Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.MSRP: From ~$30,500Use the table of contents to jump to a sectionOverviewThe 2027 Mazda CX-50 compact SUV has been around for five model years now, and a refresh is expected next year. For now, the CX-50 continues with its existing trims and powertrains - a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with natural aspiration and 187 hp or turbocharging and up to 256 hp, both connected to a 6-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The Hybrid uses a Toyota-sourced NA 2.5L I4 powertrain with 219 hp. The CX-50's main selling points are still its upscale interior and fine driving manners, and the CX-50 caters to buyers who want a more engaging drive than rivals such as the Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V.2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid Premium Plus in Machine GrayJoe SantosWhat's New for 2027The 2027 CX-50 is expected to continue unchanged in anticipation of a mid-cycle refresh, which should happen for the 2028 model year.2025-2026 Mazda CX-50 Meridian Edition in Zircon SandMazdaView the 2 images of this gallery on the original articleExteriorThe CX-50 is more ruggedly executed than the svelte CX-5, with a lower roof and more defined fenders giving it a broader stance that hints at its road manners. The obligatory plastic body cladding and slightly elevated ride height are present and accounted for, and the CX-50 still looks modern, with its premium detailing and LED exterior lighting. Wheels measure 17 inches on base trims, but go up to 20 inches.2026 Mazda CX-50 Meridian Edition in Zircon SandMazdaView the 3 images of this gallery on the original articleInteriorAll trims get a 7.0-inch cluster display and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen that's operated via a rotary controller and not by touch, which has been met with some criticism. Mazda's recent about-face on touchscreens can be seen in the new CX-5, which has one; we expect the CX-50 to get one too. AdvertisementAdvertisementWireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Alexa, and an 8-speaker audio system are standard; top trims get a wireless charger, 12-speaker Bose audio, heated and ventilated power front seats, and more. The cabin is roomy, with nearly 40 inches of rear legroom. Fit and finish are outstanding, and the materials used are of near-luxury standard.2026 Mazda CX-50 black interiorMazdaView the 3 images of this gallery on the original articlePrice Range and Best Value TrimTrim LevelPriceBase trim: 2.5 S Select~$30,500Top trim: 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus~$43,500Best value trim: 2.5 S Premium~$35,500The ~$35,500 S Premium is great value, gaining leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, 20-inch wheels, and a lot more, combined with the efficient NA engine. The turbocharged trims kick off at around $37,500.2027 Mazda CX-50 Specs OverviewPowertrain OptionsEngineHorsepowerTorqueTransmissionDrivetrain2.5L Skyactiv-G NA I4187 hp185 lb-ft6-Speed AutoAWD2.5L Skyactiv-G Turbo I4256 hp (on premium fuel)320 lb-ft (on premium fuel)6-Speed AutoAWD2.5L Hybrid (NA Toyota I4 + Electric Motors)219 hp163 lb-ft (gas engine only)eCVTeAWDNote: The turbocharged engine develops 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular fuel. The hybrid system is sourced from the previous-generation Toyota RAV4.Performance and 0-60 MPHThe naturally aspirated CX-50s deliver adequate but unexciting performance, reaching 60 MPH in around 8.4 to 8.5 seconds, depending on the trim and tested weight. Better suited to highway driving and towing, the Turbo trims complete the sprint in 6.4 to 7.2 seconds. Both are smooth and refined, and the 6-speed auto is responsive.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe hybrids do a fine job with 7.6 seconds, and return far better gas mileage, but the CVT is bland and the engine coarse, just like in the Toyotas it comes from. The CX-50's greatest talent is its fun driving characteristics, with precise steering and excellent body control.2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid 2.5L NA I4 Toyota engineJoe SantosFuel Economy (MPG)CityHighwayCombined2.5L NA I424*30*26*2.5L Turbo I423*29*25*2.5L NA I4 Hybrid39*37*38**2026 EPA figuresAWD System OverviewThe gas CX-50's standard AWD system proactively and continuously distributes torque between the axles, not only when the front wheels start to slip, and comes with Sport and Off-Road modes (and a towing mode on Turbo models). Towing capacity is 2,000 pounds for the NA and 3,500 pounds for the Turbo engine. The hybrids have an electric motor on the rear axle to provide eAWD, not a drive shaft, and can tow only 1,500 pounds.DimensionsDimensionMeasurementLength185.8 - 186.1 inchesWidth72.9 inches without mirrorsHeight63.5 - 65.8 inchesWheelbase110.8 inchesInterior Space (Front and Rear)MeasurementFrontRearHeadroom38.6-39.1 inches36.7 - 37.8 inchesLegroom41.7 inches37.8 - 39.8 inchesCargo SpaceBehind Row 2Behind Row 1Gas31.4 cu-ft56.3 cu-ftHybrid29.2 cu-ft56.3 cu-ft2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid trunkGround ClearanceVarying between 8.3 and 8.5 inches, depending on trim, ground clearance is genuinely decent, and with standard AWD, the CX-50 will confidently tackle moderate trail work.WarrantyCoverage TypeDurationBasic/Bumper-to-Bumper3 years / 36,000 milesPowertrain5 years / 60,000 milesComplimentary MaintenanceNot includedPros and ConsPros:AdvertisementAdvertisementEngaging driving dynamicsUpscale interior that eclipses expectationsStandard AWD256-hp turbocharged engine option rated for 3,500-lb towingCons:Cargo space lags behind some competitorsInfotainment has a rotary controller, not a touchscreenWarranty coverage trails class leadersBase engine strained when fully loadedVerdictThe CX-50 stands out in the compact crossover segment for its classy, near-premium cabin and the athletic way it drives. The fact that this is joined by a roomy cabin and ample ground clearance are bonuses. The CX-50 makes most sense as a 2.5 S Premium, but if the base engine is too weak for you, $38K accesses turbo power. Sadly, compared to the excellent gas models, the thrifty hybrids are hamstrung by a dull CVT and harsh engine, and trunk space doesn't lead the class either, but is good enough for most people. If you value driving fun and a premium ambience, the CX-50 is hard to overlook in its segment.2025-2026 Mazda CX-50 Meridian Edition in Zircon SandMazdaCompetitorsHyundai TucsonSubaru ForesterHonda CR-VToyota RAV4Chevrolet EquinoxAdvertisementAdvertisementThis story was originally published by Autoblog on Aug 5, 2026, where it first appeared in the Cars section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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