2026 Mazda CX-50: What's New, Trims, Specs, and the New Hybrid Lineup
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 adds a factory hybrid powertrain producing 219 hp, making it the most significant update since the model launched. That hybrid joins the existing non-turbo and turbo lineups, giving buyers three distinct powertrain paths. This page covers every trim, spec, and change so you can find the right CX-50 in our inventory.
What's New for 2026
The headline change for 2026 is the addition of the CX-50 Hybrid, a full hybrid variant powered by a 2.5L four-cylinder hybrid system producing 219 hp at the system level. It pairs with an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (e-CVT) and Mazda's Electric All-Wheel Drive (e-AWD), delivering a combined fuel economy of 38 MPG city / 37 MPG highway / 38 MPG combined. That is a substantial efficiency gain over the non-turbo's 24 city / 30 highway rating.
Beyond the hybrid addition, the 2026 model year brings several trim-level feature updates across the non-turbo and turbo lineups, each noted in the specification deck as bold changes from the 2025 model year. The IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation carries into 2026, as does the NHTSA 5-Star Overall Safety Rating, confirming the CX-50's position among the safest crossovers in its segment.
Shoppers in Tuscaloosa researching the full scope of CX-50 changes should review the trim-by-trim breakdown below.
Trim Lineup
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 spans ten trims across three powertrain families.
Non-Turbo (SKYACTIV-G 2.5L, i-ACTIV AWD)
2.5 S Select
2.5 S Select, The entry point. Includes a 10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa Built-in, wireless phone charger, four USB-C ports, Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and 17-inch Black Metallic alloy wheels.
2.5 S Preferred
2.5 S Preferred, Adds front and rear parking sensors, heated front seats, heated side mirrors, an 8-way power adjustable driver seat with power lumbar, and a power rear liftgate with programmable height adjustment.
2.5 S Meridian Edition
2.5 S Meridian Edition, Builds on Preferred with 18-inch Black Metallic alloy wheels, all-terrain tires, piano black roof rails, hood graphics, side rocker garnish, black emblem and badges, and a distinctive outdoor-focused appearance package.
2.5 S Premium
2.5 S Premium, Adds leather seating, ventilated front seats, a 6-way power adjustable passenger seat, 2-position driver seat memory, a Bose 12-speaker audio system, SiriusXM satellite radio, a power-sliding panoramic moonroof, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink, and Traffic Sign Recognition.
Turbo (SKYACTIV-G 2.5L Turbo, i-ACTIV AWD)
2.5 Turbo
2.5 Turbo, Steps up to the twin-scroll turbocharged engine, adds Mi-Drive with Off-Road and Towing modes, 20-inch Black Metallic alloy wheels, Adaptive Front-Lighting System (AFLS), signature LED headlights with auto-leveling, automatic power-folding mirrors, and the full-color Active Driving Display.
2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition
2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition, Adds hood graphics, side rocker garnish, black lug nuts and locks, Mazda Online Navigation with OTA updates, piano black roof rails, and signature LED combination taillights.
2.5 Turbo Premium Plus
2.5 Turbo Premium Plus, The top non-hybrid trim. Adds Cruising and Traffic Support, Emergency Lane Keeping Blind Spot Assist, Front Cross Traffic Alert, Smart Brake Support with Turn-Across Traffic and Front Crossing, Smart Brake Support Rear, auto-dimming driver-side mirror, frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink, heated steering wheel, and dynamic rearview camera guide lines.
Hybrid (2.5L HEV, Electric AWD)
Hybrid Preferred
Hybrid Preferred, Shares the same infotainment core as the non-turbo lineup. Adds HEV-specific instrument cluster displays, an EV Mode switch, Mi-Drive with Power and Trail modes, a power-sliding panoramic moonroof, power rear liftgate, and 17-inch Black Metallic alloy wheels.
Hybrid Premium
Hybrid Premium, Adds leather seating (available in Black or Red), ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, 6-way power adjustable passenger seat, Bose 12-speaker audio, SiriusXM satellite radio, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink.
Hybrid Premium Plus
Hybrid Premium Plus, The top hybrid trim. Adds 19-inch machined aluminum alloy wheels, automatic power-folding mirrors with memory, signature LED taillights, the full-color Active Driving Display, heated steering wheel, and black trim inserts.
Compare 2026 Mazda CX-50 trims
Performance and Powertrain
The 2026 CX-50 offers three distinct powertrain configurations.
SKYACTIV-G 2.5L Non-Turbo, 187 hp at 6,000 rpm, 185 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm, paired with the SKYACTIV-Drive 6-speed automatic transmission. i-ACTIV AWD is standard. Towing capacity is 2,000 lbs. Fuel economy: 24 city / 30 highway / 26 combined MPG.
SKYACTIV-G 2.5L Turbo, Output rises to 227 hp on 87-octane fuel and 256 hp on 93-octane premium fuel. Torque reaches 310 lb-ft on 87-octane and 320 lb-ft on 93-octane, delivered at 2,000 rpm. The same 6-speed automatic is used, but Mi-Drive adds an Off-Road mode and a dedicated Towing mode that raises towing capacity to 3,500 lbs. Fuel economy: 23 city / 29 highway / 25 combined MPG.
2.5L Hybrid, The system produces 219 hp total, with the combustion engine contributing 176 hp and front/rear electric motors adding output independently through Electric AWD. The front electric motor generates up to 118 hp and 149 lb-ft of torque; the rear motor contributes 54 hp and 89 lb-ft. A nickel-metal hydride battery (6.5 kWh) supports the system. Towing capacity is 1,500 lbs. Fuel economy: 38 city / 37 highway / 38 combined MPG.
Ground clearance measures 8.6 inches on non-turbo trims, 8.5 inches on turbo trims, and 8.1 inches on the hybrid. All three configurations ride on a 110.8-inch wheelbase with MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
All 2026 CX-50 trims seat five passengers. Cargo space behind the second row measures 31.4 cubic feet, expanding to 56.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Front headroom is 39.1 inches across non-turbo and turbo trims, with front legroom at 41.7 inches.
The base 2.5 S Select opens with half leatherette seating and a 6-way manually adjustable driver seat. The 2.5 S Preferred introduces the 8-way power driver seat with power lumbar and heated front seats. The 2.5 S Premium and all Turbo and Hybrid upper trims add full leather, ventilated front seats, and a 6-way power passenger seat.
A power-sliding panoramic moonroof with one-touch operation is standard on Preferred and above in the hybrid lineup, and on 2.5 S Premium and above in the non-turbo lineup. Dual-zone automatic climate control with rear seat vents and a pollen filter is standard on all trims. A heated steering wheel appears on Turbo Premium Plus and Hybrid Premium Plus.
The Hybrid Preferred introduces a "wide and low" cargo configuration unique to the hybrid's architecture, providing a different but practical cargo layout.
Technology and Infotainment
Every 2026 CX-50 trim carries a 10.25-inch full-color center display with touch functionality for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Alexa Built-in is standard across the entire lineup. The Mazda Connect infotainment system includes a Multi-function Commander control, audio voice commands, and Bluetooth hands-free connectivity.
A 7-inch TFT LCD instrument panel display is standard. A wireless phone charger, four USB-C ports (two front, two rear), and an 8-speaker audio system are included from the base trim. The Bose 12-speaker system with Centerpoint and AudioPilot is standard on 2.5 S Premium and above.
SiriusXM satellite radio with a 3-month trial subscription is standard on 2.5 S Premium, the full Turbo family, Hybrid Premium, and Hybrid Premium Plus. Mazda Online Navigation with OTA map updates is standard on Turbo Meridian Edition and Turbo Premium Plus. The full-color Active Driving Display (windshield projection type) with Traffic Sign Recognition is standard on all Turbo trims and the Hybrid Premium Plus.
Mazda Connected Services include remote engine start, remote lock and unlock, vehicle health reporting, and automatic emergency notification, with a 1-year trial subscription.
Safety and Driver Assistance
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 earns IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ and an NHTSA 5-Star Overall Safety Rating.
Standard safety equipment on every trim includes Smart Brake Support (forward automatic emergency braking for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists in day and nighttime conditions) with Head-On Collision Mitigation, Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Driver Attention Alert, Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Rear Seat Alert, Vehicle Exit Warning, Secondary Collision Reduction, and a rearview camera.
Front and rear parking sensors are standard from the 2.5 S Preferred upward. Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Speed Limit Assist and Traffic Sign Recognition are standard on 2.5 S Premium and above.
The top Turbo Premium Plus adds the most comprehensive safety package in the lineup: Cruising and Traffic Support (Traffic Jam Assist), Emergency Lane Keeping with Blind Spot Assist, Front Cross Traffic Alert, Smart Brake Support Rear, and Smart Brake Support with Turn-Across Traffic and Front Crossing.
Mazda safety technology details
Who the 2026 CX-50 Is For
The 2025 CX-50 was a capable choice for buyers who wanted outdoor-oriented capability with genuine driving dynamics. The 2026 model makes a stronger case for a wider group of buyers. The addition of the hybrid lineup at 38 MPG combined means commuters and highway drivers can get significantly better efficiency without sacrificing AWD or the elevated Mazda interior quality.
Turbo buyers gain a dedicated Towing mode and a 3,500-lb tow rating, up from the non-turbo's 2,000-lb limit, making the 2026 Turbo the pick for buyers who need practical utility alongside performance. The Meridian Edition trims, available in both non-turbo and turbo configurations, deliver a differentiated aesthetic with all-terrain tires and specific exterior details for those who want a trail-ready look built in from the factory.
Buyers in Tuscaloosa who drove the 2025 model will notice the broader lineup, more standard tech, and the availability of the hybrid as the most meaningful year-over-year changes.
See the 2026 Mazda CX-50 at Tuscaloosa Mazda
Ten trims, three powertrain families, and an IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating make the 2026 CX-50 one of the most complete crossovers in its class. Whether you are drawn to the efficiency of the new hybrid, the power of the turbocharged lineup, or the value of the non-turbo base, Tuscaloosa Mazda carries current CX-50 inventory for you to see in person. Contact our team or browse available units online to find the trim that fits your plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a hybrid version of the 2026 Mazda CX-50?
Yes. The 2026 CX-50 Hybrid is a new addition to the lineup for this model year. It uses a 2.5L four-cylinder hybrid system producing 219 hp at the system level, pairs with an e-CVT, and uses Electric AWD. It is available in three trims: Hybrid Preferred, Hybrid Premium, and Hybrid Premium Plus, with combined fuel economy of 38 MPG.
What is the towing capacity of the 2026 Mazda CX-50?
Towing capacity depends on the powertrain. The non-turbo trims tow up to 2,000 lbs, the turbo trims tow up to 3,500 lbs, and the hybrid trims tow up to 1,500 lbs.
Does the 2026 Mazda CX-50 have AWD on every trim?
Yes. i-ACTIV AWD is standard on all non-turbo and turbo trims. The hybrid uses Electric AWD (e-AWD) as its standard drivetrain.
What safety ratings does the 2026 Mazda CX-50 have?
The 2026 CX-50 earns an IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating and an NHTSA 5-Star Overall Safety Rating.
What are the fuel economy numbers for the 2026 Mazda CX-50?
The non-turbo returns 24 city / 30 highway / 26 combined MPG. The turbo returns 23 city / 29 highway / 25 combined MPG. The hybrid leads the lineup at 38 city / 37 highway / 38 combined MPG.
Does the 2026 Mazda CX-50 have wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with touch functionality on the 10.25-inch center display are standard on every 2026 CX-50 trim.
What is the cargo space in the 2026 Mazda CX-50?
The CX-50 offers 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 56.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.
What is the ground clearance on the 2026 Mazda CX-50?
Ground clearance is 8.6 inches on non-turbo trims, 8.5 inches on turbo trims, and 8.1 inches on the hybrid.
