Mazda released the CX-50 for the 2023 model year, introducing a more upscale and sportier take on the long-running CX-5. The SUV is available with gas and hybrid powertrain options and comes standard with all-wheel drive (AWD), giving it a level of performance and capability that is hard to match.
2026 Mazda CX-50 Pricing, Specs, and Release Date
- What’s New for the 2026 Mazda CX-50
- Design
- Powertrain
- Interior
- Technology
- Safety
- Pricing and Release Date
- Further Research
What’s New for the 2026 Mazda CX-50
The CX-50 gained a few enhancements for the 2026 model year, including a new Meridian Edition trim level with more rugged styling, a new white interior option, and black badges for some trims.
Design
The CX-50 fits into the same size class as the CX-5, but it features more muscular styling, with beefy wheel arches and rugged, outdoor-inspired paint colors. The Meridian Edition features unique 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, and Mazda offers a range of wheel options for other trim levels.
Powertrain
The base gas engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, making 187 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque on regular fuel. A six-speed automatic transmission and AWD are also standard. Hybrid models come with the same engine and three electric motors that make a combined 219 hp and 163 lb-ft of torque. A turbocharged version of the 2.5-liter engine boosts output to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel. All offer strong acceleration, and the CX-50’s sporty suspension gives it surprisingly engaging handling.
Interior
The five-passenger CX-50 comes standard with synthetic leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Higher trims add genuine leather, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, heated second-row seats, and more. While the cabin is spacious and comfortable, cargo space is below average, at 31.4 cubic feet with the rear seats upright and 56.3 with the bench folded down.
Technology
Mazda equips the 2026 CX-50 with a 10.25-inch infotainment display and a 7-inch digital gauge cluster. The screen operates without touch functionality in most situations, but it becomes a touchscreen when Apple CarPlay or Android Auto is in use. Other standard tech features include HD radio, Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa functionality, and an eight-speaker audio system. A Bose stereo, SiriusXM radio, wireless charging, and navigation are available.
Safety
The 2026 CX-50 hasn’t been crash-tested by either major ratings agency yet, but it’s very well-equipped with driver-assistance gear. Standard features include blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, automatic high beams, rear-seat alert, adaptive cruise control, and more. Available features include a head-up display, traffic-jam assist, adaptive headlights, a surround-view camera, and parking sensors.
Pricing and Release Date
As of the time of this writing, pricing for the 2026 Mazda CX-50 is not available. The new model will likely show a slight price increase over the 2025 version, which started at $30,500. The CX-50 Hybrid started at $33,970, and both variants become significantly more expensive with options and trim upgrades.
