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Mazda CX-50
MotorTrend says Mazda has slightly revised the CX-50's trims for 2026, dropping Premium Plus from both the turbocharged and naturally aspirated lineups and slotting in new 2.5 S Meridian Edition and 2.5 Turbo offerings, with the off-road-oriented Meridian models helping Mazda take on trail-ready SUVs from brands like Subaru and Honda, even though the available turbocharged engine doesn't make astounding power. Car and Driver titled its test of the new trim 'Mostly Show But Enough Go,' noting the Meridian is down nearly 70 horsepower and its chunky all-terrain tires, compared to the Turbo Premium Plus's 20-inch Goodyear Eagle Touring all-season rubber, didn't help from a traction standpoint. Car and Driver separately says those looking for a more efficient model should check out the CX-50 Hybrid, which borrows its powertrain from the popular Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, and that the next-generation CX-5 will add a hybrid variant for 2027 developed in-house by Mazda.
New trims for 2026
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) says Mazda has slightly revised the CX-50's trims for 2026, dropping Premium Plus from both the turbocharged and naturally aspirated lineups and slotting in new 2.5 S Meridian Edition and 2.5 Turbo offerings, with the off-road-oriented Meridian models helping Mazda take on trail-ready SUVs from brands like Subaru and Honda.
Mostly show, enough go
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) titled its test of the new trim 'Mostly Show But Enough Go,' noting the Meridian is down nearly 70 horsepower and its chunky all-terrain tires, compared to the Turbo Premium Plus's 20-inch Goodyear Eagle Touring all-season rubber, didn't help from a traction standpoint.
A RAV4-sourced hybrid
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) says those looking for a more efficient model should check out the CX-50 Hybrid, which borrows its powertrain from the popular Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, and that the next-generation CX-5 will add a hybrid variant for 2027 developed in-house by Mazda.
Questions buyers ask
What powertrain does the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid use?
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) says it borrows its powertrain from the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.
Is the Mazda CX-50 Meridian less powerful than the Turbo?
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) says yes, down nearly 70 hp.
Research map
Every major decision path.
The 2025 Mazda CX-50 is built around 2.5L gas, turbo or hybrid, rated at 187–227 horsepower across its compact SUV body style.
Explore this topic →02Trims and equipmentThe 2025 U.S. lineup has 10 trims.
Explore this topic →03Towing and capabilityThe most the 2025 Mazda CX-50 is published to tow is 2,000 / 3,500 lb.
Explore this topic →04Safety and ownershipNHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 47 owner complaints for the 2025 CX-50.
Explore this topic →Current model year
2025 Mazda CX-50
The 2025 CX-50 spans naturally aspirated, turbocharged and hybrid powertrains across ten trims, all with standard all-wheel drive. Towing rises from 2,000 to 3,500 pounds only on turbocharged trims.
Read specifications, trims, answers and sourcesModel-year archive
2 indexed Mazda CX-50 model years.
| Model year | Trims | Open record |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Mazda CX-50 | 2026 record → | |
| 2025 Mazda CX-50 | 2 | 2025 record → |
Background and safety record
What public sources say about the Mazda CX-50.
The Mazda CX-50 is a compact crossover SUV produced by the Japanese automobile manufacturer Mazda since 2022 for the 2023 model year, for the North American and Chinese markets. Based on the same transverse, front-wheel-drive platform as the fourth-generation Mazda3 and the CX-30, the vehicle is sold alongside the slightly smaller CX-5 and is positioned below the larger, rear-wheel-drive based CX-70.
- Safety
- The 2023 CX-50 was awarded the "Top Safety Pick +" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It received overall Good and Superior ratings on all categories except the non-turbo models, which received an Acceptable rating on headlights, as only the turbo models are offered with adaptive headlights.
- Awards
- In 2024, the CX-50 was one of five compact SUVs listed on Car and Driver's Editors' Choice.
- Design
- The CX-50 was officially revealed on November 15, 2021 in the US market. Compared to the smaller CX-5, the vehicle is designed with emphasis in "active and outdoor lifestyles", by introducing squarer styling and larger body cladding. A more rugged off-road-styled variant named the Meridian Edition is also available.
- Powertrain
- The CX-50 is powered by the 2.5-litre Skyactiv-G inline-four engine offered in its standard naturally-aspirated (PY-VPS) form, which produces 187 horsepower (190 PS) and 186 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged (PY-VPTS) variant that outputs 227 horsepower (230 PS) (with 87 AKI octane fuel) or 256 horsepower (260 PS) (with 93 AKI octane fuel) and 320 pound-feet of torque.
- Trim levels
- The CX-50 in the United States is available in Select, Preferred, Preferred Plus, Premium, and Premium Plus trims. The turbocharged engine option is reserved for Base (Turbo), Premium, and Premium Plus trims.
Source: Mazda CX-50 (Wikipedia); safety and recall figures from NHTSA.
Mazda CX-50 at a glance
- Production
- January 2022 – present
- Model years
- 2023–present
- Assembly
- United States: Huntsville, Alabama (Mazda Toyota Manufacturing USA, MTMUS), China: Nanjing (Changan Mazda)
- Class
- Compact crossover SUV
- Body style
- 5-door SUV
- Layout
- Front-engine, all-wheel-drive
- Platform
- Small Product Group
- Power output
- PE-VPS: 153 hp, PY-VPS: 187 hp, PY-VPTS: 227 hp, HEV: 176 hp
- Transmission
- 6-speed Skyactiv#Skyactiv-Drive, Skyactiv-Drive Automatic transmission, automatic, Transmission (mechanics)#Electric variable, eCVT (HEV)
- Wheelbase
- 110.8 in
- Length
- 185.8 in, 4785 mm (China)
- Width
- 75.6 in
- Height
- 63.5 in
- Curb weight
- 3706 lb
- Related models
- Mazda CX-5#KM, Mazda CX-5 (KM), Mazda3#BP, Mazda3 (BP), Mazda CX-30
- Designer
- Eiji Kimoto, Takeshi Shinohara, Kouhei Kawakami, Young-Joon Suh, Ryousuke Nozaki, Yutaka Sukegawa, Heitetsu Takemoto, and Yasuyuki Murata
NHTSA rated the 2025 Mazda CX-50 overall 5 of 5 stars, front crash 5 of 5 stars, side crash 5 of 5 stars, rollover 4 of 5 stars.
Recent recalls (4 campaigns across the latest model years)
- October 2025, Suspension:Critical Fasteners. Mazda North American Operations is recalling certain 2025 CX-50 and CX-50 Hybrid vehicles. The front suspension fastener bolts may not be tightened properly, which can result in suspension component and/or wheel detachment. Consequence: Wheel or suspension component detachment can cause a loss of vehicle control and a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
- June 2025, Air Bags: Air Bag/Restraint Control Module:Software. Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain CX-50 Hybrid and CX-50 vehicles. Incorrectly configured module software may cause the air bag to deploy improperly. Consequence: An air bag that deploys improperly increases the risk of injury during a crash.
- March 2025, Trailer Hitches. Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024-2025 CX-50 vehicles equipped with Mazda Genuine Accessory trailer hitches. The trailer hitch assembly bolts may loosen and cause the assembly to separate from the vehicle body during towing or normal driving conditions. Consequence: A detached trailer hitch assembly can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Owners filed 47 complaints with NHTSA for the 2025 Mazda CX-50, most often about power train (11), service brakes (8), forward collision avoidance (8).
Year by year
The Mazda CX-50 across 4 model years.
| Model year | Combined MPG/MPGe | EPA annual fuel cost | EPA records | NHTSA recalls | NHTSA complaints | NHTSA overall rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Mazda CX-50 | 25–38 | $1,700–$2,600 | 3 | 5 stars | ||
| 2025 Mazda CX-50 | 25–38 | $1,650–$2,500 | 3 | 4 | 46 | 5 stars |
| 2024 Mazda CX-50 | 25–27 | $2,300–$2,500 | 2 | 1 | 32 | 5 stars |
| 2023 Mazda CX-50 | 25–27 | $2,300–$2,500 | 2 | 2 | 61 | 5 stars |
Year-to-year changes
What changed in the Mazda CX-50, one model year at a time.
| Step | EPA records | Combined MPG/MPGe, midpoint | Added |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 to 2025 | 2 to 3 | 26.0 to 31.5 | Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl SIDI & PFI; Hybrid; Transmissions: Automatic (variable gear ratios) |
Buying used
What the Mazda CX-50 recalls and complaints are about.
| Model year | Campaigns | Systems recalled | Warnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 4 | lane departure (sensing system); trailer hitches; air bags (air bag/restraint control module); 1 more | None |
| 2024 | 1 | trailer hitches | None |
| 2023 | 2 | trailer hitches; service brakes, hydraulic (antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip) | None |
| System | Complaints | Share of all complaints | Worst model year |
|---|---|---|---|
| service brakes | 29 | 20% | 2023 (16) |
| forward collision avoidance | 26 | 18% | 2023 (14) |
| power train | 20 | 14% | 2025 (11) |
| unknown or other | 17 | 12% | 2023 (8) |
| structure | 17 | 12% | 2023 (6) |
| electrical system | 16 | 11% | 2023 (9) |
Trim by trim
Every 2026 Mazda CX-50 trim side by side.
| Trim | Drive | Engine | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Combined mpg | Base price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 S Select | AWD | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (SKYACTIV-G) | 187 | 185 | 3,741 | 2,000 | 26 | $31,395 |
| 2.5 S Preferred | AWD | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (SKYACTIV-G) | 187 | 185 | 3,741 | 2,000 | 26 | $33,895 |
| 2.5 S Meridian Edition | AWD | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (SKYACTIV-G) | 187 | 185 | 3,741 | 2,000 | 26 | $34,645 |
| 2.5 S Premium | AWD | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (SKYACTIV-G) | 187 | 185 | 3,741 | 2,000 | 26 | $36,395 |
| 2.5 Turbo | AWD | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (SKYACTIV-G, Turbo) | 227 | 310 | 3,915 | 3,500 | 25 | $39,395 |
| 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition | AWD | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (SKYACTIV-G, Turbo) | 227 | 310 | 3,915 | 3,500 | 25 | $41,895 |
| 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus | AWD | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (SKYACTIV-G, Turbo) | 227 | 310 | 3,915 | 3,500 | 25 | $44,395 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for the 2026 model year; base price is KBB's national base price where its list carries the trim by the same name. A dash means KBB lists no figure.
Specifications by year
Power, weight and towing for every Mazda CX-50 model year.
| Model year | Trims | Engines | Horsepower | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Fuel tank (gal) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7 | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (SKYACTIV-G) / 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (SKYACTIV-G, Turbo) | 187–227 | 3,741–3,915 | 2,000–3,500 | 15.9 |
| 2025 | 7 | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (SKYACTIV-G) / 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (SKYACTIV-G, Turbo) | 187–227 | 3,741–3,915 | 2,000–3,500 | 15.9 |
| 2024 | 8 | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (SKYACTIV-G) / 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (SKYACTIV-G, Turbo) | 187–227 | 3,706–3,913 | 2,000–3,500 | 15.9 |
| 2023 | 10 | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (SKYACTIV-G) / 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (SKYACTIV-G, Turbo) | 187–227 | 3,706–3,907 | 2,000–3,500 | 15.9 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for each model year. A range covers every trim KBB lists that year; a dash means KBB lists no figure.
Owning it
Oil, fluid and wheel-nut figures for the Mazda CX-50.
| Model year | Engine oil | Brake fluid | Wheel-nut torque | A/C refrigerant | Key-fob battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | (4.8 qt) SKYACTIV-G 2.5; (5.1 qt) SKYACTIV-G 2.5T | – | – | – | CR2032 |
| 2025 | – | – | – | – | CR2032 |
| 2024 | – | – | – | – | CR2032 |
| 2023 | – | – | – | – | CR2032 |
Source: the manufacturer's owner's manual for each model year. A dash means that year's manual gave no single value for it, for instance one that lists two oil grades or two key types.
Model-year recall record
Mazda CX-50: which model years carry more or fewer federal safety recalls.
| Model year | Federal recalls on file | Complaints on file | Recalls most commonly affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | not available | ||
| 2025 | 4 | 46 | Lane Departure, trailer hitch, airbags, suspension |
| 2024 | 1 | 32 | trailer hitch |
| 2023 | 2 | 61 | trailer hitch, brakes |
| 2022 | not available | ||
| 2021 | not available | ||
| 2020 | not available | ||
| 2019 | not available | ||
| 2018 | not available | ||
| 2017 | not available | ||
| 2016 | not available | ||
| 2015 | not available |
Method: recall counts and their affected components come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Recalls API, queried by exact make, model and model year. Complaint counts come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Complaints API, same query pattern. Data pulled 2026-09-04.
Check open recalls by VIN for one particular vehicle.
Q01Is there a best year to buy a Mazda CX-50?
Federal recall records don't single out a best Mazda CX-50 model year: recall counts across the 3 published model years checked here stay within a normal range of this nameplate's own average (about 2.3 recalls per year), with no year standing out as notably higher or lower. Recall count is one input, not a purchase verdict. It says nothing about a specific vehicle's price, mileage, accident history or maintenance record.
Q02What are common recall-related problems on the Mazda CX-50 by model year?
2025: Lane Departure, trailer hitch, airbags, suspension. 2024: trailer hitch. 2023: trailer hitch, brakes.
Diagnosing one of these symptoms? The recalled systems above map to this site’s own ownership desks: general, evidence-first guidance that applies regardless of whether the specific vehicle in front of you was ever part of a recall campaign: Buying, records and recalls, Brakes, tires and steering.
Trim ladder
2 Mazda CX-50 trims, each with its own page.
Compared with
Models this Mazda CX-50 is most often compared with.
Nearest Mazda models
Other Mazda models.
Frequent questions
Answers with their conditions intact.
Q01How many trims does the 2025 CX-50 come in?
The 2025 Mazda CX-50 (compact SUV) comes in 10 trims: Select, Preferred, Premium, Premium Plus, Hybrid Preferred, Hybrid Premium, Hybrid Premium Plus, Turbo Meridian Edition, Turbo Premium, Turbo Premium Plus.
Q02What are the 2025 CX-50 trims?
The 2025 Mazda CX-50 trims are Select, Preferred, Premium, Premium Plus, Hybrid Preferred, Hybrid Premium, Hybrid Premium Plus, Turbo Meridian Edition, Turbo Premium, Turbo Premium Plus, listed from the entry Select up to the top Turbo Premium Plus.
Q03What engine or powertrain does the 2025 CX-50 use?
The 2025 Mazda CX-50 is built around 2.5L gas, turbo or hybrid, rated at 187–227 horsepower across its compact SUV body style.
Q04How much horsepower does the 2025 CX-50 have?
The 2025 Mazda CX-50 is rated at 187–227 horsepower (2.5L gas, turbo or hybrid).
Q05Is AWD or 4WD available on the 2025 CX-50?
The 2025 Mazda CX-50 is offered with Standard AWD.