Where would Mazda be without the hot-selling CX-5? Of the 29,980 vehicles Mazda sold in the U.S. last month, 47.3 percent of them were CX-5s. Suffice it to say the stylish compact crossover is the brand’s most important model, regardless of what MX-5 fans would have you believe.

Parents everywhere applauded when a crisper, better-handling CX-5 appeared for 2017, content in knowing a family vehicle existed that wouldn’t relegate them to a world of bland conformity. Our own Chris Tonn was enraptured by the sight of his Grand Touring tester as it sat in an Ohio parking lot. Still, despite its on-road prowess, the zoom-zoom brand’s most popular offering isn’t exactly a pavement scorcher. That might not be the case for long.

According to a certification document from the California Air Resources Board (CARB), Mazda might offer the 2019 CX-5 with the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder found in its larger CX-9 sibling. The doc shows emissions results from a 2.5-liter four boasting direct injection and forced induction, with its applications listed as the 2019 CX-5 and CX-9.

In the 2018 CX-9, this engine generates 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Currently, CX-5 buyers choose from a 2.0-liter Skyactiv four-cylinder making 156 hp and 150 lb-ft, or a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter with 187 hp and 186 lb-ft. A delayed diesel’s on the way. Should Mazda grace us with a hot rod variant of its compact ute, buyers can expect a two-thirds increase in twist compared to the existing top-line powerplant.

Maybe it’s too much to ask that it come with a stick shift.

Of course, Mazda doesn’t make a habit of commenting on future products, and this case is no exception. We’re left to wait and see if our crossover dreams come true.

Sales of the CX-5 in America haven’t waned once during its time on the market. Each year since its 2012 debut saw more and more buyers line up at their local dealer, ready to fill Mazda’s coffers. This May saw the crossover’s sales rise 19.9 percent, year over year, with volume over the first five months of 2018 up a generous 43.7 percent.

H/T to Bozi Tatarevic!

[Images: Mazda, CARB]