2026 Mazda CX-50 Trim Levels Explained near South Elgin, IL
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 brings a confident blend of capability, premium design, and everyday usefulness to drivers who want more than a conventional crossover. Assembled in America at the Mazda Toyota Manufacturing plant in Huntsville, Alabama, the CX-50 is purpose-built for active lifestyles while preserving Mazda’s precise, rewarding road feel. Shoppers comparing the 2026 Mazda CX-50 near South Elgin, IL will find standard i-Activ AWD®, Mazda Intelligent Drive Select, thoughtful cabin technology, and an available Hybrid lineup alongside powerful Turbo choices. With available features such as Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay® integration, a power sliding panoramic moonroof, Bose 12-speaker premium audio, 360° View Monitor with See-Through View, and advanced i-Activsense® safety technologies, this SUV scales beautifully from practical commuting to refined weekend travel. At Biggers Mazda, we appreciate how the CX-50 serves real daily needs without losing its distinctive Mazda character.
2026 Mazda CX-50 Trim Comparison
| Trim Level | Focus | Powertrain | Wheels | Seating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CX-50 2.5 S Select | Well-equipped entry point | 2.5L naturally aspirated | 17-inch Black Metallic | Half leatherette seats |
| CX-50 2.5 S Preferred | Comfort and convenience | 2.5L naturally aspirated | 17-inch Black Metallic | Heated front seats |
| CX-50 2.5 S Meridian Edition | Outdoor-focused style | 2.5L naturally aspirated | 18-inch all-terrain tires | Black half leatherette |
| CX-50 2.5 S Premium | Premium cabin upgrades | 2.5L naturally aspirated | 20-inch alloy choices | Leather seat options |
| CX-50 Hybrid Preferred | Hybrid everyday utility | Hybrid with eAWD | 17-inch black alloy | Heated front seats |
| CX-50 Hybrid Premium | Hybrid with refinement | Hybrid with eAWD | Hybrid Premium design | Black or red leather |
| CX-50 Hybrid Premium Plus | Top Hybrid amenities | Hybrid with eAWD | 19-inch split finish | Heated rear seats |
| CX-50 2.5 Turbo | Responsive turbo power | SKYACTIV®-G turbo | 20-inch alloy choices | Leather seat options |
| CX-50 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition | Turbo trail attitude | SKYACTIV®-G turbo | 18-inch all-terrain tires | Terracotta leather seats |
| CX-50 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus | Advanced driver assistance | SKYACTIV®-G turbo | 20-inch alloy choices | Leather seat options |
2026 Mazda CX-50 Trim Options
CX-50 2.5 S Select
i-Activ AWD® · Alexa Built-in · wireless phone charger · 10.25-inch display
The CX-50 2.5 S Select proves that the entry point of the lineup is anything but basic. It uses a Skyactiv-G 2.5L naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine rated at 187 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque on regular 87-octane fuel, paired with a Skyactiv-Drive six-speed automatic transmission. Standard i-Activ AWD® gives this trim year-round confidence, while Mazda Intelligent Drive Select, or Mi-Drive, includes Sport and Off-Road modes for a more tailored feel. Inside, the 10.25-inch full-color center display, Mazda Connect Infotainment system, four USB-C ports, HD Radio, an eight-speaker audio system, Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto integration, and a wireless phone charger make everyday driving feel smart and current. The cabin also includes dual-zone automatic climate control with rear vents, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, half leatherette seats, and Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry with push-button start. Standard i-Activsense® safety features include Smart Brake Support with pedestrian detection, Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Departure Warning System, Lane Keep Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Seat Alert, and Vehicle Exit Warning.
CX-50 2.5 S Preferred
power sliding panoramic moonroof · power rear liftgate · parking sensors · heated side-mirrors
The CX-50 2.5 S Preferred builds directly on the Select with comfort and convenience upgrades that many online shoppers look for first. A power sliding panoramic moonroof opens the cabin visually, giving front and rear passengers a more spacious feel during drives across Randall Road, Route 31, or longer trips toward the Fox River Valley. The power rear liftgate is especially helpful when loading groceries, backpacks, sports gear, or travel bags, while front and rear parking sensors add confidence in tighter lots and garages. Heated side-mirrors, an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support, and heated front seats make the Preferred feel more personalized and easier to enjoy every day. For 2026, Mazda also offers the all-new White Interior Option on this trim, featuring white half leatherette seats for shoppers who want a brighter, more tailored cabin look. Because it keeps the standard 2.5L engine, i-Activ AWD®, and Mi-Drive capability from the Select, the Preferred remains balanced and approachable while adding the features that make routine ownership feel noticeably more polished.
CX-50 2.5 S Meridian Edition
18-inch all-terrain tires · black roof rails · gloss black badges · Zircon Sand availability
The CX-50 2.5 S Meridian Edition brings the adventurous Meridian personality to the naturally aspirated powertrain for 2026, making it a compelling choice for shoppers who like the CX-50’s rugged side but do not need Turbo output. Its defining hardware starts with 18-inch alloy wheels paired with all-terrain tires, a setup that gives the SUV a more purposeful stance and supports confident travel when pavement gives way to gravel access roads, trailheads, or uneven parking surfaces. Black roof rails add utility for accessories, while gloss black Mazda emblems and gloss black CX-50, AWD, and Skyactiv-G badges create a distinct visual identity. The trim is exclusively offered with black half leatherette seats and is available in Jet Black Mica, Polymetal Gray, or Zircon Sand exterior paints. Importantly, the 2.5 S Meridian Edition keeps the convenience and safety content found in the 2.5 S Preferred, including the power sliding panoramic moonroof, power rear liftgate, heated front seats, and front and rear parking sensors. It is the trim for drivers who want authentic outdoor-inspired character without overcomplicating the ownership experience.
CX-50 2.5 S Premium
black leather seats · ventilated front seats · Bose 12-speaker audio · Traffic Sign Recognition
The CX-50 2.5 S Premium is where the naturally aspirated lineup takes a decisive step into premium territory. For 2026, it adds black leather seats with 20-inch Black Metallic, machine-finish alloy wheels and all-season tires, or the available White Interior Option with white leather seats, 20-inch Silver alloy wheels, all-season tires, and silver roof rails. That level of choice lets shoppers match the CX-50’s personality to a more understated or brighter upscale look. The Premium trim also adds ventilated front seats, a power six-way passenger seat, two-position seat memory, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink, all of which make daily driving feel more accommodating. Technology and driver assistance rise as well, with Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Traffic Sign Recognition, SiriusXM satellite radio with a complementary three-month trial subscription, and the Bose 12-speaker premium audio system. A roof-mounted shark fin antenna and windshield wiper de-icer round out the package. For drivers who want upscale materials, stronger audio quality, and expanded convenience without choosing a Turbo or Hybrid powertrain, the 2.5 S Premium is an especially well-rounded pick.
CX-50 Hybrid Preferred
hybrid EV battery · three electric motors · eCVT · Power and Trail modes
The CX-50 Hybrid Preferred introduces a distinct powertrain path with a 2.5L naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, hybrid EV battery, three electric motors, and an Electronically-controlled Continuously Variable Transmission. It also includes standard Electric AWD, or eAWD, and Mi-Drive modes Power and Trail, giving the Hybrid lineup a character all its own. Output is rated at 219 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque on regular 87-octane fuel, making it a smart choice for drivers who want smooth response and hybrid efficiency while keeping the CX-50’s useful crossover layout. Equipment closely mirrors the 2.5 S Preferred, so shoppers still get the 10.25-inch infotainment display, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto integration, an eight-speaker audio system, four USB-C ports, wireless phone charging, Alexa Built-in, a power rear liftgate, heated front seats, a power sliding panoramic sunroof, and front and rear parking sensors. Unique 17-inch black alloy wheels help distinguish it visually. For commuters, families, and active drivers comparing the 2026 Mazda CX-50 near South Elgin, IL, the Hybrid Preferred makes the switch to electrified driving feel natural, useful, and unmistakably Mazda.
CX-50 Hybrid Premium
black roof rails · black exhaust pipes · red leather option · SiriusXM satellite radio
The CX-50 Hybrid Premium adds a richer cabin and more expressive design to the Hybrid Preferred foundation. Black roof rails and black exhaust pipes give the exterior a sharper, more distinctive appearance, while the cabin gains leather seating available in black or a red interior that is exclusive to Hybrid models. That red interior option is a meaningful differentiator for shoppers who want their SUV to feel special every time they open the door. The Hybrid Premium also adds ventilated front seats, a power six-way passenger seat, two-position seat memory, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink, Bose 12-speaker premium audio, and SiriusXM satellite radio with a complementary three-month trial subscription. Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop and Go and Traffic Sign Recognition further strengthen its long-drive composure and day-to-day convenience. It keeps the hybrid system’s 219 horsepower, eAWD, eCVT, and Mi-Drive Power and Trail modes, so its refinement does not come at the expense of smart capability. For drivers who want electrified performance and an interior that feels more premium than expected, the Hybrid Premium is a particularly satisfying midpoint.
CX-50 Hybrid Premium Plus
heated rear seats · heated steering wheel · Active Driving Display · Adaptive Front-lighting System
The CX-50 Hybrid Premium Plus sits at the top of the Hybrid range, adding the features that make a vehicle feel more complete for both the driver and passengers. Heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel are welcome upgrades for family use and daily commuting, while Signature LED headlights with auto-leveling, Signature LED taillights, and the Adaptive Front-lighting System enhance visibility and give the CX-50 a more sophisticated road presence. Unique 19-inch split black and machine-polished alloy wheels help signal its position in the lineup, and silver roof rails and exhaust pipes create a clean exterior contrast. Automatic power-folding side-mirrors with memory are useful in tighter parking situations, and the full-color Active Driving Display projected onto the windshield keeps key information closer to the driver’s forward view. Inside, the Hybrid Premium Plus maintains the premium materials and technology found in the Hybrid Premium while adding comfort and awareness upgrades that matter in real ownership. It is an excellent choice for shoppers who want the efficiency-focused Hybrid experience with the most complete feature set Mazda offers in that branch of the CX-50 family.
CX-50 2.5 Turbo
SKYACTIV®-G turbo engine · paddle shifters · larger dual exhaust pipes · 3,500-pound towing
The CX-50 2.5 Turbo is built for drivers who want stronger acceleration, more confident passing power, and expanded towing ability. Its Skyactiv-G 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces up to 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium 93-octane fuel, or 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque on regular 87-octane fuel. Paired with a Skyactiv-Drive six-speed automatic transmission, paddle shifters, and standard i-Activ AWD®, the Turbo feels energetic without giving up the CX-50’s planted, refined handling. Mi-Drive Sport and Off-Road modes are standard, and Turbo models can tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped with Mazda genuine towing accessories and Towing mode engaged. This trim builds on the 2.5 S Premium and adds larger dual exhaust pipes, gloss black Mazda emblem and badges, black roof rails, Signature LED headlights with auto-leveling and taillights, Adaptive Front-lighting System, automatic power-folding side-mirrors with memory, and a full-color Active Driving Display. The White Interior Option remains available, pairing white leather seats with 20-inch Silver, machine-finished alloy wheels, silver roof rails, and chrome emblem and badges.
CX-50 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition
side rocker garnish · hood graphics · terracotta leather seats · Mazda Online Navigation
The CX-50 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition is the most outdoor-focused expression of the lineup, combining Turbo strength with specialized design and trail-ready details. Its 18-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tires give it a confident stance and functional edge, while side rocker garnish, distinctive hood graphics, outdoor-specific accessories, black roof rails, and gloss black Mazda emblem and badges reinforce its adventurous look. Offered with terracotta leather seats and available in Jet Black Mica, Polymetal Gray, or Zircon Sand exterior paints, this trim feels carefully curated rather than simply accessorized. Inside, it adds heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, Mazda Online Navigation with OTA updates, and Secondary Collision Reduction. Those features make it more convenient for daily routes and more prepared for unfamiliar destinations. The Turbo powertrain remains the heart of the experience, with strong torque, standard i-Activ AWD®, Mi-Drive Sport and Off-Road modes, and expanded towing capacity when properly equipped. For drivers who regularly carry gear, visit parks and preserves, or simply prefer a crossover with bolder personality, the Turbo Meridian Edition makes a strong case as the CX-50’s enthusiast-minded adventure trim.
CX-50 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus
360° View Monitor · Traffic Jam Assist · Blind Spot Assist · Front Cross Traffic Alert
The CX-50 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus is the most advanced gas-powered CX-50, pairing turbocharged performance with Mazda’s most robust driver assistance and visibility technologies. It includes the conveniences and premium features from the Turbo lineup, excluding elements exclusive to the Meridian Edition, and gives shoppers the choice between the gloss black exterior theme or the available White Interior Option with white leather seats, 20-inch Silver, machine-finished alloy wheels, silver roof rails, and chrome emblem and badges. What truly sets this trim apart is its expanded safety and assistance content. The 360° View Monitor with See-Through View is especially useful in crowded lots, narrow driveways, and city-style parking. Emergency Lane Keeping, Blind Spot Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, Front Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Smart Brake Support, and Smart Brake Support with Turn-Across Traffic and Front Crossing detection add meaningful confidence. Frameless auto-dimming rearview mirrors with HomeLink and auto-dimming for the driver’s side-mirror further enhance daily ease. For shoppers who want the strongest engine option, upscale design choices, towing confidence, and the broadest technology suite in the gas lineup, this trim delivers the most complete CX-50 experience.
Which 2026 Mazda CX-50 Trim is Best for South Elgin Drivers?
The best CX-50 trim depends on how you drive around South Elgin, from Randall Road shopping trips to Fox River outings, school commutes, and I-90 travel. Drivers who want a value-rich SUV with standard AWD and modern connectivity will appreciate the 2.5 S Select, while the Preferred adds comfort features that many households use every day. The Meridian trims suit drivers who like trailhead-ready style and practical all-terrain hardware. The Hybrid trims are especially appealing for commuters who want smooth electrified driving and strong everyday versatility. Turbo trims bring the most power and expanded towing capability, with the Turbo Premium Plus adding the most advanced assistance technology. If we had to recommend one broad-fit choice at Biggers Mazda, the CX-50 2.5 S Preferred stands out for its balance of comfort, capability, and useful equipment. Still, the right answer depends on priorities, which is why the 2026 Mazda CX-50 near South Elgin, IL offers such a well-layered lineup.
- Choose CX-50 2.5 S Select for standard AWD, modern technology, and essential safety.
- Choose CX-50 2.5 S Preferred or 2.5 S Premium for added comfort, cabin refinement, and daily convenience.
- Choose CX-50 2.5 S Meridian Edition or 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition for outdoor-focused design and all-terrain tires.
- Choose CX-50 Hybrid Preferred, Hybrid Premium, or Hybrid Premium Plus for smooth electrified driving and upscale Hybrid options.
- Choose CX-50 2.5 Turbo or 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus for stronger performance, towing capability, and advanced driver assistance.
*Images may not show trim level described