This week I bring you the 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition - the outdoor-focused variant of the CX-50 lineup. The CX-50, first introduced in 2023, has proven to be a smart move by the brand. It's Mazda's second best-selling vehicle in the U.S. behind the CX-5 based on 2025 sales figures.
Exterior
Polymetal Gray Metallic, one of three exterior color options for the Meridian Edition, looks fantastic on this well-designed SUV that offers 8.6-inches of ground clearance. Distinguishing Meridian Edition features include black side rocker garnish, hood graphics and new-for-2026 gloss black emblems and badges. Black metallic finish 18-inch alloy wheels with black lug nuts and locks are wrapped by all-terrain tires, which are the only "capability" addition to this variant.
The black front end grill is flanked by LED headlights with high beam control along with an Adaptive Front Lighting System. The tail end sports LED combo taillights, a rear roof spoiler and bright finish larger dual exhaust outlets and on top, roof rails. An Apex Package adds the black cross bars, front and rear crossbars and roof platform.
Other exterior features include black dual-power, power-folding, heated side mirrors and rain-sensing wipers with wiper-deicer.
Performance
A 2.5-Liter twin scroll supercharger powertrain paired with a 6-speed automatic and i-all-wheel drive delivers 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque using regular fuel, 256 hp and 320 lb.-ft. if you opt for premium. The engine has stop/go technology.
Interior
The CX-50's roomy cabin is upscale as you expect, with great build quality and high-end upholstery and switchgear. Terracotta leather-trimmed seats with black accents are a highlight - they look and feel great. Substantial inner door handles make a good impression. Terracotta stitching throughout is well done.
The 8-way power driver's seat features lumbar and memory. The passenger's seat is 6-way power. Both front seats offer 3-level heated and ventilated front seats, and you'll get heated seats in the second row. A heated, leather-trimmed steering wheel is especially smooth and features nice switchgear and paddle shifters.
Mazda technology is, for lack of a better word, subdued compared to other brands. Graphics overall aren't as much a focus. A 7" LCD Meter display is surrounded by analog dials on each side. A 10.25-inch color display operated via a Multifunction Commander control on the center console runs Mazda Connect. If you've kept up with my Mazda reviews you know I find it cumbersome to operate. Recently added touchscreen functionality exists only for Apple CarPlay. The Meridian is equipped with Mazda Online Navigation, Alexa built in, and a terrific 12-speaker Bose sound system custom engineering for the CX-50.
Dual-zone auto climate operates traditionally via dials in the center stack. Below, the center console tends to attract lint due to all the glossy black. Its home to two cupholders, a leather-wrapped gear shifter, Mi-Drive select and the aforementioned Multifunction Commander control. It's also where you find the electric parking brake and brake Auto Hold.
The 60/40 split second row features stadium seating so you lose a bit of headroom. You'll find more plastic on the door panels, but there is a nice drop-down center armrest and as well as nice soft touch seat backs.
A power liftgate opens up to an impressive cargo area with an available Cargo Liner with seatback protection. Levers release the second-row seats if you need more space.
Other standard features include a power panoramic roof, wireless charger and four USB-C ports split between rows.
Safety
Standard i-Activsense safety features include Smart Brake Support with pedestrian detection, Blind Spot Monitoring, Driver Attention Alert, Lane Departure Warning System, Lane Keep Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Seat Alert, and Vehicle Exit Warning. The Meridian Edition is also equipped with Front and Rear Parking Sensors, Emergency Lane Keeping Assist with Road Keep Assist, Smart Brake Support - Forward With Head-On Collision Mitigation, and Secondary Collision Reduction.
A few observations. It's not the most intuitive system to operate but once you enable it it works well. The driver assist system will come to complete stop with adaptive cruise control.
You have to step up to the Turbo Premium Plus to get a 360 degree view camera Brake Support- Reverse and Front Cross Traffic Alert.
Ride and Drive
Mazda's driving dynamics are among the best in the segment and clearly aimed at driver's who find joy in driving. Driving dynamics are engaging yet refined. Power feels great with this Turbo powertrain. Drive modes include Sport, Off-road and Towing,. You can feel a real difference in throttle responsiveness in Sport mode. Mazda's G Vectoring Control Plus aids in precise steering feel. Fuel economy is 25 mpg combined.
Options and What You'll Pay
Options include a trailer hitch and wiring harness ($560), Weather Package - cargo liner, roadside assist kit and custom-fitted all-weather floor mats ($390), Apex Package - black cross bars, front and rear crossbars and roof platform (1,235). Total MSRP as equipped $44,675.
This is in line with what you'd pay for the more powerful and tech-focused 2026 VW Tiguan Turbo I recently reviewed, though it doesn't have the exceptional driving dynamics of the CX-50.
Verdict
The Mazda CX-50 gets my two thumbs up for its near-luxury interior, stellar driving dynamics and available adventure-ready accessories, but the trade-off is cumbersome cabin tech.
2026 Mazda CX-50 Meredian Edition
- What I Liked Most: Driving dynamics, Terracota seats, near-luxury interior.
- What I would change: 6-speed and gear shift knob both seem outdated.
- MSRP: Base Price $40,400; Total MSRP $44,675 with transportation.
- Fuel Economy: 23 mpg city/29 mpg highway/25 mpg combined.
- Official Color: Polymetal Gray Metallic ($595).
- Odometer reading when tested: 1,226 miles.
- Weight: 3,915 pounds.
- Spare tire: Temporary spare.
- Ground Clearance: 8.5 inches.
- Length-Width-Height: 185.8” long/80.8” wide w/mirrors opened/63.9.” high.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 15.9 gallons with the filler on the driver’s side.
- Towing Capacity: 3,500 pounds.
- 2026 CX-50 Meridian in a few words: Great driving dynamics and love the available accessories.
- Warranty: 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper with roadside assistance, 5-year/60,000-mile power train warranty.
- Final Assembly Location: Madison, Alabama.
- Manufacturer's website: Mazda
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