Mazda Reportedly Making Big Changes To Large SUVs Amid Slumping Sales
Mazda made a bold move upmarket several years ago. The company was confident that a new rear-wheel-drive platform, inline-six engines, and a family of large SUVs would help it carve out a niche in the growing large SUV market. Mazda ended up building four large SUVs. It sells the CX-60 and CX-80 only in international markets, while U.S. buyers get the CX-90 and the two-row CX-70.
All four were meant to give Mazda a fresh injection of sales. Instead, a new report says the company now needs to make “unprecedented changes” across the lineup to address lagging sales and finally establish these SUVs as true flagship models.
Slumping Sales Force Mazda’s Hand
The admission came during an interview Mazda CEO Masahiro Moro gave to Japanese publication Chugoku Shimbun, where he highlighted the big changes coming to all four models. “We will make changes to the exterior, interior and powertrain, and implement upgrades on a scale unprecedented to date,” Moro told the publication. These changes come as Mazda struggles with slumping sales across its four Large Platform SUVs. In 2025, the company sold just 150,637 of them globally. The CX-70 and CX-90 in the United States account for about half of that total, and the overall figure also falls short of the 200,000 combined sales Mazda originally envisioned.
Moro stopped short of detailing exactly what will change. But given his strong language, we expect far more than a typical mid-cycle refresh. Buyers should instead expect a suite of revisions that comes close to a full reboot of the family, all aimed at strengthening its flagship credentials.
Powertrain Improvements Are the Big Wildcard
The biggest wildcard in this plan is the powertrain. Moro made clear that changes under the hood are a strong focus for Mazda engineers. The company is still developing its next-generation Skyactiv-Z system, which so far pairs only with four-cylinder engines. With the Large Platform SUVs due for extensive updates, though, Mazda could expand the technology to its inline-six engines to boost fuel economy.
The CX-70 and CX-90 sold in North America already offer a mild-hybrid system, and their plug-in hybrid versions add limited all-electric driving. A new hybrid setup would give buyers more usable fuel economy and a longer electric range, making these SUVs stronger companions for long road trips.
Mazda Is Taking Its Time With Updates
The report didn’t say when Mazda will formally roll out the updates, but the company is clearly in no hurry. Mazda may refresh the four SUVs at separate times rather than all at once. In North America, the CX-90 arrived first in 2023, with the CX-70 following a short time later in 2024.
If these updates reach North America, we suspect the CX-90 will get them first to cement its role as the flagship of Mazda’s U.S. lineup, with the CX-70 following later. That staggered approach lets Mazda focus on each model individually rather than all at once, saving the company money and effort in the process.
Other Products Take Center Stage
In the meantime, Mazda is focusing on other product launches. The company recently rolled out the updated 2026 Mazda CX-5, with the company hoping it can pick up where its strong-selling predecessor left off. The CX-5 will also help Mazda grow its volume business, with increased sales from these volume models providing the capital needed to update its flagship SUV models.
It will be interesting to see what Mazda has in store for these SUV models, but look for the company to reveal more information about these updates when it’s ready to do so.