2026 Mazda CX-50
Starting at $31,785 MSRP
2026 Mazda CX-50 Review
Our automotive expert shares opinions and new photos of the 2026 CX-50 2.5 Turbo.
- Pros:Â The 2026 CX-50 is stylish, enjoyable to drive, and earns high safety ratings.
- Cons:Â Fuel economy isn't great with the turbocharged engine, the tech interface feels outdated, and the seats weren't comfortable on longer drives.
- The Takeaway:Â If there's a sports wagon in the compact crossover SUV segment, the Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo is it.
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 is a compact crossover SUV that checks every box, from stylish design to premium materials to enjoyable driving dynamics to impressive safety ratings — especially when equipped with its turbocharged engine. Still, that turbo hurts fuel economy, and with the CX-50's firm suspension, hard seats, and small maximum cargo capacity, you might decide to shop the alternatives.
What's New for the 2026 Mazda CX-50
Mazda makes minor changes to the 2026 CX-50. In addition to equipment updates across most of the lineup, some trim levels now feature standard gloss-black exterior emblems, badges, and roof rails, paired with dark wheels. A new white interior option swaps those out for chrome and silver finishes, paired with a high-contrast white interior upholstery. Mazda now also offers the rugged-looking Meridian Edition trim level with the base engine, in addition to the turbocharged engine.
About the 2026 Mazda CX-50 Review Vehicle
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 comes in 2.5 S, Hybrid, and 2.5 Turbo model series. Depending on the model, available trim levels include standard, Select, Preferred, Meridian Edition, Premium, and Premium Plus, with base prices ranging from about $32,000 to around $45,000, including the destination charge to ship the SUV from the Madison, Alabama, assembly plant to a dealership.
For this CX-50 review, I test-drove the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus in Southern California. Optional equipment highlights included the white interior and a retractable cargo cover, bringing the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) to $44,820, including the $1,495 destination charge. Mazda provided the vehicle for this CX-50 2.5 Turbo review.
Design, Quality, and Interior Layout
Unpopular opinion: I don't like the redesigned 2026 Mazda CX-5. Though the styling is evolutionary, details like the jutting front lip, frowning face, tiered running lights, angry taillights, and stubby rear end are off-putting to my eyes. That makes the low and wide CX-50 instantly more appealing to me, especially when fitted with the silver-finish 20-inch wheels that come with the white interior option. I am a fan.
That white leather provides stark contrast and satisfying relief from what would otherwise be a dark and confining cabin. It looks luxurious and pairs nicely with the minimalist aesthetic and metallic dashboard accents. Here and there, you can spot evidence of the CX-50's base price in the quality of the materials. Overall, though, this SUV looks more expensive than it is.
Mazda stumbles with the CX-50's controls, however. That low-profile infotainment screen nestled into the dashboard offers touch-sensing control only for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. To use the native Mazda Connect technology, you can choose the controls on the center console or on the steering wheel. Alternatively, log in to your Amazon Alexa account to use the Alexa built-in voice assistant, because the native tech is not very good.
Otherwise, Mazda does a great job with the CX-50's layout, especially the instrument panel. It is a model of clarity and is easy to reference at a glance. The available head-up display is helpful, too, and even shows when other vehicles are in the CX-50's blind spots.
Comfort, Convenience, and Cargo Space
Get into the Mazda CX-50, and it may feel like a snug fit. You sit low in relation to the windows, giving the SUV seating positions that match its low-slung, sporty exterior design. Outward visibility is adequate, aided on the test vehicle by large side mirrors, numerous sensors, and cameras to prevent bumper crunching.
Up front, the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus trim level includes power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated seats. They look great but are firmly padded; over time, they feel hard rather than supportive. The same goes for the rear seats, which offer just enough legroom for taller adults. My test model had heated outboard rear cushions for cold weather and rear air-conditioning vents for hot days.
Speaking of high temperatures, a heat wave during testing revealed that the CX-50 2.5 Turbo's air-conditioning system wasn't very effective. Neither were the front-seat ventilation systems. On a sunny day with temperatures above 90 degrees, it took a long time for this SUV's cabin to cool off.
Mazda provides a practical amount of storage space for the CX-50's driver and front passenger. Trays carved into the door panel armrests would be nice to have, but as it stands, you can find enough stash space for the small items that you carry with you. Rear passengers are not as lucky, especially if they can't fold down the center armrest to access the cupholders because a fifth passenger is sitting in the middle.
Open the rear liftgate, and the CX-50 2.5 Turbo offers 31.4 cubic-feet of cargo room behind the back seat. Thoughtfully, Mazda makes it easy to slide full-size suitcases into the cargo hold on their sides, even with the optional cargo cover in place (see the last photo in the review). You might even fit four across, leaving room for soft luggage or backpacks, making the CX-50 suitable for a carefully planned family trip.
When you need maximum cargo space, the 60/40 split-folding rear seat lies flat, expanding volume to 56.3 cu-ft. That's significantly less than the bestselling models in the segment, including the Chevrolet Equinox, Honda CR-V, and Toyota RAV4. However, if you add a roof rack and a rooftop carrier, loading and unloading it may be easier, thanks to the CX-50's lower overall height.
2026 Mazda CX-50 Infotainment System Review
Mazda equips the CX-50 with a 7.0-inch configurable digital driver display flanked by analog gauges. Separately, a 10.3-inch infotainment screen is artfully integrated into the dashboard and features an intuitive menu and sub-menu structure, along with appealing, minimalistic graphics. There is just one problem: it's not a touchscreen unless you're using wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
People new to Mazda must learn to use the center console controls (shown above) to operate the Mazda Connect infotainment system. They include a knob to select items on the screen, a few buttons that serve as main-menu shortcuts, and a Back button. A volume knob is located here, too, along with a button you can program as a personalized shortcut.
Once you're acclimated to how the system works, it's relatively easy to use. However, it is typically distracting to coordinate the actions taken with the physical controls with what's happening on the screen. To make things easier, Mazda offers Alexa built-in voice recognition technology, but you must log in to an Amazon account to use it. The other voice option is the native Mazda Connect tech, but I found it incredibly frustrating.
I've learned the best course of action is to go through all of the native Mazda Connect settings and select your preferences while the CX-50 is parked. Then, for daily use, pair your phone and use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The smartphone interfaces are familiar to most people, and it's easy to get navigation directions, make and take calls, and stream music. Plus, you can use touchscreen functionality with these two platforms, though the display is a long reach.
Wireless smartphone charging is standard in all CX-50s, and my test vehicle had a reasonably satisfying 12-speaker Bose premium sound system, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a helpful head-up display (HUD) that shows you when other vehicles are in the Mazda's blind spots.
Safety Features and Ratings
Every Mazda CX-50 includes i-Activesense, a collection of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). It equips the SUV with:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection
- Automatic emergency braking
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Safe-exit assist
- Lane-departure warning
- Lane-keeping assist
- Driver-monitoring system
- Post-collision automatic braking system
As you upgrade to higher trim levels, Mazda adds these safety features to the CX-50:
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Traffic sign recognition system
- Automatic speed reduction for the adaptive cruise control
- Adaptive front lighting that swivels to show what's around dark curves and corners
In addition to those features, my test car added several exclusive upgrades that are only available for the CX-50 2.5 Turbo:
- Lane-centering assist at low speeds
- Semi-autonomous hands-on driver-assistance system at low speeds
- Active blind-spot monitoring with steering assist
- Front cross-traffic alert with automatic braking
- Intersection assist with automatic braking
- Rear automatic braking
- Surround-view camera with transparent vehicle view
With this test vehicle, I experienced unexpected behavior from the i-Activesense systems, which seemed to struggle to interpret shadows cast on the road. The false alerts related to the forward-collision warning system and lane-keeping assist. As expected based on experience, the lane-departure-warning system issued false alerts when one lane split into two and when two lanes converged into one, which I've found to be a typical Mazda trait.
On Pacific Coast Highway, the automatic speed-reduction feature was too effective, turning the CX-50 into a rolling traffic hazard as angry motorists piled up behind the SUV. On the 101 freeway in Ventura County, the driving-assist systems proved more effective, though after slowing behind other vehicles, the CX-50 took too long to resume the set speed once the lane ahead was clear.
In crash testing, the CX-50 receives a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It also earns five-star ratings in each individual assessment except rollover resistance, where it earned a four-star rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) also rates the CX-50 favorably, giving it a Top Safety Pick+ rating, the highest one possible.
2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo Specs and Fuel Economy
Mazda offers three powertrains for the 2026 CX-50. Most people will likely be satisfied with the 2.5 S, which has a 187-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, a six-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive (AWD). The EPA estimates that this engine will return 26 mpg in combined city and highway driving.
Hybrids offer better gas mileage using a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a continuously variable transmission (CVT), and an electronic AWD system with a separate small electric motor at the rear wheels. Hybrids make 219 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque, and boast a fuel-economy rating of 38 mpg combined.
Turbocharged CX-50 models have a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine making 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque when using regular gas. Pump in premium, and the engine is rated to generate 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft. This version of the CX-50 also boasts the highest towing capacity, at 3,500 pounds.
The 2.5 Turbo's fuel-economy rating is 25 mpg combined, just one mpg short of the base engine. However, in my testing, the SUV averaged 22.1 mpg on my standardized fuel-economy testing loop, and just 18.6 mpg on the mountainous vehicle-evaluation loop. Additionally, the 15.9-gallon fuel tank seems to drain fast, resulting in more frequent fuel stops.
2026 Mazda CX-50 Test Drive
While the 2.5 Turbo isn't unusually fuel efficient, the trade-off is satisfying power and acceleration, especially if you switch the drivetrain into Sport mode. From a standstill, there is a short delay as the turbocharger spools up, but then a steady flow of torque builds speed quickly. The sensation is muted, though, in keeping with the CX-50's overall refinement and sophistication.
The driving dynamics are more visceral, with a firm ride quality and taut handling free of unwanted body motions. The steering is precise with a good feel for the road, and the brakes are easy to modulate for smooth stops in city traffic, with fine-tuned pressure adjustments on winding roads. Do such things matter in a compact crossover SUV? Not to most people, but driving enthusiasts who need a utility vehicle like this will find such traits appealing.
Off-roading fans might find something to like here, too. Ground clearance is generous, with my test vehicle offering 8.6 inches, just a little less than a Subaru Forester. It also has an Off-Road mode that calibrates the drivetrain for traveling off the pavement. The CX-50 Meridian Edition adds all-terrain tires and rugged styling details, but beyond extra grip in the dirt, it doesn't improve capability over other trims.
Overall, I enjoyed driving the CX-50. Its tidy size, turbo engine, and rewarding dynamics make it one of the most appealing vehicles in its segment. If you prioritize fuel economy, consider the CX-50 Hybrid. If you want a softer and smoother ride or more capability on challenging terrain, this Mazda may not be a good fit.
Alternatives to the 2026 Mazda CX-50
Stylish, safe, accommodating, and enjoyable to drive, the 2026 Mazda CX-50 is an appealing compact crossover SUV. The turbocharged engine isn't very fuel efficient; I found the seats too firm on longer trips; and the infotainment system can be distracting and frustrating. Otherwise, I think it's a good choice in a crowded segment, and one of the best if you like to drive. The only alternative with a similar upscale vibe mixed with sporting dynamics is the Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo.
If you're drawn to the CX-50 primarily for its top safety ratings or its available hybrid powertrain, there are more alternatives to consider. Those with an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating include the all-new 2026 Mazda CX-5, as well as the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage, both available with a turbocharged hybrid powertrain that combines good performance and fuel economy. The Subaru Forester is another IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award winner and is available as a hybrid.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's new on the 2026 Mazda CX-50?
For 2026, Mazda added an outdoor-focused Meridian Edition to the 2.5 S powertrain. Other updates include new black Mazda emblem and badges on certain models and added an all-new white interior option.
How much does the 2026 Mazda CX-50 cost?
The 2026 CX-50 base prices range from about $32,000 to around $45,000, including the destination charge of $1,595 ($1,640 in Alaska).
Does the 2026 Mazda CX-50 come with all-wheel drive?
Yes. All CX-50 2.5 S and 2.5 Turbo models come standard with i-Activ AWD, while the Hybrid comes standard with Electric AWD (eAWD).
What engine powers the base level of the 2026 Mazda CX-50?
The base model of the 2026 Mazda CX-50 is the CX-50 2.5 S model, which uses a Skyactiv-G 2.5L naturally aspirated four-cylinder. It produces 187 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque on regular 87-octane fuel. The engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
What is the 2026 Mazda CX-50 Meridian Edition?
The Meridian Edition is a new rugged trim available on both the 2.5 S and 2.5 Turbo. The CX-50 2.5 S Meridian Edition is available in Jet Black Mica, Polymetal Gray, or Zircon Sand exterior paints and features 18-inch allow wheels with all-terrain tires, black roof rails, and black half leatherette seats. The CX-50 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition adds features like distinctive hood graphics, navigation, and heated rear seats.
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