Mazda CX-50: Hybrid, Turbo, price, towing and CX-5 vs CX-50
By CarWhere Research · Updated
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 is a rugged compact SUV priced from $29,900 to $42,900 before $1,595 destination. The CX-50 Hybrid starts at $34,750 and makes 219 hp with an EPA-rated 38 mpg combined. A 187-hp 2.5L and a 256-hp 2.5 Turbo, which tows up to 3,500 lbs, round out the lineup.
- Type
- Five-seat compact crossover SUV
- Price (MSRP)
- $29,900–$42,900 (2026 MY) · MSRP excl. $1,595 destination ($1,640 in Alaska). Lowest = 2.5 S Select (Mazda's price table and mazdausa.com list $29,900; the release headline says $29,990), highest = 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus. CX-50 Hybrid runs $34,750–$40,150.[1][2]
- Powertrains
- CX-50 2.5 S, CX-50 Hybrid, CX-50 2.5 Turbo · 187–256 hp
- Towing
- up to 3,500 lb (2.5 Turbo models with Mazda genuine towing accessories (Towing mode added). Mazda lists 2,000 lbs for 2.5 S models and 1,500 lbs for the Hybrid.)[3]
- Current generation
- First generation, 2023–present
2026 Mazda CX-50 price and trims
New for 2026: a 2.5 S Meridian Edition, gloss black badges on some trims and a $200 white interior option. All trims have AWD. Mazda's price table lists the 2.5 S Select at $29,900 (the release headline says $29,990).[1][2]
| Trim | MSRP (2026) | Powertrain |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5 S Select | $29,900excl. $1,595 destination (2026 MY) | Skyactiv-G 2.5L (187 hp, 185 lb-ft), 6-speed automatic, i-Activ AWD[1][3] |
| 2.5 S Preferred | $32,400excl. $1,595 destination (2026 MY) | Skyactiv-G 2.5L (187 hp, 185 lb-ft), 6-speed automatic, i-Activ AWD[1] |
| 2.5 S Meridian Edition | $33,150excl. $1,595 destination (2026 MY) | Skyactiv-G 2.5L (187 hp, 185 lb-ft), 6-speed automatic, i-Activ AWD[1] |
| 2.5 S Premium | $34,900excl. $1,595 destination (2026 MY) | Skyactiv-G 2.5L (187 hp, 185 lb-ft), 6-speed automatic, i-Activ AWD[1] |
| Hybrid Preferred | $34,750excl. $1,595 destination (2026 MY) | 2.5L Toyota Hybrid System, 219 hp system, eCVT, electric AWD[1][4][3] |
| Hybrid Premium | $38,150excl. $1,595 destination (2026 MY) | 2.5L Toyota Hybrid System, 219 hp system, eCVT, electric AWD[1] |
| Hybrid Premium Plus | $40,150excl. $1,595 destination (2026 MY) | 2.5L Toyota Hybrid System, 219 hp system, eCVT, electric AWD[1] |
| 2.5 Turbo | $37,900excl. $1,595 destination (2026 MY) | Skyactiv-G 2.5 Turbo (256 hp/320 lb-ft on 93 octane; 227 hp/310 lb-ft on 87), 6-speed automatic, i-Activ AWD[1][3] |
| 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition | $40,400excl. $1,595 destination (2026 MY) | Skyactiv-G 2.5 Turbo (256 hp/320 lb-ft on 93 octane; 227 hp/310 lb-ft on 87), 6-speed automatic, i-Activ AWD[1] |
| 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus | $42,900excl. $1,595 destination (2026 MY) | Skyactiv-G 2.5 Turbo (256 hp/320 lb-ft on 93 octane; 227 hp/310 lb-ft on 87), 6-speed automatic, i-Activ AWD[1] |
Every CX-50 trim compared, with standard equipment and previous-generation prices →
Mazda CX-50 engines, horsepower and mpg
Turbo output is shown on 93-octane premium fuel; on regular 87 Mazda rates it at 227 hp and 310 lb-ft. Mazda quotes a 551-mile total driving range for the CX-50 Hybrid.
| Version | Engine | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | Transmission | Drive | EPA mpg (city/hwy/comb) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CX-50 2.5 S2.5 S Select, 2.5 S Preferred, 2.5 S Meridian Edition, 2.5 S Premium | Skyactiv-G 2.5L naturally aspirated four-cylinder[1][3][4] | 187 | 185 | Skyactiv-Drive 6-speed automatic | i-Activ AWD (standard) | 24/30/262026 MY[4] |
| CX-50 HybridHybrid Preferred, Hybrid Premium, Hybrid Premium Plus | 2.5L four-cylinder with Toyota Hybrid System, three electric motors (176-hp engine; 163 lb-ft is engine torque)[1][3][5][4] | 219 | 163 | Electronically controlled CVT (eCVT) | Electric AWD (eAWD, standard) | 39/37/382026 MY[4] |
| CX-50 2.5 Turbo2.5 Turbo, 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition, 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus | Skyactiv-G 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder (256 hp/320 lb-ft on 93 octane; 227 hp/310 lb-ft on 87)[1][3][4] | 256 | 320 | Skyactiv-Drive 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters | i-Activ AWD (standard) | 23/29/252026 MY[4] |
Output is as rated by Mazda; fuel economy is the EPA estimate. "—" means no official figure was found.
Mazda CX-5 vs CX-50
Both are five-seat compact SUVs with standard AWD and nearly identical starting prices; the CX-50 offers hybrid and turbo powertrains the new CX-5 does not.[8][9][1][3][10][4]
| 2027 CX-5 | 2026 CX-50 | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP (before destination) | $29,990 | $29,900 |
| Top trim MSRP | $39,440 (2.5 S Premium Plus) | $42,900 (2.5 Turbo Premium Plus) |
| Destination | $1,595 | $1,595 |
| Base engine | 2.5L, 187 hp / 186 lb-ft | 2.5L, 187 hp / 185 lb-ft |
| Hybrid | Not offered | 219 hp, 38 mpg combined |
| Turbo | Not offered | 256 hp / 320 lb-ft (premium fuel) |
| EPA mpg, base engine (city/hwy/comb) | 24/30/26 | 24/30/26 |
| Max towing (Mazda rating) | Not published | 3,500 lbs (Turbo) |
- Base gas versions are nearly identical in price, power and EPA mileage.
- The CX-50 is the only one of the two with a hybrid (38 mpg) or turbo option.
- The new CX-5 adds a larger touchscreen and Google built-in; the CX-50 leans into outdoor trims such as the Meridian Edition.
Mazda CX-50 Hybrid explained
The CX-50 Hybrid is built around the Toyota Hybrid System: a 2.5L four-cylinder, a hybrid battery, three electric motors and an eCVT, with electric all-wheel drive standard. Mazda rates the system at 219 hp, and the EPA rates it 39 mpg city, 37 highway and 38 combined.
It comes in Preferred, Premium and Premium Plus trims from $34,750 to $40,150. Its towing rating is 1,500 lbs, lower than the gas models, and its drive modes are Power and Trail rather than Sport and Off-Road.[1][5][3][4]
What is the CX-50 Meridian Edition?
Meridian Edition is the outdoor-styled CX-50. For 2026 it comes on both the 2.5 S ($33,150) and the 2.5 Turbo ($40,400), with 18-inch wheels on all-terrain tires, black roof rails and gloss black badges, offered in Jet Black Mica, Polymetal Gray or Zircon Sand.
The Turbo Meridian adds a side rocker garnish, hood graphics and terracotta leather.[1]
CX-50 towing capacity by powertrain
Mazda's 2026 spec deck lists three ratings. The turbo is the CX-50 to choose for towing because it gains a Towing mode in Mi-Drive when fitted with Mazda's towing accessories.
Mazda CX-50 generations by year
| Generation | US model years | Engines | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| First generation | 2023–present | Skyactiv-G 2.5L (187 hp); Skyactiv-G 2.5 Turbo (256 hp on premium); CX-50 Hybrid from 2025 (219 hp) | Mazda revealed the CX-50 in November 2021 as a new, outdoor-focused model and the first built at the Mazda Toyota Manufacturing plant in Huntsville, Alabama, where production began in January 2022. The Toyota Hybrid System-based CX-50 Hybrid joined for 2025, and 2026 brings a 2.5 S Meridian Edition and a white interior option.[6][7][5][1] |
Mazda CX-50 problems and recalls
The Mazda CX-50, built in Alabama since the 2023 model year, has a short recall list. Campaigns cover a 2023 ABS hydraulic unit (23V275), loose front suspension bolts on 2025 models (25V737), a 2025 CX-50 Hybrid shifter fix and accessory trailer hitch hardware. Each repair is free, so check the VIN before buying.
| Issue | Generation | Years | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABS hydraulic control unit may be damaged (recall 23V275)[11] | 1st gen (2023–present) | 2023 | Recall 23V275 |
| Front suspension bolts not tightened properly (recall 25V737)[12] | 1st gen (2023–present) | 2025 | Recall 25V737 |
| CX-50 Hybrid can shift out of Neutral without the brake (recall 25V418)[13] | 1st gen (2023–present) | 2025 (Hybrid) | Recall 25V418 |
| Forward sensing camera can disable emergency braking (recall 24V649)[14] | 1st gen (2023–present) | 2025 | Recall 24V649 |
| Accessory trailer hitch harness or bolts can come loose (recalls 23V135, 25V167)[15][16] | 1st gen (2023–present) | 2023–2025 (with Mazda accessory hitch) | Recall 23V135 |
All 5 documented CX-50 issues and 5 recalls, with symptoms and pre-purchase checks →
What CX-50 buyers actually paid
MSRP is the starting point, not the transaction price. These CarWhere pages show buyer-reported prices and dealer invoice estimates for the Mazda CX-50.
More CX-50 research
See how a CX-50 was built at the factory.
Trim names and packages on a used listing are not always right. The CarWhere Mazda build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid?
The 2026 CX-50 Hybrid starts at $34,750 for the Hybrid Preferred and reaches $40,150 for the Hybrid Premium Plus, before $1,595 destination.
What mpg does the CX-50 Hybrid get?
The EPA rates the 2026 CX-50 Hybrid at 39 mpg city, 37 highway and 38 combined.
How much can a CX-50 tow?
Up to 3,500 lbs with the 2.5 Turbo and Mazda towing accessories. Mazda lists 2,000 lbs for the 2.5 S and 1,500 lbs for the Hybrid.
Where is the CX-50 built?
At the Mazda Toyota Manufacturing plant in Huntsville, Alabama, where CX-50 production began in January 2022.
Is the CX-50 bigger than the CX-5?
They are both five-seat compact SUVs. The CX-50 is styled for outdoor use with Meridian trims and higher towing on the Turbo; the new CX-5 focuses on rear-seat room and cabin tech.
Sources
Prices and output are as published by Mazda for the model year shown; fuel economy is from the EPA. Equipment changes between model years, so confirm a specific vehicle against its original paperwork or build sheet.
- 2026 Mazda CX-50: Pricing and Packaging (Sep 16, 2025) — Mazda USA Newsroom (news.mazdausa.com)
- Mazda CX-50 (vehicle page) — Mazda USA (mazdausa.com)
- 2026 Mazda CX-50 Specifications (spec deck) — Mazda USA Newsroom (news.mazdausa.com)
- 2026 Mazda CX-50 and CX-50 Hybrid fuel economy — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
- 2025 CX-50 Pricing and Packaging (Jul 9, 2024) — Mazda USA Newsroom (news.mazdausa.com)
- Mazda Reveals All-New CX-50 (Nov 15, 2021) — Mazda USA Newsroom (news.mazdausa.com)
- Mazda US History timeline — Mazda USA Newsroom (news.mazdausa.com)
- 2027 Mazda CX-5: Pricing and Packaging (Oct 26, 2026) — Mazda USA Newsroom (news.mazdausa.com)
- 2027 Mazda CX-5 Specifications (spec deck) — Mazda USA Newsroom (news.mazdausa.com)
- 2026 Mazda CX-5 fuel economy — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
- NHTSA recall 23V275000: Damaged ABS Hydraulic Control Unit — NHTSA
- NHTSA recall 25V737000: Front Suspension Bolts Not Tightened Properly — NHTSA
- NHTSA recall 25V418000: Transmission can be Shifted into Gear without Pressing Brake Pedal — NHTSA
- NHTSA recall 24V649000: Forward Sensing Camera Malfunction — NHTSA
- NHTSA recall 23V135000: Trailer Hitch Harness May Detach — NHTSA
- NHTSA recall 25V167000: Trailer Hitch Assembly May Detach — NHTSA
More Mazda tools
- Mazda research hub
- Mazda trim levels explained
- Mazda known issues by model
- Mazda engines and transmissions
- Mazda history
- Free Mazda VIN decoder
- Mazda specs by model
- Mazda reliability
- How long do Mazda models last?
Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Mazda North American Operations or Mazda Motor Corporation. Mazda and the model names are trademarks of their owners.