It’s not uncommon for an automaker to have one or two flagship vehicles in its fleet portfolio. There is often one member of the brand’s family that seems to be the favorite and top seller. For Mazda, there’s no question that the CX-5 is the crown jewel.

But you may be surprised and downright shocked by just how well this crossover sells and how much of Mazda’s success as a company is attributed to the CX-5. It’s pretty remarkable how one vehicle can seem to almost carry Mazda’s U.S. sales entirely.

The Mazda CX-5: success by the numbers

J.D. Power and Associates recently highlighted the incredible success of the Mazda CX-5 in recent model years. And by the numbers, CX-5 sales make up a tad more than half of its success in the United States.

For every 2020 CX-5 that rolls off of the dealership lot, Mazda sells one of its six other vehicle family members combined. Totaling the sales of the MX-5 Miata, the Mazda3, Mazda6, CX-30, CX-3, and CX-9, the automaker makes the other half of its annual profits.

These numbers can really only mean two things. The majority of the Mazda fleet is underperforming, or the Mazda CX-5 really is that incredible of a ride. And since we know that the other Mazda vehicles, while maybe not as popular, still perform well here in the U.S., it implies that the CX-5 really is that dominant in its class.

Year over year of positive reviews

The Mazda CX-5 sells well here in the U.S. because people love it, plain and simple. Over the years, this stylish and affordable compact crossover continues to perform well in critic performance reviews and test drives. And it always seems to earn high marks from those who buy it and drive it home.

Some of the CX-5’s most-loved features include its peppy performance and responsive handling. But they also love its styling, interior design, comfortable seating, increased visibility, and, most of all, its safety. It might just be the total package, at least in the eyes of the car buyers.

All the Mazda eggs in one CX-5 basket

All of this CX-5 success leads to a potential setback for the company. For now, the car-buying public loves this crossover, but moods and needs shift over time. For Mazda, having all of its eggs and profits in one CX-5 basket could take a turn for the worse.

If the CX-5 sales numbers drop for any reason, can Mazda continue to have success with its remaining fleet? Of course, the other models in the Mazda lineup do sell well, just nowhere near the levels of the CX-5. It is not as if the other vehicles in Mazda’s lineup are slouches.

A continuous effort to improve keeps it competitive

Mazda doesn’t seem to be too worried about losing any ground with its popular CX-5. And it’s clear the automaker knows it has a good thing. Every year, the company makes additional improvements to its flagship vehicle, and the critics cite that it might be just what keeps the CX-5 so competitive in its class.

This year alone, Mazda made significant upgrades to reduce vibration and noise in the cabin. There is also more standard equipment across the various trim levels. Even more impressive is the available turbocharged engine and optional all-wheel drive for increased prowess and capability.

For now, the CX-5 may be doing all the heavy lifting for the company’s bottom line. And it’s easy to see why this subcompact crossover is so popular and continues to be a best-seller for the automaker. Hopefully, the trends continue, and maybe Mazda will start improving sales of other vehicles in its fleet and follow the same success path it has had with its golden child, CX-5.