2026 Mazda CX-50

Overview

2026 Mazda CX-50

Christian Wardlaw | 

5 min read

Mazda

What's New for the 2026 Mazda CX-50

For the 2026 CX-50, Mazda has expanded the availability of the rugged-looking Meridian Edition. Previously, it came only with the upgraded turbocharged engine. This year, it is available with the CX-50's base powertrain. Additionally, some trim levels add more standard equipment, and a new White interior color is available. The Meridian Edition and 2.5 Turbo models feature new black exterior badges for 2026 (not shown in the photos).

The Mazda CX-50 is a compact five-person crossover SUV and the only Mazda model made in the United States. The CX-50 lineup is diverse, with three powertrains, including a hybrid and a version with a bit of extra off-roading capability. (This article does not include the hybrid.) Generally speaking, it is more enjoyable to drive than most of its rivals, with design and materials that seem a class above.

Pros

• Standard AWD
• Turbocharged engine option
• Upscale interior materials
• Top safety ratings    

Cons

• Less cargo room than some rivals
• Touchsensing display works only with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

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2026 Mazda CX-50 Trim Levels

Two gas-only CX-50 models are available for 2026: 2.5 S and 2.5 Turbo. All-wheel drive (AWD) is standard on each one, but their powertrains differ. 

A 2.5-liter four-cylinder making 187 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque is standard in the 2.5 S, married to a six-speed automatic transmission. The 2.5 Turbo has a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder and a six-speed automatic. With regular gas, it generates 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Pump it full of premium gas, and it whips up 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft.

Depending on the model, trim levels can include: Select, Preferred, Meridian Edition, Premium, Turbo, Turbo Meridian Edition, and Turbo Premium Plus. Highlights of each follow below:

• Select

The most affordable version of the 2026 Mazda CX-50 comes with black 17-inch wheels, LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation, rain-sensing wipers, and roof rails. Cloth and artificial leather upholstery decorates the cabin, which features dual-zone automatic climate control with rear air-conditioning vents. The infotainment system includes a 10.3-inch screen (touch-sensitive when using the wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), integrated Amazon Alexa, wireless phone charging, and eight speakers.

• Preferred

Upgrade to the CX-50 Preferred, and you get heated exterior mirrors, a new-for-2026 panoramic sunroof, and a power rear liftgate. Inside, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat awaits, and heated front seats help to ward off the chill. Front and rear parking sensors are also newly standard.

• Meridian Edition

The CX-50 Meridian Edition is the most rugged version of this SUV, thanks to its trim-specific 18-inch wheels and exclusive all-terrain tires. Blacked-out badges and black roof rails also help to identify this trim level.

• Premium

Building on Preferred trim, the CX-50 Premium adds 20-inch wheels (2.5 S), a wiper de-icer system, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system. New this year, the Premium adds memory for the driver's settings, a six-way power front-passenger seat, and ventilated front seats. 

• Turbo

Mazda equips the standard Turbo model with 20-inch wheels and paddle shifters. It also has larger exhaust outlets, black badges, and black roof rails. 

• Turbo Meridian Edition

Like the 2.5 S Meridian Edition, the turbocharged version features a more rugged appearance, 18-inch wheels, and all-terrain tires. However, the Turbo features leather, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a navigation system.

• Turbo Premium Plus

Serving as the top-of-the-line version of the CX-50, the Turbo Premium Plus is equipped with all of the bells and whistles and numerous exclusive safety features, as outlined below. 

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2026 Mazda CX-50 Cargo and Towing Capacity

When equipped with the standard or turbocharged engine, the Mazda CX-50 holds 31.4 cubic-feet of cargo behind the back seat and 56.3 cu-ft with the rear seat folded down. 

Mazda offers an available power liftgate, cargo-area accessories, roof rail crossbars, and crossbar attachments to hold gear such as bicycles, kayaks, snowboards, and surfboards. There's even an optional rooftop platform that supports a Mazda-accessory roof tent for two people, complete with a 2.5-inch-thick mattress.

When it comes to towing, the 2.5 S can accommodate up to 2,000 pounds. The CX-50 Turbo can handle up to 3,500 pounds.

2026 Mazda CX-50 Fuel Economy

According to the EPA, the base engine allows the CX-50 2.5 S to average 26 mpg in combined city and highway driving, while the more powerful CX-50 Turbo gets 25 mpg.

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2026 Mazda CX-50 Safety Ratings and Features 

Based on crash-test results from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the 2026 CX-50 is highly rated for safety. The NHTSA gives both gas-powered models an overall rating of five out of five stars, while the IIHS calls it a "Top Safety Pick+" for the 2026 calendar year.

Every CX-50 comes with i-Activesense, Mazda's name for the standard safety package. They include adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, head-on-collision mitigation, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, an exit-warning system, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist.

As you climb higher up the trim-level ladder, the CX-50 offers adaptive headlights, front and rear parking sensors, a traffic sign recognition system, and a speed-limit-assist function for the adaptive cruise control. For all of the safety tech available on the CX-50, choose the Turbo Premium Plus. It comes with Traffic Jam Assist, which combines the adaptive cruise control with lane-centering technology for semi-autonomous hands-on driving at low speeds. 

Additional upgrades with the Turbo Premium Plus trim include front cross-traffic alert, front automatic braking for cross traffic and oncoming traffic, rear automatic braking, a surround-view camera, and enhanced blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist technology. 

Christian Wardlaw

Chris says his first word was "car." For as long as he can remember, he's been obsessed with them. The design. The engineering. The performance. And the purpose. He is a car enthusiast who loves to drive, but is most passionate about the cars, trucks, and SUVs that people actually buy. He began his career as the editor-in-chief of Edmunds.com in the 1990s, and for more than 30 years has created automotive content for CarGurus, J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, the New York Daily News, and others. Chris owns Speedy Daddy Media, has been contributing to Capital One Auto Navigator since 2019, and lives in California with his wife, kids, dog, and 2004 Mazdaspeed Miata.