2026 Mazda CX-50: MPG, NHTSA & IIHS Safety Ratings
— NHTSA, IIHS, EPA, AAA, RepairPal
In its segment, the 2026 Mazda CX-50 scores well across safety, fuel cost, and reliability, with NHTSA's 5-star rating and IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation. NHTSA has no recall campaigns on file for this vehicle.
- Starting MSRP
- $29,900 - $42,900
- EPA Combined MPG
- 25-38 MPG
- NHTSA Safety Rating
- 5-Star (Highest)
- IIHS Award
- Top Safety Pick+
- Est. Annual Fuel Cost
- $1,600 - $2,400 per year
- EPA GHG Score
- 7 / 10
- Recalls on File
- No recalls on file
- EPA: vs Avg Vehicle
- Save $2,750 over 5 yrs
- Est. Monthly Cost (with fuel)
- $990 per month
- Est. Cost per Mile (with fuel)
- $0.69
- Brand Origin
- Japan
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 is a SUV priced from $29,900 to $42,900 with 10 trims. For a vehicle your family depends on, the safety, recall, and long-term cost data below is where the decision starts.
- Avg repair cost $228 per year below SUV average
- 5-year ownership cost $5,051 above value SUVs average
- IIHS Top Safety Pick+
2026 Mazda CX-50 at a Glance
Compared with similar SUVs in our dataset, the clearest positive signals for the 2026 Mazda CX-50 are high published crash-test results and an above-average RepairPal reliability rating, with lower estimated fuel cost. The main caution is that estimated five-year cost runs high.
- safety
- reliability
- fuel cost
Strengths in the data
- Safety: 5-star NHTSA + IIHS TSP+. Safest SUVs 2026 →
- Reliability: RepairPal 4.0/5 from RepairPal. Most reliable SUVs 2026 →
- Fuel: Below-average fuel cost among hybrid SUVs. Best-case annual fuel cost is $1,600. Cheapest SUVs to fuel 2026 →
Cautions in the data
- Best estimated five-year cost in the lineup still lands about $5,051 above the similar-vehicle average.
- Efficiency swings by about 13 MPG/MPGe across the lineup, so trim choice materially changes the fuel story.
Similar vehicles to compare
How Safe Is the 2026 Mazda CX-50?
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 is one of 82% of SUVs to earn NHTSA's top 5-star rating. It also received TSP+ from IIHS, which tests different crash configurations. Source: NHTSA.
Overall Safety
82% of SUVs share this top rating
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Frontal Crash | |
| Side Crash | |
| Rollover |
| Feature | Availability |
|---|---|
| Forward Collision Warning | Standard |
| Lane Departure Warning | Standard |
| Crash Imminent Braking | Standard |
| Dynamic Brake Support | Standard |
A strong NHTSA score is a good starting point. IIHS testing adds scenarios NHTSA does not cover, including the small-overlap crash that accounts for a significant share of real-world fatalities.
How Did the 2026 Mazda CX-50 Perform in IIHS Crash Tests?
IIHS recognized the 2026 Mazda CX-50 with a TSP+ award. This designation reflects strong performance across frontal, side, and roof strength evaluations, plus crash avoidance capabilities. Source: IIHS.
| Test | Rating |
|---|---|
| Small Overlap Front | G Good |
| Moderate Overlap Front | G Good |
| Side | G Good |
| Headlights | G Good |
| Front Crash Prevention (Vehicle) | A Acceptable |
| Front Crash Prevention (Pedestrian) | G Good |
| Seat Belt Reminders | G Good |
| Child Seat Anchors (LATCH) | G+ Good+ |
IIHS vehicle class: Small SUVs
Safety ratings measure crashworthiness. Recall data measures post-production quality. A vehicle can score well in crash tests and still have recall campaigns if a component turns out to be defective.
Does the 2026 Mazda CX-50 Have Any Recalls?
No recalls are on file with NHTSA for the 2026 Mazda CX-50. Among SUVs, the average recall count is 1.7. Recalls may be issued at any time. Source: NHTSA.
No recalls on file with NHTSA
What Do 2026 Mazda CX-50 Owners Report to NHTSA?
NHTSA complaint data is not available for the 2026 Mazda CX-50. This does not mean there are no complaints. The model may not yet be tracked in the NHTSA database.
Source: NHTSA Vehicle Complaints Database. Data last refreshed 2026-04-16.
For a vehicle your family depends on daily, fuel cost adds up fast. The EPA data below shows how the 2026 Mazda CX-50's efficiency compares to other SUVs in its price range.
What Is the 2026 Mazda CX-50 Fuel Economy?
EPA rates the most efficient 2026 Mazda CX-50 trim at 38 combined MPG. At that rating, estimated annual fuel cost is $1,600, which is $292 below the $1,892 average for value SUVs. Source: EPA.
Ranges from 25 to 38 combined MPG/MPGe depending on trim and drivetrain.
| Trim | Combined | City | Highway | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 S Select | 25 MPG | 23 | 29 | $2,400 per year |
| 2.5 S Preferred | 25 MPG | 23 | 29 | $2,400 per year |
| 2.5 S Meridian Edition | 25 MPG | 23 | 29 | $2,400 per year |
| Hybrid Preferred | 38 MPG | 39 | 37 | $1,600 per year |
| 2.5 S Premium | 25 MPG | 23 | 29 | $2,400 per year |
| 2.5 Turbo | 25 MPG | 23 | 29 | $2,400 per year |
| Hybrid Premium | 38 MPG | 39 | 37 | $1,600 per year |
| 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition | 25 MPG | 23 | 29 | $2,400 per year |
| Hybrid Premium Plus | 38 MPG | 39 | 37 | $1,600 per year |
| 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus | 25 MPG | 23 | 29 | $2,400 per year |
Estimated 5-year fuel costs range from $8,000 to $12,000 depending on trim.
The most efficient trim ranks in the top 15% for fuel cost within its EPA vehicle class.
EPA smog rating ranges from 5 to 7 out of 10 across trims.
Fuel is the cost you plan for. Insurance, maintenance, and depreciation are the costs that surprise you three years in. For a vehicle your family depends on daily, the full ownership picture matters.
What Does the 2026 Mazda CX-50 Cost to Own?
Estimated 5-year total ownership cost for the 2026 Mazda CX-50 ranges from $81,780 to $97,900 depending on trim, based on AAA's Your Driving Costs study for the Compact SUV class. This includes insurance, maintenance, depreciation, registration, and financing. These are class averages, not specific to this model. Source: AAA.
| Maintenance | $1,746 per year |
|---|---|
| Insurance | $1,726 per year |
| Depreciation | $3,554 per year |
| Registration & Taxes | $641 per year |
| Financing | $898 per year |
| Total (excluding fuel) | $10,279 per year |
| Cost per mile | $0.69 per mile |
For a family vehicle, the trim choice comes down to which safety features, space, and cost level fit your household. The comparison below shows all 10 options side by side.
How Do the 2026 Mazda CX-50 Trims Compare?
10 trims are available for the 2026 Mazda CX-50, spanning $29,900 to $42,900. Trims are available with Gasoline and Hybrid powertrains, which affects fuel economy and pricing. Compare specifications and estimated costs in the table below. Prices are MSRP before destination and fees.
| Trim | Base MSRP | Combined MPG | Est. Annual Fuel Cost | Horsepower | Curb Weight | Est. 5-Year Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 S Select | $29,900 | 25 MPG | $2,400 per year | 187 hp | 3,741 lbs | $89,795 |
| 2.5 S Preferred | $32,400 | 25 MPG | $2,400 per year | 187 hp | 3,741 lbs | $92,295 |
| 2.5 S Meridian Edition | $33,150 | 25 MPG | $2,400 per year | 187 hp | 3,741 lbs | $93,045 |
| Hybrid Preferred | $34,750 | 38 MPG | $1,600 per year | 219 hp | 4,008 lbs | $92,200 |
| 2.5 S Premium | $34,900 | 25 MPG | $2,400 per year | 187 hp | 3,741 lbs | $94,795 |
| 2.5 Turbo | $37,900 | 25 MPG | $2,400 per year | 227 hp | 3,915 lbs | $81,780 |
| Hybrid Premium | $38,150 | 38 MPG | $1,600 per year | 219 hp | 4,008 lbs | $95,600 |
| 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition | $40,400 | 25 MPG | $2,400 per year | 227 hp | 3,915 lbs | $84,280 |
| Hybrid Premium Plus | $40,450 | 38 MPG | $1,600 per year | 219 hp | 4,008 lbs | $97,900 |
| 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus | $42,900 | 25 MPG | $2,400 per year | 227 hp | 3,915 lbs | $86,780 |
The Mazda CX-50 lineup has expanded from 8 trims in 2024 to 10 trims in 2026. Hybrid trims now represent 30% of the lineup, a new addition since 2024. The entry price has decreased $400 since 2024.
New trims since 2024
- 2.5 S Meridian Edition (added 2026)
- Hybrid Preferred (added 2025)
- Hybrid Premium (added 2025)
- Hybrid Premium Plus (added 2025)
Trims no longer available
last available 2025
- 2.5 S Premium Plus
- 2.5 Turbo Premium
Price changes since 2024
- 2.5 S Premium $34,000 (2024) → $34,900 (2026) +$900
- 2.5 S Preferred $31,650 (2024) → $32,400 (2026) +$750
- 2.5 S Select $30,300 (2024) → $29,900 (2026) -$400
- 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition $40,800 (2024) → $40,400 (2026) -$400
- 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus $43,300 (2024) → $42,900 (2026) -$400
- 2.5 Turbo $38,000 (2024) → $37,900 (2026) -$100
View full trim timeline (2024–2026)
| Trim | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 S Select | $30,300 27 MPG | $30,500 28 MPG | $29,900 25 MPG |
| 2.5 S Preferred | $31,650 27 MPG | $31,850 28 MPG | $32,400 25 MPG |
| 2.5 S Premium | $34,000 27 MPG | $34,200 28 MPG | $34,900 25 MPG |
| 2.5 S Premium Plus | $37,500 27 MPG | $37,700 28 MPG | — |
| 2.5 Turbo | $38,000 27 MPG | — | $37,900 25 MPG |
| 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition | $40,800 27 MPG | $41,000 28 MPG | $40,400 25 MPG |
| 2.5 Turbo Premium | $41,300 27 MPG | $41,500 28 MPG | — |
| 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus | $43,300 27 MPG | $43,500 28 MPG | $42,900 25 MPG |
| 2.5 S Meridian Edition | — | — | $33,150 25 MPG |
| Hybrid Preferred | — | $33,970 38 MPG | $34,750 38 MPG |
| Hybrid Premium | — | $37,400 38 MPG | $38,150 38 MPG |
| Hybrid Premium Plus | — | $40,050 38 MPG | $40,450 38 MPG |
Compare Trim Costs
Select two trims and adjust your driving and financing to see how monthly costs compare. Only costs we can compute from EPA data and your inputs are shown. No estimates, no guesses.
Your driving & financing
Trim selection is about the first year. Reliability is about years two through ten. The section below summarizes the available third-party data on how dependable this vehicle has proven.
How Reliable Is the 2026 Mazda CX-50?
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 scores 4.0 out of 5.0 on RepairPal's reliability index, above the average for value SUVs. RepairPal data reflects repair frequency and severity from shops nationwide. Source: RepairPal.
The warranty is the manufacturer's own bet on the vehicle's durability. Mazda's coverage terms for the 2026 CX-50 are shown below.
What Warranty Does the 2026 Mazda CX-50 Come With?
Here is what Mazda covers at no cost for the 2026 CX-50. Basic coverage handles most defects. Powertrain coverage protects the engine and transmission for a longer period. Both start from the original purchase date.
| Basic Warranty | 3yr/36k |
|---|---|
| Powertrain Warranty | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion Warranty | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 3yr/36k |
What Are the 2026 Mazda CX-50 Specs?
Dimensions, weight, and powertrain details for the 2026 Mazda CX-50. These figures are published by Mazda and apply to the base configuration unless noted. Specific trims may differ.
EPA vehicle class: Compact crossover SUV
| Engine | 2.5L I4 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 187 - 227 hp |
| Power-to-Weight | 100.0 - 116.0 hp per ton |
| Price per HP | $159 - $189 |
| Torque | 185 - 310 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic, continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drive Type | All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded, premium unleaded (recommended) |
| Fuel Tank | 14.5 - 15.9 gal |
| Est. Range per Tank | 398 - 551 miles per tank (EPA combined) |
| Length | 185.8 - 186.1 in |
|---|---|
| Width | 75.6 in |
| Height | 63.5 - 65.8 in |
| Wheelbase | 110.8 in |
| Curb Weight | 3,741 - 4,008 lbs |
What Changed for the 2026 Mazda CX-50?
- Pricing changed across one or more trims
- EPA fuel economy ratings changed
- Recall status changed
That is the complete data picture for the 2026 Mazda CX-50. For a family vehicle, the safety ratings, recall history, and long-term cost data above are the sections that matter most. Data is refreshed periodically.
Source links
Verify this data
2026 Mazda CX-50 FAQ
Which 2026 Mazda CX-50 trim has the lowest ownership cost?
Among 10 available trims, the 2.5 Turbo has the lowest estimated five-year ownership cost at $81,780, starting at $37,900 MSRP. The most expensive trim to own is about $97,900. See the full trim comparison table above for a side-by-side breakdown.
What vehicles compete with the 2026 Mazda CX-50?
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 competes with 2026 Subaru Forester, 2026 Ford Escape, and 2026 Hyundai Tucson based on price, size, and segment. Each of those vehicles has its own fact sheet with the same EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, and cost data shown here. Browse all 2026 SUVs.
What changed on the 2026 Mazda CX-50 from last year?
Compared to the previous model year, 4 new trims were added, 2 trims were dropped, and the entry price decreased by $400 for the Mazda CX-50 lineup. See the trim evolution timeline above for full year-by-year pricing and availability details.
How much does a 2026 Mazda CX-50 cost per month to own?
Excluding your car payment, estimated monthly costs for the 2026 Mazda CX-50 include about $857 for insurance, maintenance, depreciation, and fees, plus roughly $133 for fuel. That puts non-payment running costs around $990 per month. These are estimates based on AAA class averages and EPA fuel data. Actual costs depend on your driving, location, and coverage.
Is the 2026 Mazda CX-50 available as a hybrid?
Yes, the 2026 Mazda CX-50 is available with a hybrid powertrain option alongside conventional powertrains. Hybrid trims typically offer better fuel economy at a higher starting price compared to conventional gas trims. See our Hybrid SUVs 2026 list.
Where is Mazda based?
Mazda is headquartered in Japan. Brand origin reflects where the company is based, not where individual vehicles are assembled. Many Mazda vehicles sold in the U.S. are built at domestic or international plants. See our Japan-brand cars 2026 list.
What other Mazda models are available for 2026?
Mazda offers multiple models for 2026. Our Mazda models page lists every available Mazda vehicle with safety ratings, fuel costs, and ownership data.
What is the 2026 Mazda CX-50 safety rating?
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 earned a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and has 0 recall campaigns on file. See the safety and recall sections above for the full breakdown, including IIHS results and specific recall details.
Compare to Similar Vehicles
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Data on this page is compiled from government agencies and independent research organizations. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, purchasing, or safety advice. Verify all data with the original source before making decisions.