2026 Mazda
CX-50

Some vehicles just have it all, and Mazda helps the 2026 CX-50 stand out in the crowded compact crossover segment by uniting its undeniable practicality with the brand’s well-known driver engagement and upscale craftsmanship. This year’s lineup adds the 2.5 S Meridian Edition, expanding the off-road-oriented package to a version with the base four-cylinder engine. In addition, a new white leatherette or leather upholstery option appears on select trims, giving the cabin a brighter look. Every CX-50 comes with all-wheel drive and a choice of two 2.5-liter four-cylinder engines—one naturally aspirated, the other turbocharged—offering drivers a balance between efficiency for daily use and extra power for towing or highway passing.

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Trims and Powertrains

The 2026 Mazda CX-50’s lineup is extensive. The trims carrying the 2.5 S badge – the Select, Preferred, Meridian Edition, and Premium – use a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 187 horsepower. A turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 227 horsepower (or 256 horsepower with 93-octane gasoline) sits under the hood of the 2.5 Turbo, 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition, and 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus. All-wheel drive (AWD) and a six-speed automatic transmission are standard with both engines; the Turbo versions get paddle shifters.

The CX-50 with the base engine is EPA-rated to achieve 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. The Turbo powerplant changes the ratings to 23 mpg around town and 29 mpg on the open road. Towing capacity starts at 2,000 pounds, increasing to 3,500 pounds for the Turbo trims. Cargo space is 31.4 cubic feet behind the back seats, expanding to 56.3 cubic feet when the second row is unoccupied and folded down.

Standard Features by Trim

The Select trim is outfitted with proximity keyless entry, wireless device charging, leatherette and cloth upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, automatic LED headlights, and roof rails. Mazda also adds power side mirrors with integrated turn indicators, a 7-inch driver information display, push-button start, a tilt-and-telescopic steering column, rear privacy glass, dual exhaust outlets, rain-sensing variable-intermittent windshield wipers, four USB ports (two per row), and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Upgrades for the Preferred trim include a power panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, a power tailgate, an eight-way power driver's seat, and heated side mirrors. The Meridian Edition is equipped similarly to the Preferred but with the addition of black-finished exterior treatments and 18-inch wheels. The Premium lives up to its name and builds on the Preferred with leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a six-way power front passenger seat, a driver's memory system, a windshield wiper de-icer, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and 20-inch alloys.

The Turbo trim starts with the Premium’s equipment roster and adds a head-up display, adaptive front lighting with auto-leveling LED headlights, automatic power-folding side mirrors, larger exhaust outlets, black-finished exterior accents, and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The Turbo Meridian Edition gets a heated steering wheel, heated rear outboard seats, hood graphics, trim-specific exterior styling, and 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires. The Turbo Premium Plus follows a similar feature set but drops the ruggedized appearance of the Turbo Meridian Edition in favor of a driver's auto-dimming side mirror and numerous additional safety tech (details in the following section).

Advanced Driver Aids and Safety Technology

Mazda safeguards the 2026 CX-50 with airbags, anti-lock brakes, stability control, traction control, hill launch assist, a rearview monitor, and a slate of driver-assistance technologies. Those advanced systems consist of forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, emergency lane keeping with road keep assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, rear seat alert, driver attention alert, and vehicle exit warning. All trims except the Select also have front and rear parking sensors. The Premium and higher are outfitted with traffic sign recognition and upgraded adaptive cruise control with speed limit assist. Only the Turbo Premium Plus receives a surround-view monitor, blind-spot assist, front cross-traffic alert, upgraded automatic emergency braking (with turn-across traffic and front crossing), reverse automatic braking, and traffic jam assist.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The 2026 Mazda CX-50’s infotainment setup uses a 10.25-inch display primarily operated by a center-console command dial, which the automaker considers less potentially distracting than touchscreen operation. Touchscreen input is enabled for smartphone integration (wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay). Bluetooth and Alexa Built-In come standard, along with access to Mazda Connected Services for Wi-Fi hotspot capability, navigation, emergency assistance, and remote functions. In the Select, Preferred, and Meridian Edition, audio is provided via an eight-speaker system, while the Premium and higher upgrade to a 12-speaker Bose setup with SiriusXM satellite radio.

MSRP is the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price of the vehicle. Dealer sets final price. Sales tax, title, and registration fees are not included in vehicle prices or manufacturer offers that appear on this site and must be paid by the purchaser. $784 doc & title prep fees apply to all vehicle sales, including manufacturer offers that may appear on this website. Actual odometer reading may vary due to test drives and other miles driven since vehicle was listed. MPG ratings are EPA estimates. Actual results may vary for many reasons, including driving conditions and how you drive and maintain your vehicle. See full site disclosure here.

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