Just by the number of new Mazdas I see on the road, I can tell there’s been a shift in the brand, with the masses catching on to vehicles that deliver decent value and near-luxury appointments wrapped in a somewhat sporty package. The Mazda CX-50 has been a big part of such a shift from its introduction as a 2023 model year, capturing what many loved in the popular CX-5 and creating a slightly stylish alternative.
For the 2026 model year, the Mazda CX-50 continues without many notable changes. That sporty nature of the CX-50 is retained, especially in my test vehicle’s turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. That lively feeling is a welcoming and crucial aspect of the CX-50 in its top-level Turbo Premium Plus trim. The all-wheel-drive system and the ample 310 lb-ft of torque do amazingly through the midrange power band, where the CX-50 remains firmly planted without any tire-slipping drama. That sporty nature of the CX-50 comes alive through back roads, even though the ride quality can be a little harsh going over some road imperfections. However, there’s a welcoming smoothness of the suspension with its fixed-rate dampers when you go over larger road rides and undulations. Some of the road harshness feels as if it is an attribute to the large 20-inch wheels on the CX-50 Turbo Premium Plus trim wrapped with tires that have smaller sidewalls. Either way, the CX-50 puts its sporty character just slightly in front of its premium and luxury-like theme with excellent handling and assured driving character.
To add to the sporty nature of the CX-50 Turbo Premium Plus is the quick steering rack that exudes an inspired confidence in driving the small crossover. One thing to note is that the 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine produces 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque through the use of regular unleaded fuel. If you switch over to the recommended premium fuel, you’ll benefit from the addition of about 29 horsepower and 10 lb-ft of torque, bringing the total output to 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. Such a jump in power is felt more through the upper end of the rev range, where the engine feels like it has more steam up high just before the 6-speed automatic transmission makes its shift. With premium fuel, zero to 60 mph ticks off in about 6.9 seconds. Having the 6-speed automatic transmission may seem like a drawback considering many other competitors opt for at least an 8-speed auto or CVT, but considering the turbocharged engine’s respectable torque, the CX-50 does just fine managing the 6 cogs. There is a hybrid trim for the CX-50, which touts a combined 38 mpg and a total of 219 horsepower.
See Also: 2023 Mazda CX-50 Turbo Premium Plus Review & Test Drive
Fuel economy may take a small hit with the 6-speed automatic in the CX-50 Turbo when compared to others. However, it’s rather easy in the real world to match the EPA estimates of 23 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined. A 15.9-gallon fuel tank gives you a highway cruising range of about 461 miles.
While the new Mazda CX-5 has received some noteworthy updates, the CX-50 keeps its tradition with its interior layout that feels premium but still lacks in the area of its infotainment unit, which is only a touchscreen when you are using the USB-connected or wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto when the vehicle comes to a stop. Otherwise, the far-reaching screen must be interacted with through the traditional central controller and its set of core function buttons just behind the gear shifter. Such a setup has long been a sore spot for many in the Mazda camp. However, there may be a reprise on the horizon, as the latest Mazda CX-5 received an updated infotainment setup that is said to be ‘better’ in many ways with a large, easy-to-reach, all-time touchscreen.
The seating areas of the Mazda CX-50 Turbo Premium Plus are decent, with rather comfy seats, but they tend to be a bit firm initially. The seating tunnels up front can be a little narrow for taller individuals, where your knees may bang the sides. Otherwise, the front heated and ventilated leather seats are supportive and have a good amount of adjustability for different-sized individuals.
Out back, the outboard seats have heating and also have a decent amount of space. The cargo area offers up 31 cubic feet of storage space, and by manually folding down the 60/40-split seatbacks, you open the area to about 56 cubic feet.
Every Mazda CX-50 trim comes standard with a strong suite of active safety tech, such as radar cruise control with stop-and-go, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning with lane-keep assist, and a driver attention alert. Stepping up to my range-topping CX-50 Turbo Premium Plus mainly adds a few extras: front and rear parking sensors, a 360-degree surround-view camera, rear smart brake support, traffic jam assist, and blind spot assist.
Much like the CX-5, the Mazda CX-50 brings solid value to the table with a starting price of $29,900. That said, the number climbs quickly when you move into the upper trims, with my test vehicle landing at $44,620 as equipped, including the $1,495 delivery, processing, and handling fee. Even so, in a crowded crossover segment, the CX-50 continues to hold its own, thanks to its sporty personality, strong turbocharged punch, and an upscale look and feel inside and out.
Malcolm Hogan is the founder and editor of Automotive Addicts, a trusted voice in the automotive media world for over two decades. With 20+ years of hands-on experience covering the industry, Malcolm has built a reputation for delivering honest reviews, sharp insights, and in-depth coverage of everything from new car debuts to high-performance test drives. Passionate about the evolving car culture and staying ahead of the curve, Malcolm continues to lead Automotive Addicts as a go-to destination for enthusiasts and industry insiders alike.
