Mazda is coming off a record-breaking year in the U.S., with its North American operations (MNAO) reporting the highest sales figures ever. The brand’s success is largely driven by its crossover SUV lineup, rather than its shrinking passenger car segment.
In 2024, Mazda sold an impressive 424,382 vehicles in the U.S., marking a nearly 17% increase from the previous year. For comparison, Volkswagen of America, a much larger mainstream brand, sold just over 379,000 units with a 15.2% increase. Notably, Mazda even outperformed luxury giants like BMW and Mercedes-Benz in U.S. sales.
This growth was fueled by strong performances across Mazda’s SUV lineup:
- Mazda3 saw a 26.5% increase, reaching nearly 39,000 units.
- CX-30 jumped 25.2% to over 96,000 units.
- CX-50 surged by more than 82%, selling over 81,000 units.
- CX-90 followed closely, rising 77.4% with almost 55,000 units sold.
- CX-70, a newer addition, contributed nearly 11,000 units.
While these models thrived, the best-selling CX-5 saw a decline of nearly 13%, totaling 134,000 units. However, an all-new third-generation CX-5 is expected to debut soon.
A Digital Resurrection of the Mazda CX-9
Although Mazda officially discontinued the CX-9 in 2023 to make room for the CX-90 and CX-70, digital artists are keeping the name alive. The YouTube channel AutoYa recently shared an unofficial rendering of a revived 2026 Mazda CX-9, imagining it as an all-electric flagship SUV.
In this speculative concept, the next-generation CX-9 would return as a full-size electric SUV, competing with models like the Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 9. The renderings showcase a sleek design from multiple angles, including a futuristic, minimalist interior inspired by Mazda’s signature styling. The concept also features a variety of striking color options, some of which would be difficult to replicate in reality.
Will Mazda Bring Back the CX-9?
As exciting as this digital concept looks, there’s no official word from Mazda about reviving the CX-9—let alone as an all-electric model. Given the brand’s current success with the CX-50, CX-70, and CX-90, plus the upcoming CX-5 redesign, Mazda may not feel the need to introduce a new full-size EV just yet.
Would you like to see the CX-9 make a comeback as an electric SUV? Let us know your thoughts!