going down and CX-50 going up, especially as CX-50 is a North America specific model & has now been out for ~1.5 years [so the new factory has had time to mitigate any issues & ramp up production as needed etc]

However, the following sales charts show the CX-5 is still outselling the CX-50 by a multiple of roughly 3 over last 6 months e.g. CX-5 [> 13k sales], CX-50 [4k]
Can the CX-50 sales be seen as a relative disappointment ?
Any particular reason CX-50 hasn't been selling better e.g. price, new model issues, features etc?

2023 Mazda CX-50 Sales Figures

Mazda CX-50 monthly, quarterly, and yearly sales and statistics in the United States. Including data and interactive charts for the latest model year 2023.

carfigures.com

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2024 Mazda CX-5 Sales Figures

Mazda CX-5 monthly, quarterly, and yearly sales and statistics in the United States. Including data and interactive charts for the latest model year 2024 and compact crossover/suvs segment.

carfigures.com

I checked the inventory on mazdausa site and many of both models listed [so doesn't seem like an availability issue, so presumably a preference]

P.S. My Mazda dealer sales guy said there is a new revamped CX-5 next year i.e. for MY 2025

TIA
M

 

[ruthrj]

The finance incentive for the 2023 CX-5 was better when I purchased a couple of weeks ago. The model I purchased on the lot was a few thousand cheaper compared to a similarly equipped CX-50.

I may be in the minority here but I really don’t care for the matte plastic cladding around the wheel wells. I got the glossy black on my CX-5.

I also like how the roofline is higher in the CX-5 and how it drives. I just don’t get the “rugged, off-road” marketing for the CX-50. It doesn’t do anything the CX-5 can’t do, and I prefer the look of the CX-5.

The CX-50 has the fancy sunroof, but that’s about the only thing I thought was cooler between the two models. If they stopped making the CX-5 I’d go for the 50, but for now I think it all boils down to personal preference and taste.

 

[Kedis82ZE8]

Per CX-50 and off-road market: I doubt Mazda would ever do this... but on soft-roading side...I'd like see them crush Subaru and a jab at the small Jeep Cherokee with an option for a dual range transfer case and perhaps a full rear diff level e-locker. Even the latter with just wider ratio transmission would be good. Throw on another inch or so of ground clearance.

 

[cxha]

I gave both the CX-30 and CX-50 a chance, drove them both, but still chose the CX-5. To me it felt more comfortable, better assembled, and more refined, as it should be given its many upgrades over a period of time that the others lack. Even though it's the oldest design it still looks contemporary to me and I think it will age better over time. The turbo models perform and handle well for what they are, and I still look forward to driving my Signature model when I can't take the Miata.

The CX-5 has been a strong performer in its segment for years and has amassed a loyal following, whereas the CX-50 is attempting to break into a new market by wooing the Subaru faithful away... a more difficult challenge.

 

[RedBaron]

We have both. The CX-5 is a more comfortable ride. The CX-50 is far better looking (IMO) and tighter on the road... more fun to drive "in the twisties". There's also more room in the back seat. The -50 is supposed to have more luggage space too, but I think it's pretty much a wash in real life. The CX-50 interior is a little nicer than the -5, but not a lot, though I love the Terracotta seat color.
Bottom line, both are good cars and good buys. Choose the one you prefer.

As for why the CX-5 is outselling the CX-50? Well, the -50 was in very short supply until recently. I had to wait 3 months to get mine (arrived mid-December). And I still think supplies are more limited. But other than that, who knows?

 

[sugob]

Thanks
It's more that the CX-50 was specifically designed for NA market [presumably Mazda market researched potential NA customers about their preferences] so maybe expect more NA customers to prefer it than the worldwide CX-5. I haven't sat behind the wheel of either 2024 model but some CX-50 vid's I watched showed a few subtle things I don't like [moving the driver seat preset buttons, USB sockets in back moved from the rest between seats to near feet (guess where plugged in cables will end up!)]

Thou the CX-50 being ~$3k more expensive [comparing the list price of top specs] is bound to be a factor [in reality it maybe wider as the older CX-5 maybe discounted more?] but maybe Mazda assumed customers would see the NA preferences and be willing to pay the premium i.e. bad assumption...

 

[RedBaron]

Thanks
It's more that the CX-50 was specifically designed for NA market [...]

They're being sold in China too now. FYI

 

[sugob]

whereas the CX-50 is attempting to break into a new market by wooing the Subaru faithful away

Ahh yes. I was maybe thinking too much in terms of CX-50 being a CX-5 specialised for current NA market requirements [to try to keep existing Mazda NA customers] rather than also trying to attract non-Mazda customers - I have a friend with a Subaru Outback who got the Turbo version just for the ability to tow 3500lbs & the CX-50 T can do this [IIRC, my 2021 CX-5 T is only rated for 2000lbs but it seems from MY 2023+ it was uprated to 3500lbs as well?]
There's a balance between adding features to attract non-Mazda customers, but these may repel existing CX-5 customers - probably why Mazda keeping both models

 

[ceric]

I like the styling of CX-50, but the rear suspension is a big NO for me. Same for CX-30.
Will not likely be on my shopping list.
I always choose independent suspension setup whenever possible.
More important than styling to me.

two CX-5s, zero CX-50 in my house.

 

[RedBaron]

I like the styling of CX-50, but the rear suspension is a big NO for me. Same for CX-30.
Will not likely be on my shopping list.
I always choose independent suspension setup whenever possible.
More important than styling to me.

I understand your initial thoughts, but the way it's designed, looping up and over the driveshaft/diff, it *IS* close to independent - more like an independent with a big-ass anti roll bar.

I had the same misgivings before I got the car, but I think it's fine (unnoticeable) now I have one. Don't knock it until you've driven it.

 

[ceric]

I understand your initial thoughts, but the way it's designed, looping up and over the driveshaft/diff, it *IS* close to independent - more like an independent with a big-ass anti roll bar.

I had the same misgivings before I got the car, but I think it's fine (unnoticeable) now I have one. Don't knock it until you've driven it.

It is not about daily driving. It is about emergency handling.
You can check out the moose tests on km77.com channel on Youtube.
I had a '05 Prius. I knew how semi-independent rear suspension feels.

If it works great for you, enjoy it.

CX-30: (no CX-50 available, probably slightly worse if you ask me) 74km/h

Mazda CX-30 2020 - Maniobra de esquiva (moose test) y eslalon | km77.com

Más información sobre el Mazda CX-30 2020 en: https://bit.ly/32YGdpZMazda CX-30.Maniobra de esquiva.En la primera pasada que hicimos con el CX-30, que como e...

www.youtube.com

CX-5: 77-78km/h

Mazda CX-5 2017 - Maniobra de esquiva (moose test) y eslalon | km77.com

Prueba, imágenes, precios, seguro y fichas técnicas y de equipamiento del Mazda CX-5 2017 en:https://goo.gl/6TQQyWEs ágil y la amplitud de su habitáculo y ma...

www.youtube.com

Watch how the rear end behaves...

 

[RedBaron]

It is not about daily driving. It is about emergency handling.
You can check out the moose tests on km77.com channel on Youtube.
I had a '05 Prius. I knew how semi-independent rear suspension feels.

If it works great for you, enjoy it.

Watch how the rear end behaves...

OK, I'm not understanding your point. The CX-30 is slow due to it understeering badly, probably due to soft antiroll and shocks at the front. The rear is staying well-behaved.

In comparison, the CX-5 (WITH independent rear) is cocking it's leg every turn, relying on just one tire to keep the rear in check.

I'm not trying to argue here, those videos are very interesting, and I hadn't seen them before. I'm just not sure what you're trying to say is bad about (by extension) the CX-50 rear.

Thanks!

 

[chickdr]

IMHO the CX-5 being built in Japan is a big benefit over the CX-50. I agree with others about the rear suspension design as well. I just don't see it being worth a price premium over the CX-5 spec vs spec. They are a slightly different version of the same thing. The CX-5 just needs the larger sunroof. It already has the tech upgrades and same drivetrain.

 

[ruthrj]

IMHO the CX-5 being built in Japan is a big benefit over the CX-50. I agree with others about the rear suspension design as well. I just don't see it being worth a price premium over the CX-5 spec vs spec. They are a slightly different version of the same thing. The CX-5 just needs the larger sunroof. It already has the tech upgrades and same drivetrain.

I thought that was true of Hondas, but found the opposite imo for Toyota. I didn’t care too much for the squeaks and build quality of my Alabama built Odyssey back in 2017-2019. My gas RAV4 XLE built in Japan was ok, but my Kentucky built RAV4 XSE has less squeaks and rattles than the Japanese RAV4. It could have been ‘19 vs ‘21 model year improvements, but I still found that very surprising!

 

[chickdr]

I thought that was true of Hondas, but found the opposite imo for Toyota. I didn’t care too much for the squeaks and build quality of my Alabama built Odyssey back in 2017-2019. My gas RAV4 XLE built in Japan was ok, but my Kentucky built RAV4 XSE has less squeaks and rattles than the Japanese RAV4. It could have been ‘19 vs ‘21 model year improvements, but I still found that very surprising!

I guess you get a new car every 2yrs? 19 and 21 RAV4's and a 23 CX-5? Just bored, or were they leases?

 

[paris1]

I guess you get a new car every 2yrs? 19 and 21 RAV4's and a 23 CX-5? Just bored, or were they leases?

When I see patterns like this, I assume it's both!

 

[ruthrj]

I guess you get a new car every 2yrs? 19 and 21 RAV4's and a 23 CX-5? Just bored, or were they leases?

Not that it’s anybody’s business:

Wife’s car:

‘17 Odyssey was a lease, traded it in on the ‘19 gas RAV4 after moving to North Alabama. Driving that van on small mountain roads was like steering a brick. Kids weren’t toddlers anymore, and we don’t ever have more than 4 people in the car after moving away from where our families live. First and only lease I’ll probably ever have and it worked out well.

With used car market upside down, traded the ‘19 in for a ‘21 RAV4 Hybrid. Got more for the ‘19 than what I paid for it (despite needing new tires and such), applied all equity toward the new RAV4. Didn’t pay any market adjustments or whatever for the RAV4, bought it at MSRP. Props to Sand Mountain Toyota.

My car:

My ‘13 CX-5 that I owned since new was totaled several weeks ago by somebody making a left in front of me. Got a ‘23 CX-5 turbo to replace it.

 

[ruthrj]

When I see patterns like this, I assume it's both!

Nope, nice assumption though. Thanks for the judgment.

RIP ‘13, going to miss you!

A Suburban made a left in front of me this morning and that’s all she wrote. I was driving about 30 mph in the right lane, and a car in the middle lane made a gap. The other vehicle in an oncoming lane of traffic tried to make a left into a gas station. They pulled in front of me as I was...

mazdas247.com

Anything else we’d like to judge outside my Domestic vs Import build quality observation, or would we like to stick to the OPs topic?

 

[dougal]

It is not about daily driving. It is about emergency handling.
You can check out the moose tests on km77.com channel on Youtube.
I had a '05 Prius. I knew how semi-independent rear suspension feels.

If it works great for you, enjoy it.

CX-30: (no CX-50 available, probably slightly worse if you ask me) 74km/h

Mazda CX-30 2020 - Maniobra de esquiva (moose test) y eslalon | km77.com

Más información sobre el Mazda CX-30 2020 en: https://bit.ly/32YGdpZMazda CX-30.Maniobra de esquiva.En la primera pasada que hicimos con el CX-30, que como e...

www.youtube.com

CX-5: 77-78km/h

Mazda CX-5 2017 - Maniobra de esquiva (moose test) y eslalon | km77.com

Prueba, imágenes, precios, seguro y fichas técnicas y de equipamiento del Mazda CX-5 2017 en:https://goo.gl/6TQQyWEs ágil y la amplitud de su habitáculo y ma...

www.youtube.com

Watch how the rear end behaves...

Agree with others, not sure what to make of those videos.

And in reality, the CX-30 and CX-5 are two very different vehicles with different weight balances and such. Saying the difference in behavior during these tests is due to one thing is not logical - actually it is illogical.

 

[sm1ke]

Anything else we’d like to judge outside my Domestic vs Import build quality observation, or would we like to stick to the OPs topic?

While it was a slightly off-topic comment, I don't think anyone meant any offense by it.

Back on track, thanks!