Verified vehicle record

2026 Mazda CX-50

Car and Driver says the rugged-looking Meridian Edition trim is now available with the base naturally aspirated engine, and there's a new white leather interior upholstery option on certain trims. MSRP runs $31,395-$44,395. MotorTrend says Mazda dropped the Premium Plus trim from both the turbocharged and naturally aspirated lineups and slotted in new 2.5 S Meridian Edition and 2.5 Turbo offerings, plus a new black Mazda emblem and badges on Meridian and turbo models; MotorTrend likes the CX-50 but wants the extra equipment given the incredibly capable rivals it competes against, listing competitors as the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Subaru Forester.

Current archiveChecked Sep. 20, 2026United States specification
Powertrain2.5-liter 4-cylinder (SKYACTIV-G), 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (SKYACTIV-G, Turbo)
Output187–227 hp
DrivetrainAWD
Seating5
Maximum towing3,500 lb
Decision answers23Trim, ownership and verification

What changed for 2026

Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) says the rugged-looking Meridian Edition trim is now available with the base naturally aspirated engine, and there's a new white leather interior upholstery option on certain trims.

MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) says the non-hybrid 2026 CX-50 gains a new black Mazda emblem and badges on Meridian and turbo models, an all-new white interior option on loaded turbo models, and the outdoor-focused Meridian Edition becomes available for the 2.5 S powertrain. Mazda also dropped the Premium Plus trim from both the turbocharged and naturally aspirated lineups, slotting in new 2.5 S Meridian Edition and 2.5 Turbo offerings instead.

Pricing for 2026

Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) lists MSRP at $31,395-$44,395.

How it compares to its closest rivals

MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) likes the CX-50, but says it'll take the extra equipment as the Mazda competes in a class with some incredibly capable rivals; MotorTrend lists competitors to the 2026 CX-50 as the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Subaru Forester.

Questions buyers ask

What's new for the 2026 Mazda CX-50?

Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) says the Meridian Edition is now available with the base engine, plus a new white leather interior option.

How much does the 2026 Mazda CX-50 cost?

Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) lists MSRP at $31,395 to $44,395.

Research paths

Move from the vehicle to the decision.

Compare like with like: the closest configuration, not an unrelated advertised maximum.

Record summary

What to know first

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 is a compact SUV that Kelley Blue Book lists in 7 trims, from the 2.5 S Select to the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus. Its engine choices are 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (SKYACTIV-G) and 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (SKYACTIV-G, Turbo). Power runs from 187 to 227 horsepower, and Kelley Blue Book lists all-wheel drive. Its curb weights run 3,741 to 3,915 lb and its combined fuel economy 25 to 26 mpg.

Model-year note

Against the 2025 model year in Kelley Blue Book's rows, 2.5 S Meridian Edition and 2.5 Turbo join the lineup; 2.5 S Premium Plus and 2.5 Turbo Premium are no longer listed; the best combined fuel economy moves from 28 to 26 mpg.

Trim map

How the lineup separates.

Trim descriptions identify the meaningful change from one trim to the next; individual options can still vary.

0 documented equipment items across 7 trims.
TrimPlace in the lineupNotable equipment
2.5 S SelectEntry trimSee full equipment map
2.5 S PreferredTrim 2 of 7See full equipment map
2.5 S Meridian EditionTrim 3 of 7See full equipment map
2.5 S PremiumTrim 4 of 7See full equipment map
2.5 TurboTrim 5 of 7See full equipment map
2.5 Turbo Meridian EditionTrim 6 of 7See full equipment map
2.5 Turbo Premium PlusTop trimSee full equipment map
01

Entry trim

2.5 S Select

02

Trim 2 of 7

2.5 S Preferred

03

Trim 3 of 7

2.5 S Meridian Edition

04

Trim 4 of 7

2.5 S Premium

05

Trim 5 of 7

2.5 Turbo

06

Trim 6 of 7

2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition

07

Top trim

2.5 Turbo Premium Plus

Trim-by-trim specifications

The 2026 Mazda CX-50: 7 trims compared.

Kelley Blue Book specifications, one row per trim.

2026 Mazda CX-50 powertrain, performance and efficiency by trim
TrimEngineTransmissionDriveHorsepowerTorque (lb-ft)0–60 mphTop speedEPA city / hwy / combSeatsBasic warranty
2.5 S Select2.5-liter 4-cylinder (SKYACTIV-G)Automatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive Sport w/Manual ModeAWD1871859.5 s118 mph24 / 30 / 26 mpg53 yr / 36,000 mi
2.5 S Preferred2.5-liter 4-cylinder (SKYACTIV-G)Automatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive Sport w/Manual ModeAWD1871859.5 s118 mph24 / 30 / 26 mpg53 yr / 36,000 mi
2.5 S Meridian Edition2.5-liter 4-cylinder (SKYACTIV-G)Automatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive Sport w/Manual ModeAWD1871859.5 s118 mph24 / 30 / 26 mpg53 yr / 36,000 mi
2.5 S Premium2.5-liter 4-cylinder (SKYACTIV-G)Automatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive Sport w/Manual ModeAWD1871859.5 s118 mph24 / 30 / 26 mpg53 yr / 36,000 mi
2.5 Turbo2.5-liter 4-cylinder (SKYACTIV-G, Turbo)Automatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive Sport w/Manual ModeAWD2273107.5 s135 mph23 / 29 / 25 mpg53 yr / 36,000 mi
2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition2.5-liter 4-cylinder (SKYACTIV-G, Turbo)Automatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive Sport w/Manual ModeAWD2273107.5 s135 mph23 / 29 / 25 mpg53 yr / 36,000 mi
2.5 Turbo Premium Plus2.5-liter 4-cylinder (SKYACTIV-G, Turbo)Automatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive Sport w/Manual ModeAWD2273107.5 s135 mph23 / 29 / 25 mpg53 yr / 36,000 mi
2026 Mazda CX-50 dimensions, weights and capacities by trim
TrimCurb weightLengthHeightWheelbaseGround clearanceTurning circleFuel tankFront headroomFront legroomTowingTires
2.5 S Select3,741 lb185.8 in63.5 in110.8 in8.3 in39 ft15.9 gal39.1 in41.7 in2,000 lbP225/65R17
2.5 S Preferred3,741 lb185.8 in63.5 in110.8 in8.3 in39 ft15.9 gal38.6 in41.7 in2,000 lbP225/65R17
2.5 S Meridian Edition3,741 lb185.8 in63.9 in110.8 in8.6 in39 ft15.9 gal38.6 in41.7 in2,000 lbP225/60R18
2.5 S Premium3,741 lb185.8 in63.9 in110.8 in8.3 in39 ft15.9 gal38.6 in41.7 in2,000 lbP245/45R20
2.5 Turbo3,915 lb185.8 in63.9 in110.8 in8.6 in39 ft15.9 gal38.6 in41.7 in3,500 lbP245/45R20
2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition3,915 lb185.8 in63.9 in110.8 in8.5 in39 ft15.9 gal38.6 in41.7 in3,500 lbP225/60R18
2.5 Turbo Premium Plus3,915 lb185.8 in63.9 in110.8 in8.6 in39 ft15.9 gal38.6 in41.7 in3,500 lbP245/45R20

Equipment by trim

Which 2026 Mazda CX-50 trim has what.

Std is standard, Opt is optional, a dash means Kelley Blue Book lists it as not available.

2026 Mazda CX-50 standard and optional equipment by trim
Equipment2.5 S Select2.5 S Preferred2.5 S Meridian Edition2.5 S Premium2.5 Turbo2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition2.5 Turbo Premium Plus
Safety
Adaptive headlights––––StdStdStd
Blind-spot alertStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Child door locksStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Child-seat anchorsStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Forward collision warningStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Forward collision warning with automatic brakingStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Hill-start assistStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Rearview cameraStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Surround-view camera––––––Std
Front and rear parking sensors–StdStdStdStdStdStd
Rear parking sensors–StdStdStdStdStdStd
Electronic stability controlStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Traction controlStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Technology
Text-message readerStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Bluetooth audio streamingStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
BluetoothStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Hands-free callingStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Built-in internet accessStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Navigation system–––––StdStd
Premium audio system–––StdStdStdStd
Satellite radio–––StdStdStdStd
Apple CarPlay or Android AutoStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Steering-wheel audio controlsStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
TouchscreenStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Voice recognitionStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Emergency and security servicesStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Comfort
Heated front seats–StdStdStdStdStdStd
Heated rear seats–––––StdStd
Heated steering wheel–––––StdStd
Heated mirrors–StdStdStdStdStdStd
Power front seats for driver and passenger–––StdStdStdStd
Power driver's seat–StdStdStdStdStdStd
Leather seats–––StdStdStdStd
Leather-wrapped steering wheelStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Front and rear climate zonesStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Panoramic moonroof–StdStdStdStdStdStd
Tilt steering wheelStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheelStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Cup holdersStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Exterior and convenience
Alloy wheelsStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Privacy glassStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Rear spoilerStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Roof railsStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Power-folding mirrors––Std–Std–Std
12-volt power outletStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Power windowsStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Remote keyless entryStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Remote engine startStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Proximity keyless entryStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Push-button startStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Cruise controlStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Integrated garage-door opener––––StdStd–
Rear-window defrosterStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Rain-sensing wipersStdStdStdStdStdStdStd

Complete certification table

3 configuration records.

EPA ID / labelEngine / technologyDrive / transmissionFuelCityHwyCombinedRange
50009CX-50 4WD2.5L 4-cyl SIDIConventional4-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S6)Regular232925N/A
50011CX-50 4WD2.5L 4-cyl SIDIConventional4-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S6)Regular243026N/A
50010CX-50 4WD2.5L 4-cyl SIDI & PFI; HybridHybrid4-Wheel DriveAutomatic (variable gear ratios)Regular393738N/A

Direct answers

23 questions tied to this model-year.

Each answer names its source.

Q01How many trims does the 2026 CX-50 come in?

Kelley Blue Book lists 7 trims for the 2026 Mazda CX-50 (compact SUV): 2.5 S Select, 2.5 S Preferred, 2.5 S Meridian Edition, 2.5 S Premium, 2.5 Turbo, 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition, 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus.

Source: Kelley Blue Book
Q02What are the 2026 CX-50 trims?

Kelley Blue Book lists these 7 trims for the 2026 Mazda CX-50, in this order: 2.5 S Select, 2.5 S Preferred, 2.5 S Meridian Edition, 2.5 S Premium, 2.5 Turbo, 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition, 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus.

Source: Kelley Blue Book
Q03What engine or powertrain does the 2026 CX-50 use?

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 is built around 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (SKYACTIV-G), 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (SKYACTIV-G, Turbo), rated at 187–227 horsepower across its compact SUV body style.

Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications
Q04Is AWD or 4WD available on the 2026 CX-50?

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 is offered with AWD.

Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications
Q05What changed for the 2026 CX-50?

Against the 2025 model year in Kelley Blue Book's rows, 2.5 S Meridian Edition and 2.5 Turbo join the lineup; 2.5 S Premium Plus and 2.5 Turbo Premium are no longer listed; the best combined fuel economy moves from 28 to 26 mpg.

Source: Kelley Blue Book model-year information
Q06How did the 2026 Mazda CX-50 do in NHTSA's side crash and rollover tests?

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 earned 5 stars in the side crash test (5 stars driver side, 5 stars passenger side) and 4 stars for rollover resistance.

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program
Q07How much engine oil does each 2026 Mazda CX-50 engine hold?

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 owner's manual lists the SKYACTIV-G 2.5 (4.8 US quarts), and the SKYACTIV-G 2.5T (5.1 US quarts). Source: 2026 Mazda CX-50 owner's manual.

Source: Manufacturer owner's manual
Q08What automatic transmission fluid does the 2026 Mazda CX-50 use?

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 owner's manual names ATF WS for the transmission. Source: 2026 Mazda CX-50 owner's manual.

Source: Manufacturer owner's manual
Q09What brake fluid, refrigerant and key-fob battery does the 2026 Mazda CX-50 use?

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 owner's manual names a CR2032 coin-cell battery in the key fob. Source: 2026 Mazda CX-50 owner's manual.

Source: Manufacturer owner's manual
Q10How far does the 2026 Mazda CX-50 take to stop from 70 mph?

Car and Driver's testing of the 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Meridian Edition recorded a 70-to-0 mph stopping distance of 180 feet.

Q11What is the destination charge on the 2026 Mazda CX-50?

The destination charge on the 2026 Mazda CX-50 is $1,495. MotorTrend lists it, and MotorTrend's MSRP plus this charge matches Kelley Blue Book's national price, which includes destination (AWD 2.5 S Select: MotorTrend MSRP $29,900 plus this charge equals Kelley Blue Book's $31,395; the same on 7 trims).

Q12What suspension does the 2026 Mazda CX-50 use?

Rear: torsion Beam.

Q13Did the 2026 Mazda CX-50 earn an IIHS Top Safety Pick award?

IIHS lists the 2026 Mazda CX-50 as a Top Safety Pick+. IIHS states the rating applies to 2023-26, 2024-26 and 2025-26 models, based on a test of the 2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Premium Plus 4-door 4wd.

Q14How did the 2026 Mazda CX-50 do in IIHS crash tests?

IIHS rated the 2026 Mazda CX-50: Good in the small overlap front test, Good in the updated moderate overlap front test, Good in the updated side test. IIHS states the rating applies to 2023-26, 2024-26 and 2025-26 models, based on a test of the 2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Premium Plus 4-door 4wd. Grades run Good, Acceptable, Marginal, Poor.

Q15How quickly does the 2026 Mazda CX-50 accelerate from 0 to 60 mph?

The 2026 Mazda CX-50's 0-60 mph time is 7.5 seconds on the 2.5 Turbo, 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition and 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus and 9.5 seconds on the 2.5 S Select, 2.5 S Preferred, 2.5 S Meridian Edition and 2.5 S Premium. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications.

Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q16What is the 2026 Mazda CX-50's top speed?

The 2026 Mazda CX-50's top speed is 118 mph on the 2.5 S Select, 2.5 S Preferred, 2.5 S Meridian Edition and 2.5 S Premium and 135 mph on the 2.5 Turbo, 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition and 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications.

Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q17What size wheels does the 2026 Mazda CX-50 have?

The 2026 Mazda CX-50's wheel diameter is 17 inches on the 2.5 S Select and 2.5 S Preferred, 18 inches on the 2.5 S Meridian Edition and 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition and 20 inches on the 2.5 S Premium, 2.5 Turbo and 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications.

Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q18How much cargo space does the 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select AWD have?

CarBuzz lists 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space for the 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select AWD.

Source: CarBuzz model-year specification page
Q19What warranty does the 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select AWD come with?

CarBuzz lists the 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select AWD with basic coverage of 36 months or 36,000 miles, powertrain coverage of 60 months or 60,000 miles, corrosion coverage of 60 months with unlimited miles and roadside assistance of 36 months or 36,000 miles.

Source: CarBuzz model-year specification page
Q20What is the GVWR of the 2026 Mazda CX-50 AWD 2.5 S Select 4dr SUV?

CarDealerships.com lists a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,861 pounds for the 2026 Mazda CX-50 AWD 2.5 S Select 4dr SUV.

Source: CarDealerships.com model-year specification page
Q21What is the payload capacity of the 2026 Mazda CX-50 AWD 2.5 S Select 4dr SUV?

CarDealerships.com lists a maximum payload of 1,120 pounds for the 2026 Mazda CX-50 AWD 2.5 S Select 4dr SUV.

Source: CarDealerships.com model-year specification page
Q22How do the 2026 Mazda CX-50 trims differ from one another?

The 2.5 S Preferred has front and rear parking sensors, heated front seats, heated mirrors and 3 more as standard equipment over the 2.5 S Select. The 2.5 S Meridian Edition has power-folding mirrors as standard equipment over the 2.5 S Preferred. The 2.5 S Premium has power front seats for driver and passenger, leather seats, a premium audio system and satellite radio as standard equipment over the 2.5 S Meridian Edition. The 2.5 Turbo has 227 hp against 187 and adaptive headlights, an integrated garage-door opener and power-folding mirrors as standard equipment over the 2.5 S Premium. The 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition has heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel and a navigation system as standard equipment over the 2.5 Turbo.

Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q23What does the 2026 Mazda CX-50 cost across its trims?

Kelley Blue Book's national base prices for the 2026 Mazda CX-50 run from $31,395 for the 2.5 S Select to $44,395 for the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus, across 7 trims. Those figures include the destination charge.

Source: Kelley Blue Book

Live NHTSA evidence

Current federal safety records for 2026 Mazda CX-50.

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