2026 Mazda Mazda CX-50 Turbo Premium Plus AWD: The Brand’s Compact Crossover

 

Highlight: A hybrid CX-50 is also available.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $44,620 (Base Mazda3): $31,395

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; rear view monitoring; stability control; traction control system; a blind spot monitoring system; a lane departure warning system; a lane keep assist system; a rear cross traffic alert system; a hill start assist system; and a tire pressure monitoring system

Standard Equipment (Test Model): AWD; 20-inch wheels; leather seats; heated side mirrors with memory; power front seats; heated front/rear seats; leather seats; a keyless entry system; a dual zone automatic climate control system; navigation system; wireless charger; and 360-degree camera

Options: retractable cargo cover  

Other Trim Levels:

Non turbo trim available

Hybrid powertrain

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 12-speaker Bose AM/FM/HD audio with Sirius

Android/Apple CarPlay: Yes

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Engine/Horsepower (Test Vehicle): 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder turbo engine/256-hp

Standard Fuel Mileage: 23-city/29-hwy (test model)

What’s New: While didn’t review this trim, the CX-50 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition, which is designed for off-road adventure, joins the lineup.

Why:

AWD

A variety of trim levels and powertrains

A hybrid model is available

A thoughtful interior design with a premium look

Sporty design

20-inch wheels

A nimble vehicle that’s easy to navigate

In-vehicle wireless smartphone charger

A high-level of safety driving aids

A radar-activated stop-and-go cruise control system

A dual zone automatic temperature system

A keyless entry system

Power moonroof

Heated front seats

Heated steering wheel available

Power rear liftgate

But:

Significantly smaller than other midsize competitors

The rotary controlled central infotainment system requires additional steps

Only available in an AWD, which drives up the price

Verdict: In the competitive compact crossover segment, the stylish CX-50 with its upscale interior is a standout in the segment.

At a starting price of $31,000, the CX-50, which can only be configured as an all-wheel drive, is available in a variety of trims and powertrains.

Depending upon the trim, the upscale vehicle, with its engaging driving dynamics, can be outfitted with such features as a power panoramic moonroof, a high-quality Bose audio system, and leather seats.

So, for those who are in the market for a compact which looks like it could be sold by such luxury makes as BMW, Lexus, Infiniti or Mercedes-Benz, the CX-5 with the turbocharged engine is the route to consider.

Competition: Chevy Equinox; Honda CR-V; Kia Sportage; Subaru Forester; Toyota RAV-4; and VW Tiguan