Mazda says the SUV boom is far from over despite sedans showing signs of a comeback. SUVs have dominated the global automotive market for years, but with several automakers reviving traditional passenger cars, some analysts have started asking whether buyers are beginning to suffer from “SUV fatigue.”
Despite suffering a decline in SUV sales in the US, Mazda doesn’t think buyers have grown sick of them. Speaking to Australian publication CarSales, Mazda 6e program manager Hiroshi Ozawa dismissed the idea that demand for SUVs is about to slow, arguing that the segment still has plenty of room to grow worldwide.
Mazda Sees More Room For SUV Growth
Mazda
According to Ozawa, Mazda’s internal outlook points to continued global growth for SUVs rather than a plateau. “Globally, I believe that the SUV will still grow. That’s our projection,” he said. He added that the next wave of expansion will likely come from smaller SUVs, which Mazda sees as the fastest-growing part of the market. Europe is helping drive that trend because many buyers prefer compact vehicles better suited to narrower streets, while China is also seeing rapid growth in the segment. Australia remains heavily SUV-focused, too, with CarSales reporting that almost 63% of new cars sold are SUVs.
Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi noted that local buyers continue to favor midsize SUVs. While that market is important, Mazda believes SUVs still have significant global momentum. The company’s confidence also appears to be reflected in its own products. Mazda recently revealed that the new CX-5 exceeded expectations by attracting around 10,000 orders in its first month, roughly five times the original forecast.
Sedans Are Fighting Back
Mazda
A recent report by the Detroit Free Press suggests America may finally be getting tired of SUVs as sedans begin attracting renewed interest, particularly among younger buyers. That same report discusses research from Escalent that found that 51% of teenagers surveyed envision themselves driving a sedan in the future, compared with just 31% who chose an SUV. Automakers are beginning to notice as well. Ford CEO Jim Farley has repeatedly hinted that the company could create a brand new sedan.
Even so, today’s sales figures paint a different picture, one that aligns more closely with Mazda’s outlook. The ToyotaRAV4 was America’s best-selling SUV in 2025 with 479,288 units sold, making it the country’s third best-selling vehicle overall behind only the Ford F-Series and Chevrolet Silverado pickups. Electric SUVs continue to gain momentum as well. According to CarSales, Australian buyers have already pre-ordered more than 1,000 Mazda CX-6e electric mid-size SUVs, and Hyundai’s Ioniq 9 recently posted a 279% sales increase, helped by a remarkable 64% conquest rate that has attracted buyers away from rival brands.
Sales Still Favor SUVs
Mazda
Whether sedans are on the verge of a true comeback remains to be seen, but current sales data suggests SUVs are still the industry’s biggest success story, supporting Mazda’s prediction. Interest in passenger cars may be growing, especially among younger consumers, yet demand for vehicles like the Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4 suggests the segment still has plenty of life left. If Mazda’s forecast proves correct, the industry’s SUV boom may be far from over.
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