The 2026 Mazda CX-50 is a Fun Compromise // Review

25 thoughts on “The 2026 Mazda CX-50 is a Fun Compromise // Review”

1. I love my meridian Cx50 non turbo. More reliable.

2. I have a 2020 CX-5 and I love the physical buttons and dial.

3. why is there no trunk space? all the rival SUVs have way more space for the same size car.

4. CX-50 owner. Needed the towing. I picked it over the old CX-5 compromising a bit of handling for utility, while still being more fun to drive than the rest of the segment. My takeaway from the review is the new CX-5 really missed the mark on being a Mazda with sporty soul.

5. My wife bought a new CX-50 Hybrid AWD in the Preferred trim last fall, in the Soul Red Crystal color. She really likes the car. I like it, too, and in mixed driving (but with a majority being highway miles) it's getting around 35 mpg.

   The overall design is nice, with a fairly clean cabin. I love the steering wheel and climate control buttons and knobs. (I wish my ND3 Miata had those climate controls; they are that good.) It's pretty comfortable, drive well, rides well, and has a great amount of cargo room.

   My only two gripes are the lane-keep assist works very poorly, if at all, and the infotainment screen is too far away to use as a touchscreen when using Apple CarPlay. I've tried to look up info on the lane-keep assist issue, but haven't seen a setting or an answer as to why it doesn't work right.

   As for the screen, I got used to using Mazda's control wheel in the ND1 Miata I daily drove for 4+ years, and it was fine. But that was without using CarPlay. We all know Mazda doesn't want people touching screens, though they've obviously changed their minds after seeing the new CX-5.

   Overall, we like the CX-50. But if I were buying one for myself, I'd still get the Hybrid, but I'd opt for the Premium trim.

6. Love my turbo CX5. The new one is a disappointment. Might have to get this next when it come time.

7. I hate the new CX-5!

8. The embargo is over where's my trailseeker review MATT

9. Key words, traditional automatic transmission. The competition with their CVT transmissions come up short, way short.

10. Love my 2025 CX-50 Turbo PP. Polymetal gray, terracotta interior… it's beautiful inside and out. I have a Mazda3, as well. Torsion beam suspension doesn't matter for commuting, and doesn't get in the way of the fun unless you plan on tracking either car. Is it basic? Yes. Did they put the money elsewhere? Yes. Worth it? IMO, yes. Best handling of the mainstream brands from what I've driven. Plus physical controls > giant touch screens every time.

11. I've had my MX-5 RF GT for just over 6 years now. Needed something with passenger and cargo space so I looked at the CX-5 and CX-50. While the 2025 CX-5 certainly feels more "upscale" and comfortable, the new 2026 models are basically just copy/paste Tesla slop. The CX-50 was very similar to the 2025 CX-5 but somehow felt more spacious inside, and more cargo. The Premium gas trim (non hybrid, non turbo) has all the "upscale" feel I'd want and does NOT have the atrocious Tesla-slop interior of the new CX-5's. After a month of comparing and researching and shopping, I picked up my brand new Soul Red 2026 CX-50 two days ago and it's sitting next to my MX-5 on the driveway 🙂

12. So theres a cx 50 and a cx 5? What is mazda doing

13. Mazda shouldn’t change everything into touchscreen that will be a big mistake if they do I saw new cx5 is not in my list! I used to like cx5 before cx50 come out but now I don’t like the new design cx5

14. I owned Cx9 and mx5 my last car in the Mazda list is cx50 turbo!

15. Yes, this is the difference between Mazda and the rest of the boring mainstream SUV! All Mazda need is improving some tech and couple inches legroom then Mazda still best selling cars! DONT ever change your style Mazda! I don’t like new cx5 ít get more like Korea style and ford escape combine

16. I drove every CX-50 variant. The interior is fantastic. Base 2.5 is adequate. If you drive the turbo first, you’ll get that one. The hybrid is heavier and seems to smooth out the jittery rear end. They all turn so well that you will be looking for 90° turns to rail.

17. "The cup holders are placed right in front of the climate control".

    That just comes with the territory of all Mazda ownership 😂

18. We have a fully loaded 2025. We like the CX50. Including all the buttons and rotary dial. We find the front bottom cushions too short and it takes a while for the cabin to get warm on colder days

19. I thought the axle failure was on the turbo models only? Does it also fail with the hybrid cx50?

20. The CX-50 has clunky looking styling & stance, is pseudo-rugged w/too many cheap exterior plastics, & is definitely the most "Americanized" Mazda in their lineup (take that any way you want). The new 2026 CX-5 is a better looking vehicle, overall, but the interior control/screen changes in that are just AWFUL (WTF Mazda?). Luckily, I'm already tired of the entire SUV/CUV trend anyway, & recently returned to my fun & sporty compact sedan roots with my 2026 Mazda3 sedan purchase. Much happier now, after leaving that entire over-hyped & overpriced segment behind me.

21. I'm so confused between CX-5 and 50. Why do they have 2 CUVs competing against one another and other manufacturers? It makes me want to ignore them to make my decision easier and just go with Toyota for it's reliability

22. I love my cx-50 and the knob.

23. Owning the CX5 Turbo and averaging 21mpg on Premium. The only way to get the Mazda numbers is driving slow – below the boost. Just floor it and have fun. I really think Mazda should offer an Off-road trim – small lift and 17” rims and AT tires.

24. Finally, a reviewer who likes the centre console and knows how useful and convenient it is. Just like every Mazda owner. Subscribing to you and unsubscribing savagegeese and edmunds.

25. Needs independent rear suspension

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