From the Mazda CX-5 to the CX-90 and beyond, this SUV lineup has a bold history, and it’s only getting started. Let’s look at the past to see what to expect for the line’s bright future.
Unveiling the CX Series
The Mazda CX Series is still relatively new. It began production in 2006 with the CX-7, but the Mazda CX-5, 7, 9, and other popular models can all be traced back to a concept car that debuted in 2005.
The First CX Was an MX
Mazda unveiled the MX-Crossport at the North American International Auto Show, foreshadowing the production of its line of crossover SUVs. The original 2006 Mazda CX-7 borrowed much of its design from the concept car.
The CX-7 used the automaker’s MZR engine, which was offered in turbocharged and naturally aspirated versions. The mid-size crossover SUV was joined the same year by the CX-9, a larger, three-row crossover with the same sleek design and sporty, sedan-like dynamics.
The Mazda CX-9 won two important awards in 2007, cementing the line’s future success.
The Mazda CX-5 Quickly Gained Popularity
Though the Mazda CX-5 wasn’t released until 2012, Mazda was busy in the intervening years with its KODO Soul of Motion design, the future of the brand. The company was also developing its SKYACTIV Technology during this time.
When the CX-5 debuted at the Sept 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, it combined attributes of these recent changes and established a new blueprint for the brand’s future.
The CX-5 went on to become one of Mazda’s bestselling vehicles worldwide. It has won over 100 awards, including 45 in its launch year alone.
The CX Family Continues to Grow
After the Mazda CX-5 heralded the change to a new design language, the automaker began to expand the line. It added the CX-3 subcompact SUV in 2015, the CX-8 mid-size crossover in 2017, and the CX-30 subcompact in 2019.
Though some members of the CX family have been retired, it continues to grow overall. The compact CX-50 in 2022 and large CX-90 in 2023 made perfect additions to the family.
The Mazda CX Series Continues to Evolve
2024 was a busy model year for the Japanese automaker. The company added the large CX-90 PHEV and made substantial changes to the CX-5 and CX-30, including the addition of its i-Stop auto start/stop technology to improve fuel economy.
With two plug-in hybrid EV SUVs, the 2024 CX-90 PHEV and the 2025 CX-70 PHEV, the company has shown its commitment to transitioning the brand into an electrified future, and it’s doing it the smart way.
By releasing PHEV versions of its most popular CX Series SUVs, Mazda can win over drivers hesitant to adopt the new EV technology and avoid infrastructure challenges that could otherwise create barriers to adoption.
The switch to focusing on hybrid-electric vehicles for its largest models isn’t the only change the popular auto brand is making. The automaker recently unveiled the CX-80 in Europe and plans to substantially update the already popular Mazda CX-5.
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