We recently tested the all-new 2026 Mazda CX-5, and found plenty to like – familiar looks, a gorgeous interior and a notably more spacious rear seat. But we were disappointed with the performance, the Zoom-Zoom company comes in one flavor, a 187 horse non-turbo that’s frankly, a bit pokey.

And it’s even more irksome because the previous model had an optional 250-hp turbo motor that made it a great drive.

Well, all is not lost. While the new CX-5 is going for smooth and refined, the CX-50, the CX-5’s more muscular, off-roadier sibling, still offers the thrill of the turbo engine. So when Mazda offered us a 2026 Turbo Meridian Edition to drive, we jumped at it!

Rugged Looks

It seems like everyone is adding adventure-style models to their SUVs lately, like the Honda Passport Trailsport, Subaru Wilderness (available in Outback, Forester and Crosstrek) and Toyota Trailhunter, so it makes sense for Mazda to be in on the game.

Well, it helps that they’re building on one of the best-looking small SUVs out there. When the CX-50 was introduced, Mazda wanted it to look more muscular, more off-road capable than the CX-5, and also wanted to take aim on the Subaru Outback.

All CX-50s have a large pentagon shaped grilled with a lower fascia with contrasting trim for a rugged look, and frowny looking front headlights for a mean presence. Key tip offs that this is a Meridian include black gloss accents on the front grille, and an especially cool matte-black hood graphic to reduce sun glare – and we think it just looks cool setting there in your front view.

The profile serves up even more Meridian goodness with black roof rails that are beefy enough to use an overlanding tent, and a side rocker garnish that adds a little bling. Framed by standard black over fenders are Meridian-unique 18-inch, gloss black alloy wheels with chunky 225/60R-18 Falken WildPeak Trail all-terrain tires.

You’ll also notice our tester had the Apex Package which includes black cross bars and a very sturdy looking roof platform. A couple notes on that – like any rack system, you get added wind noise, especially noticeable when you’ve got the sunroof cracked open for ventilation. Plus, the rack blocks a lot of the view of that sunroof. On the bright side, it is removable, and we were also pleased that the Meridian’s overall height – even with the rack and platform – still fit in our garage with no problem.

The rear has familiar CX-50 afterburner taillights, lower grilles and a blacked-out lower bumper. We especially like the metallic garnish sitting over sporty dual exhaust pipes hinting at the powerful ride under the hood.

While our tester was the powerful turbo model, for 2026 you can also get a Meridian with the standard 187-hp, non-turbo 4-cylinder model, making a more affordable choice for those on a budget. One budget splurge that is nice are optional colors. While standard fare for the Meridian is black, there are exclusive paint options like a stunning Zircon Sand Metallic, and our tester’s very cool Polymetal Gray Metallic, priced at $595, it’s a handsome modern creamy blue gray that really sells the black wheels and accents.

Mazda-Luxe Interior

While the exterior looks like a CX-50 with a nice stubbly growth of beard, the interior is plush and welcoming. This was the interior of the class until the all-new CX-5 bowed with a wowdy-Audi look that’s stunning. Nonetheless, the CX-50 serves up a pretty impressive place to spend time as well.

Opening the door, we were immediately impressed with our tester’s rich Terracotta-colored leather on the seats, and matching trim on armrests and center console. That warm welcome continues with high-end materials, and handsome contrasting stitching has a rich artistic Japanese tone.

Mazda’s still the Zoom-Zoom company to us (yes, they lost that tagline a few years back), and that dedication to driving excitement shows up in a chunky leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift lever that feels it was ergonomically designed for your hand. Take that, stubby little levers and pushbutton transmissions!

Mazda does a masterful job of blending digital and analog with the gauges. In the center display is an analog-looking 160-mph speedometer that’s actually a 7-inch LCD. It’s tastefully informative, displaying speed limit signs, stops, fuel range and more, all in an easy-to-see package. Flanking the display is a lovely 8,000 rpm analog tachometer, and traditional fuel and temp gauges, all crisp and clear.

 While many manufacturers are going for the wall-of-display multi-screens now, the CX-50 stays resolute with a separate 10.25-inch widescreen in the center dash that looks handsome and much better than many tacked-on tablet displays.

Even though it’s a reach for smaller drivers, it is a touchscreen, but Mazda gives you a large, Audi-like click-and-turn knob in the center console which gives access to all your info-tainment needs. Another nice touch, a smaller volume knob is next to the large info-tainment one, and you can find it easily by feel – no looking away from the road.

We liked the system’s easy integration, with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and smartphone charging keeping wires to a minimum. The 12-speaker Bose audio system sounds sweet, too.

These info-tainment systems continue to get smarter, and along with Mazda’s online navigation you have standard Alexa Built-in, so you can adjust cabin temps, get directions and traffic updates, play music, change tracks and even adjust volume on apps like Spotify – all by voice control.  

Smart yes, but not too smart. Rather than baking the climate controls into the screen, Mazda keeps the climate control separate from the info-tainment system, with easy-to-use knobs and simple buttons for quick at-a-glance use. 

Those up front will find the seats supportive, while the rear seats are good, but not great. Blame the new CX-5 with its cavernous rear seating becoming one of the new kings of passenger space! The CX-5 also beats the ’50 in cargo capacity, but we have to say, it’s still impressively spacious, and with the flat-folding rear seats you’ve got loads of room.

 We also loved the rubbery cargo mats on our tester, ready for a mountain bike, muddy golden retriever, or whatever you plan to bring on your next adventure. Also, our tester had the cool roof rack and platform if you’re going on Safari. Or overlanding. Or Costco…you name the adventure the Meridian is ready!

Turbo Time Zone

While the Meridian is now available in a non-turbo model, we’d go for the impressive power of the turbo model.

Lower-level models features Mazdaʻs 187-horsepower, 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder putting out a reasonable 187 horsepower. Seving up a fine, 26 EPA combined rating it’s smooth and spritely. But for our money, we highly reccomend the turbocharged version that bumps it up to a glorious 256 horsepower and 320 lb.-ft of torque. (Note: Thatʻs on premium gas, regular drops you down to 227 hp).  

With the Turbo, the CX-50 feels much more aimed at the enthusiast, with a pronounced growl, and a plenty oomph off the line and at freeway speeds. A quick shifting 6-speed automatic serves up 0-60 mph in around 6 seconds, a couple secs faster than the non-turbo models. That meaty shift lever that we love makes it fun to manually select gears, or you can use the steering wheel paddle shifters if you prefer Formula One style fun. For all the added go, a combined 25 EPA rating is impressive as well.  

Another place you feel the Zoom-zoom is in the chassis department, with a supple but well-controlled ride, great steering feel, and with the CX-50’s small-ish dimensions it’s great fun to carve up traffic, your favorite twisty road, or anywhere inbetween.

Like other competitors, the Meridian is more of an off-road looker than a true step up in capabilities. The only thing that might make a difference are the Meridian-unique Falken WildPeak Trail 225/60R-18 tires. We didnʻt get a chance to do any off-roading, but weʻd guess that every CX-50 with standard i-Active All-Wheel Drive to be quite capable in the kind of bad weather, snow and light off-roading its owners are most likely to encounter. The Meridian– just a touch more so.

You don’t have to go off-road to feel confident, as the CX-50 is well equipped in the safety department, with Forward Collision warning that Identifies vehicles, pedestrians, bicycles, and motorcycles ahead, and includes intersection and turn-across traffic safety functions.

You also have Lane departure warning and lane keep assist, Emergency lane keeping with road keep assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert (always nice in an SUV) Radar cruise control with stop & go feature, Vehicle exit warning and Driver attention alert.

What cost adventure?

The CX-50 continues to impress thanks to great pricing. The lineup starts with the 2.5 S with the 187 horsepower engine, wireless connectivity and more. At $29,900, it’s a great looking, great driving bargain. If you want the Meridian Edition, there’s the new non-turbo model starting at $33,150 also a great value for a rugged looking SUV.

Like we said, we’re plans of the Turbo models, and our Turbo Meridian started at $40,400. Our tester added PolyMetal Paint ($595), Trailer Hitch and Wiring Harness ($560), the Weather Package that includes those great mats and cargo liner ($390), and the Apex Package with roof bars and platform ($1,235). Add in $1,495 for Destination, and we rang the bell at $44,675. That still feels like a lot of value for all you get.

We’d also look at the all-new 2026 Toyota RAV4, comparably priced at $43,480, with 236 horse standard hybrid power, it’s not quite up to the Mazda’s turbo, and the CX-50 interior feels a level above. But the RAV is also a fine drive, and with a 41 mpg city rating it’s a great around-town choice.  

If you love Mazda, but want a bit more luxury SUV, the new CX-5 is a good choice, if less exciting. Still at $41,650 it’s spacious and delightful inside, and shares the Mazda DNA.

Great looks, turbo power, luxury interior with loads of tech, the 2026 Mazda CX-50 Turbo Meridian is a great driving SUV with an added touch of off-road swagger!