2022 Mazda CX-5 powers past Toyota RAV4 in 2022 sales race! RAV4 also finishes behind Subaru Forester in January as steady supply gives CX-5 serious momentum

The Mazda CX-5 has landed an early blow to its archrival, the Toyota RAV4, in their big fight for the title of Australia’s best-selling SUV for 2022.

In January 2022, 3213 examples of the CX-5 were sold, up a whopping 54.4 per cent month-on-month. That result was enough to see it finish third in the overall best-selling model standings, behind the perennial Toyota HiLux (3591, -8.2%) and Ford Ranger (3245, +4.0%) utes.

The usually dominant RAV4, on the other hand, moved 1425 units in January 2022, down a significant 53.5 per cent month-on-month. This performance actually saw it finish third in its mid-size segment, behind the Subaru Forester (1480, +20.2%), and a shocking 12th overall.

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Needless to say, the CX-5 has already opened up a commanding 1733-unit lead over the RAV4 in 2022, one which could lead to it winning the title of best-selling SUV for the first time since 2019.

Of course, the RAV4 snatched the crown in 2020 and 2021 thanks to its fifth-generation model, which launched in May 2019 with the well-timed option of a ‘self-charging’ hybrid powertrain.

As reported, the CX-5 is, indeed, in a strong position to outsell the RAV4 in 2022, with Mazda Australia forecasting steady supply, while Toyota Australia already has delivery wait times of up to 12 months, meaning a lot of new orders placed won’t be fulfilled until 2023.

The extended RAV4 delivery wait times have been prompted by consitently strong demand but unexpectedly short supply due to intermittent production stops, with other Toyota Australia models, including the new LandCruiser 300 Series, facing similar challenges.

Also helping the CX-5’s chances is the arrival of the second-generation model’s facelift in the first week of January. It offers buyers revising styling front and rear, redesigned seats, a smoother automatic transmission, improved ride quality and lower cabin noise – but no hybrid option.

There’s also a bold new Touring Active and price rises for carryover variants, ranging from $800 to $1300. As such, the CX-5 line-up now starts from $32,190 plus on-road costs and reaches $53,680.

That said, the RAV4 is also due for a MY22 update, albeit a relatively minor one that’s due later in the first quarter, with pricing stretching from $34,300 to $52,320.

Patient buyers get a sporty new XSE grade is now available, while the flagship Edge now has a second available powertrain: a ‘self-charging’ hybrid. Standard equipment, including safety, has also been increased range-wide.