2026 Mazda CX-50 in Easley, SC

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 presents a range of mechanical configurations designed to support a wide scope of driving conditions through a combination of power, efficiency, and structural capability. Its lineup includes non-turbo, turbocharged, and hybrid powertrains, each developed with specific performance characteristics. The model's construction incorporates stability-focused suspension geometry, advanced electronic control systems, and extensive driver assistance technologies. Every trim package builds upon a shared platform that prioritizes balanced operation and consistent response.

Powertrains Designed for Performance Consistency

The non-turbo configuration features the SKYACTIV-G® 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder engine equipped with cylinder deactivation to enhance efficiency during steady driving. It generates 187 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 185 pound-feet of torque at 4000 rpm. This setup pairs with the SKYACTIV Drive six-speed automatic transmission that includes a manual shift mode for driver-controlled gear selection. All non-turbo models include the i-ACTIV all-wheel-drive system that continuously monitors grip and directs torque to support stability. These models also feature Mi Drive with Sport and Off Road modes to adjust vehicle response across varying conditions.

The turbocharged version incorporates the SKYACTIV-G® 2.5-liter engine with a twin-scroll turbocharger and i-Stop idle stop technology. Output varies based on fuel octane. Using 87 octane fuel, the engine produces 227 horsepower at 5000 rpm and 310 pound-feet of torque at 2000 rpm. With 93 octane fuel, output increases to 256 horsepower at 5000 rpm and 320 pound-feet of torque at 2500 rpm. This configuration also uses the six-speed automatic transmission. Turbo models include an expanded Mi Drive system that adds a towing mode and supports a towing capacity of 3500 pounds. This provides added range for load handling while retaining the all-wheel-drive capability featured throughout the lineup.

The hybrid system is built around a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine matched with front and rear electric motors. Combined output reaches 219 horsepower or 163 kilowatts. The electric motors deliver 118 horsepower at the front and 54 horsepower at the rear with torque figures of 149 pound-feet at the front and 89 pound-feet at the rear. Power is supplied by a nickel metal hydride battery with a 6.5 kilowatt-hour capacity and a 47.5 amp-hour discharge rating. The hybrid uses an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission and an electric all-wheel-drive system that distributes torque through both electric and combustion power sources. Mi Drive for hybrid models uses Power and Trail modes, and an EV mode switch allows electric-only operation in select scenarios. The hybrid models support a towing capacity of 1500 pounds and operate with a fuel tank capacity of 55 liters.

Structural Components That Support Predictable Handling

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 uses a MacPherson® strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension configuration across all models. This arrangement is engineered to maintain consistent geometry under load. The steering system is rack and pinion with engine speed sensing variable assist and electric power steering to maintain predictable steering weight. Steering ratio is 15.1 to one with approximately 2.7 turns lock to lock. Turning circle measurements range from 17.7 feet to 18.0 feet curb to curb depending on the configuration. Wall-to-wall turning diameter varies between 38.8 feet and 39.0 feet.

Braking capability comes from ventilated front disc brakes with a diameter of 12.8 inches or 326 millimeters and solid rear discs with a diameter of 12.8 inches or 325 millimeters. The braking system is a diagonal hydraulic setup with standard four-wheel anti-lock braking and electronic brakeforce distribution. The electronic parking brake is included across all trims and integrates automatically with hill launch assist for stationary starts on inclines.

Exterior Engineering for Function and Durability

The exterior structure includes a wheelbase of 110.8 inches and an overall length that ranges from 185.8 to 186.1 inches depending on trim. Width without mirrors measures 75.6 inches, and height varies based on model from 64.9 to 65.8 inches. Ground clearance differs by powertrain, with non-turbo models offering up to 8.6 inches, turbo models up to 8.5 inches, and hybrid models approximately 8.1 inches. Approach angles range from 18.0 to 18.5 degrees, and departure angles range from 23.0 to 24.8 degrees.

Wheel and tire selections differ throughout the lineup. The available wheel sizes include 17 by 7 inch, 18 by 8 inch, 19 by 7.5 inch, and 20 by 8 inch designs. Tire specifications include 225 65 R17 all-season, 225 55 R19 all-season, 225 60 R18 all-terrain for Meridian® models, and 245 45 R20 all-season tires for the larger wheel option. Hybrid models use 225 55 R19 tires. A temporary spare tire is included on all models.

Lighting equipment includes LED headlights with auto on and off operation. Select trims add adaptive front lighting and high beam control. Signature LED taillights are available along with a roof-mounted shark fin antenna, rain windshield wipers, heated side mirrors, and available automatic power-folding mirrors. Turbo models offer larger dual exhaust outlets with a bright finish, while hybrid trims feature unique cladding and hybrid badging. Roof rails are available in silver, black, or piano black depending on the trim level.

Interior Layout and Technology Integration

Interior dimensions provide front headroom of 39.1 inches in all powertrains. Rear headroom measures either 38.6 inches or 37.8 inches depending on configuration. Front legroom is 41.7 inches, while rear legroom varies between 39.8 and 39.0 inches for non-hybrid models and 38.6 inches for hybrid models. Shoulder room measures around 55.9 inches in the front row and 55.1 inches in the rear. Hip room reaches 53.6 inches at the front and ranges between 51.7 and 52.1 inches at the rear. Cargo space behind the second row measures 31.4 cubic feet, with up to 56.3 cubic feet available when the second row is folded.

Seat configurations differ by trim. Options include half leatherette, full leatherette, and full leather seating with available white interior choices on specific versions. Power-adjustable driver seats with lumbar support are included in upper trims along with available six-way power passenger seats. Select models include ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic moonroof with one-touch operation.

Technology features include a 10.25-inch full-color center display compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. A seven-inch TFT LCD meter display is standard across the range. Higher trims include an Active Driving Display projected onto the windshield that integrates traffic sign recognition. Audio configurations begin with an eight-speaker system. Premium versions include a Bose twelve-speaker setup with Centerpoint® and AudioPilot®. Connectivity features include Alexa Built-In, Bluetooth® for phone and audio, wireless phone charging, Mazda Connected Services with remote engine start, remote lock and unlock, vehicle health reporting, online updates, and in-vehicle WiFi. USB-C ports are installed in both the front and rear center console areas.

Comprehensive Safety and Driver Assistance Technology

Safety systems throughout the 2026 Mazda CX-50 include advanced dual front airbags along with side impact airbags for the front seats and side impact air curtains for both rows. Knee airbags are included for the driver and front passenger. All seating positions include three-point safety belts with pretensioners and load limiters except for the rear center position. Child seat anchors with upper tethers are included for the rear seats.

Driver assistance features include Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Emergency Lane Keeping with Road Keep Assist, Driver Attention Alert, and Smart Brake Support with head-on collision mitigation. Select models add Smart Brake Support for turning across traffic along with a rearward version for parking and reversing. Parking sensors are available at both front and rear positions. The Mazda Radar Cruise Control system with Stop and Go capability is standard across all trims, and Speed Limit Assist is added on upper trims. Additional features include Vehicle Exit Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition, and Rear Seat Alert.

Rearview monitoring is included for all trims. Some versions use static guidelines, and upper trims apply dynamic guidelines. Secondary Collision Reduction helps reduce further movement following an impact, and tire pressure monitoring is standard.

Schedule a Test Ride at McKinney Mazda

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 provides a combination of powertrain variation, structural stability, interior functionality, and extensive safety technology that supports a wide range of daily requirements. Its engineering highlights include the availability of three distinct propulsion systems, electronically managed all-wheel-drive configurations, multiple suspension and braking technologies, and a modern cabin design centered on clear information access and consistent operation. These characteristics can be evaluated directly through an in-person driving experience that allows a close look at performance, handling, interior layout, and system responsiveness. A test drive appointment at McKinney Mazda in Easley, SC, offers the opportunity to examine each feature set in operation and understand how the model behaves across typical driving situations. Our team can also review the differences among trims to help identify which configuration aligns with specific usage needs.