2026 MAZDA CX-50

Some compact SUVs laud themselves for their everyday practicality, while others tout their rugged persona. The 2026 Mazda CX-50 is a mix of both, and what a fine recipe results. As the more off-road-oriented sibling of the Mazda CX-5, the CX-50 looks like the tougher of the two and has more off-pavement functionality. Yet – and this is what we love about the CX-50 – it’s still a Mazda. By that, we mean it has athletic, enjoyable driving manners, and all the more so if you opt for the potent turbo engine. Yet even if you never venture further than a dirt lot or the suburbs, the CX-50 also serves well as a practical and safe 5-passenger SUV.

Also available is the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid, which we review separately.

We’ve logged hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of compact SUVs, including the Mazda CX-50.

For 2026, the Mazda CX-50 gains a Meridian Edition trim with the 2.5 S powertrain — the non-turbo, base engine. There’s also a new base model with the turbo engine, simply called the CX-50 2.5 Turbo, which gives buyers a less expensive way to get more power and towing capability. A new white interior is available, while black Mazda emblems and badges now grace other trims.

The Mazda CX-50 is in line with other popular compact SUVs like the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, and Nissan Rogue. But there’s a notable inherent value in the CX-50, since it comes standard with all-wheel drive — an extra cost on most rivals. The Subaru Forester, which also has it standard, is close in price, while the Ford Bronco Sport starts higher.

Before buying a new Mazda CX-50 compact SUV, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should really pay. The Mazda CX-50’s resale value is average for the class. Remember: Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

Most CX-50 buyers get the base engine, which is good for 187 horsepower. That’s the same as a Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson, three shy of the non-hybrid Honda CR-V, and a few more than the Chevrolet Equinox. In other words, it’s typical for this class. We think it’s sufficient for most situations. Whether cruising highways or slugging it out in heavy city traffic, we’ve found the CX-50 adapts well, delivering smooth, consistent performance. And if you’ve ever driven a Mazda, you know these vehicles have a more fun, athletic-leaning nature than other vehicles. The CX-50 is no exception. We also like that the CX-50 comes with all-wheel drive standard. This provides enhanced traction on slick and dry roads alike. For those who want to venture off-road, or at least a bit further off pavement, there’s an off-road mode and an available towing mode to best make use of the CX-50’s 3,500-pound max tow capacity.

If you want more fervor in your CX-50, look to a turbo model. It boosts the fun factor with 227 hp — or up to 256 hp when fed 93 octane gas.

Fuel Economy

Keeping in mind that the CX-50 comes with all-wheel drive as standard and most of its rivals don’t, it still lands close to the middle of its class. The non-turbo engine achieves 26 mpg in combined city/highway driving. That’s just one mpg less than the Subaru Forester (another contender with standard all-wheel drive). The CX-50’s turbocharged engine manages 25 mpg combined.

If you prioritize fuel economy and want a CX-50, check out the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid, which earns 38 mpg combined and has more power than the base engine in the standard CX-50.

Mazda designs some of the best-looking interiors among mainstream brands. Despite its premium vibe, the CX-50’s 2-row/5-passenger cabin furthers the impression that this all-wheel-drive SUV is no wallflower. Hosing out the interior is a no-no — it’s not that type of rugged — but the quality of the craftsmanship more than makes up for it. If you’ve been pining for a white interior color choice in addition to the gray, tan, black, and brown hues on offer, Mazda has heard you — even that lighter color is available for 2026. And if you’re one who loves to let the outdoors in, a panoramic moonroof is available — always a nice option to have.

As for spaciousness, although the CX-50’s rear legroom is more than adequate, its cargo room is below average for this compact SUV class. That said, we doubt owners will ever actually run out of room in normal situations.

There’s no mistaking a Mazda for anything else. The longish hood and short overhangs provide the CX-50 with a rakish, sporty look. Yet as the more outdoorsy sibling to the more road-oriented CX-5, the CX-50 features rugged design elements like black fender cladding. Meridian Edition models, which for 2026 can be had with the non-turbo engine, amplify the message with 18-inch alloy wheels and all-terrain tires and black roof rails.

i-Activ all-wheel drive
This standard system can predict when wheelspin will occur and respond almost immediately, sending power where it’s needed most.

Mi-Drive
Also known as Intelligent Drive Select, Mi-Drive lets the CX-50 driver choose from Normal, Sport, and Off-Road modes. In Sport, responses are sharpened. For example, the transmission doesn’t upshift automatically when lifting off the throttle, keeping the engine ready for acceleration action.

Dual-zone automatic climate control
A set-it-and-forget-it system, dividing the CX-50 into left and right regions, each with separate temperature settings. Once set, the system maintains the preset temperatures automatically. It comes standard in the CX-50.

Driver assistance technologies
Mazda includes an array of safety tech like adaptive cruise control, emergency forward braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and driver-attention monitor.

Head-up display
This available color display projects vital information onto the windshield just below the driver’s line of sight. It’s designed to help drivers keep their eyes on the road. This feature is more common in luxury vehicles, so we’re pleased to see it in a mainstream model.

Bose audio
Available in Premium and Premium Plus trims, this 12-speaker system features Bose Centerpoint and AudioPilot technologies for an immersive listening experience.

The most popular engine is the base 2.5-liter 4-cylinder unit, which makes 187 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque. This goes to a standard all-wheel-drive system through a 6-speed automatic transmission. The optional 2.5-liter turbocharged engine generates 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque when there’s regular 87 octane gas in the tank. That jumps to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft on a diet of 93 octane gas.

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 with the standard engine can tow up to 2,000 pounds, while those with the turbo engine can pull up to 3,500 pounds, which is on the higher side for this class.

3-Year/36,000-Mile Warranty

Mazda’s new-vehicle warranty is for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever happens first. Powertrains are covered for five years or 60,000 miles. This is all typical for mainstream manufacturers, although Hyundai and Kia do better.

Safety Ratings

This generation of CX-50 has taken the highest accolade of Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and earned the maximum 5-Star overall score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).