Breaking Down the 2026 Mazda CX-50 Trim Lineup in Fort Walton Beach: Which One Fits Your Budget?

June 22nd, 2026 by

A 2026 Mazda CX-50 parked near a beach.

Key Points:

  • The 2026 Mazda CX-50 comes in seven trims split across two powertrains. The naturally aspirated 2.5 S models make 187 horsepower, while the 2.5 Turbo models add a turbocharged engine, paddle shifters, and premium upgrades. Every single trim includes standard i-ACTIV AWD.
  • All trims come loaded with safety features like Smart Brake Support, Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Keep Assist, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. The CX-50 has earned a 2025 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award, giving you peace of mind across the entire lineup.

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Also Read: What is Mazda SKYACTIV Technology? – A Guide for Drivers Around Fort Walton Beach, FL

If you have been looking at compact crossovers near the Emerald Coast, the 2026 Mazda CX-50 probably keeps showing up on your list. It was purpose-built for active lifestyles, assembled in America at the Mazda Toyota Manufacturing plant in Huntsville, Alabama, and it packs capability and refinement that is hard to find at this price point.

The lineup includes seven trims, split into two groups: the naturally aspirated 2.5 S models and the turbocharged 2.5 Turbo models. This CX-50 trim comparison walks you through every option so you can figure out which one makes the most sense for your daily driving and weekend adventures.

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Trims: Naturally Aspirated Power with AWD

All 2026 Mazda CX-50 models with the 2.5 S badge use a Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque. That engine pairs with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard i-ACTIV AWD. Every 2.5 S model also gets Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) with Sport and Off-Road modes.

  • 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select – The entry point to the lineup comes surprisingly well-equipped. You get a 10.25-inch full-color center display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an eight-speaker audio system, Alexa Built-in, a wireless phone charger, dual-zone automatic climate control, half leatherette seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter. On the outside, 17-inch Black Metallic alloy wheels, LED headlights, roof rails, and rain-sensing wipers give the Select a polished look. The full i-Activsense safety suite comes standard, including Smart Brake Support, Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Keep Assist, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
  • 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Preferred – The Preferred adds a power sliding panoramic moonroof, front and rear parking sensors, a power rear liftgate, heated front seats, heated side mirrors, and an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support. New for 2026, you can also choose the White Interior Option with white half leatherette seats. If you want a little more comfort and convenience on your daily commute through Fort Walton Beach, this is where things start getting really nice.
  • 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Meridian Edition – New for the 2026 Mazda CX-50, the 2.5 S Meridian Edition brings the outdoor-adventure look to the naturally aspirated powertrain. It rolls on 18-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tires, gets black roof rails and gloss black Mazda emblems and badges, and comes exclusively with black half leatherette seats. You can get it in Jet Black Mica, Polymetal Gray, or Zircon Sand. If you hit unpaved roads near state parks on the weekends, this Meridian Edition was made for that kind of driving.
  • 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Premium – The top naturally aspirated trim adds black leather seats with 20-inch Black Metallic machine-finish alloy wheels (or the new White Interior Option with white leather seats, 20-inch Silver wheels, and silver roof rails). You also get ventilated front seats, a power six-way passenger seat, two-position seat memory, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink, and a Bose 12-speaker premium audio system. Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Traffic Sign Recognition, and SiriusXM satellite radio round out the package. This CX-50 trim comparison really shows its range here. The 2.5 S Premium feels like a luxury vehicle.

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo Trims: More Power, More Features

The 2.5 Turbo models build on the 2.5 S Premium and add a turbocharged engine. These trims include paddle shifters, Signature LED headlights with auto-leveling, Adaptive Front-lighting System, automatic power-folding side mirrors with memory, a full-color Active Driving Display projected onto the windshield, and gloss black emblems. Up to 3,500 pounds of towing capacity is available on Turbo models with a genuine Mazda tow hitch.

  • 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo – The base Turbo gives you the turbocharged engine along with all the premium features listed above. You can also choose the White Interior Option with white leather seats, 20-inch Silver machine-finish wheels, silver roof rails, and chrome emblems. Larger dual exhaust pipes and black roof rails are included.
  • 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition – The Turbo Meridian Edition takes the turbo powertrain and pairs it with the outdoor-adventure package. It gets 18-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tires, side rocker garnish, distinctive hood graphics, and outdoor-specific accessories. This is the trail-ready CX-50 with the turbo punch to back it up.
  • 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus – The flagship 2026 Mazda CX-50. This trim includes every feature from the Turbo along with the most refined interior and tech package in the lineup. It competes with vehicles well above its price class.

Standard Safety Across Every Trim

Every CX-50 trim comparison should mention this: the full i-Activsense safety suite is standard on all trims. That includes Smart Brake Support with pedestrian detection, Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Driver Attention Alert, Rear Seat Alert, and Vehicle Exit Warning. The 2026 Mazda CX-50 earned a 2025 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award, and Mazda earned the title of “Safest New-Car Brand” from Consumer Reports.

Where Can You Find a Mazda CX-50 in Fort Walton Beach?

You can find the 2026 Mazda CX-50 right here at Mazda of Fort Walton Beach. We carry the full lineup, from the well-equipped 2.5 S Select to the top-of-the-line 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus. Our team can walk you through this CX-50 trim comparison in person and help you figure out which features matter most for your lifestyle.

Looking for other Mazdas? See our new vehicle inventory and certified pre-owned options.

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