2026 Mazda CX-50

The Mazda CX-50 is a slightly larger and more ruggedly styled SUV than its stablemate, the CX-5. Its roomy and versatile interior makes a better case against the likes of the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, and its standard all-wheel drive and adventurous Turbo Meridian trim give it a leg up on functionality too. This two-row compact SUV has a choice of powertrains that encompass a standard gas engine, a turbocharged engine, and a Toyota-sourced hybrid that was introduced in 2025. While there have been no official announcements about the 2026 model just yet, we wouldn't be surprised if Mazda makes a few changes. If that happens, the most likely updates would be styling tweaks and revised availability for the CX-50's standard and optional features.

Mazda is inching toward premium automaker status, and the CX-50 is a step in that direction. Trim for trim, it costs a bit more than its rivals. However, it justifies that in a couple of ways. First, all-wheel drive is standard across the board, which is typically optional on most competitors. The CX-50's interior is also a cut above the rest, with relatively upscale materials and an unimpeachable fit and finish. And the CX-50 has Mazda's signature fun-to-drive demeanor. Just note that the top trims are pricey enough to encroach on actual luxury automakers with more brand cachet.

What doesn't the CX-50 compete against? There's the Honda CR-V, of course, along with the Toyota RAV4 — two vehicles that dominate the compact SUV market. Looking past those, there's the Subaru Forester, Nissan Rogue, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Chevrolet Equinox and Volkswagen Tiguan. Shoppers are spoiled for choice in this segment, but the CX-50 should absolutely land on the short list for a test drive.

[Editor's note: The following unofficial information is based on last year's CX-50. We expect the 2026 model will have a similar lineup and we'll update this section once we have complete information.] The Mazda CX-50 is a compact crossover SUV with five-passenger seating. It comes in 10 trim levels: Select, Preferred, Premium, Premium Plus, Hybrid Preferred, Hybrid Premium, Hybrid Premium Plus, Turbo Meridian, Turbo Premium and Turbo Premium Plus. The CX-50 Select, Preferred, Premium and Premium Plus have a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (187 horsepower, 185 lb-ft of torque), while the CX-50 Hybrid variants use a 2.5-liter four-cylinder matched to three electric motors (219 hp combined). The upper three Turbo trims use a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder. It makes 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas and 256 hp and 320 lb-ft on 93 octane premium fuel. All gas-only CX-50s have a six-speed automatic transmission, and the CX-50 Hybrid uses a continuously variable automatic (or CVT). All-wheel drive is standard across the board. Keep reading for a breakdown of the significant standard and optional features you get with each trim level.