2026 Mazda CX-50: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 gets a light lineup and packaging update, not a redesign. The headline change is the new 2.5 S Meridian Edition, which brings the outdoorsy Meridian look and 18-inch setup to the non-turbo engine.
About the 2026 Mazda CX-50
1st generation (2023-present), fourth model year, pre-refresh packaging update year
Mazda positions the CX-50 as the more adventure-ready companion to the CX-5: a compact SUV with standard AWD, a long and flat cargo area, useful towing ability, and more confidence on rough roads, but with the brand’s usual emphasis on responsive steering and a premium-feeling cabin. In this lineup, the CX-50’s core appeal is that it blends outdoor practicality and road-trip usefulness with a more polished driving feel than many mainstream compact SUVs.
Mazda positions the 2026 CX-50 as a broad lineup of regular gas models, outdoorsy Meridian editions, stronger turbo models, and efficiency-focused hybrids. The new 2.5 S Meridian pairs its black 18-inch wheels and 8.6-inch ground clearance with heated front seats and a power liftgate. At the upper end, the Turbo Premium Plus has a 360-degree camera, while the hybrids use electronic AWD with Power and Trail driving modes.
What changed, by category
2026 Mazda CX-50 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, Turbo, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, Turbo, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, Turbo, 2.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, eCVT | Automatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive Sport w/Manual Mode | Automatic, eCVT | Automatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive Sport w/Manual Mode | Automatic, eCVT | Automatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive Sport w/Manual Mode | Automatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive Sport w/Manual Mode | Automatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive Sport w/Manual Mode | Automatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive Sport w/Manual Mode | Automatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive Sport w/Manual Mode |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Hybrid | Gas | Hybrid | Gas | Hybrid | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 39 mpg | 23 mpg | 39 mpg | 24 mpg | 39 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 23 mpg | 23 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 37 mpg | 29 mpg | 37 mpg | 30 mpg | 37 mpg | 30 mpg | 30 mpg | 30 mpg | 29 mpg | 29 mpg |
| Horsepower | 227 hp | 187 hp | 187 hp | 187 hp | 187 hp | 227 hp | 227 hp | |||
| Torque | 163 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 163 lb-ft | 185 lb-ft | 163 lb-ft | 185 lb-ft | 185 lb-ft | 185 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1500 lb | 3500 lb | 1500 lb | 2000 lb | 1500 lb | 2000 lb | 2000 lb | 2000 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 56.3 cu-ft | 31.4 cu-ft | 56.3 cu-ft | 31.4 cu-ft | 56.3 cu-ft | 31.4 cu-ft | 31.4 cu-ft | 31.4 cu-ft | 31.4 cu-ft | 31.4 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 37.8 in | 39.8 in | 37.8 in | 39.8 in | 37.8 in | 39.8 in | 39.8 in | 39.8 in | 39.8 in | 39.8 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||||||||
| Adaptive Headlights | ||||||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||||||||
| Automatic Leveling Headlights | ||||||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||||||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | ||||||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||||||
| 360 Camera | ||||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||||||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||||||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | ||||||||||
| Head-Up Display | ||||||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2026 Mazda CX-50?
The biggest change is the new 2.5 S Meridian Edition. It gives the non-turbo CX-50 the Meridian model’s outdoorsy appearance, black 18-inch wheels, black roof rails, and 8.6-inch ground clearance.
Was the 2026 Mazda CX-50 redesigned?
No, the 2026 Mazda CX-50 was not redesigned. It remains part of the first generation introduced for 2023 and receives a trim and equipment reshuffle for 2026.
Is the 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Meridian Edition turbocharged?
No, the 2.5 S Meridian Edition uses the regular non-turbo 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The separate 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition combines the Meridian treatment with the turbocharged engine and a 3,500-pound towing capability.
What happened to the Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo Premium for 2026?
The 2.5 Turbo Premium was renamed 2.5 Turbo for 2026. It continues as the entry point to the turbo lineup, with the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine and a 3,500-pound towing capability.
What changed on the 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Premium?
The 2.5 S Premium gains leather-trimmed seats, ventilated front seats, a six-way power front passenger seat, and two-position driver-seat memory. These changes make it the richer non-turbo trim after the 2.5 S Premium Plus leaves the lineup.