From the base Select to the 256-hp Turbo Premium Plus to the 38-MPG Hybrid, here is everything you need to pick the right CX-50 for driving in Durham, Raleigh, or Chapel Hill.
Choose Your CX-50 Configuration
AWD is standard on every trim. Here are all 10 starting from the most affordable.
2.5 S Naturally Aspirated Gas (187 hp | 26 MPG Combined)- 10.25" touchscreen (standard 2026)
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- i-Activ AWD standard
- i-Activsense safety suite
- Standard audio system
- Panoramic moonroof
- Power liftgate (all above also)
- 8-way power driver seat
- Heated front seats
- Front and rear parking sensors
- All-terrain tires (8.6" clearance)
- Meridian Bronze exterior accents
- Unique off-road cladding
- Panoramic moonroof
- Power liftgate, heated seats
- Bose 12-speaker premium audio
- Wireless charging
- Auto-dimming mirror
- Panoramic moonroof
- All Preferred content included
- 2.5T, 256 hp (premium fuel)
- Mi-Drive: Sport and Off-Road modes
- 310 lb-ft torque @ 2,000 rpm
- Panoramic moonroof
- Heated front seats, power liftgate
- All-terrain tires (8.6" clearance)
- Meridian Bronze accents
- 256 hp + Off-Road mode
- Panoramic moonroof
- Heated seats, wireless CarPlay
- Head-up display (HUD)
- Nappa leather seating
- Ventilated front seats
- Driver memory seat
- Bose 12-speaker + wireless charging
- 38 MPG combined (vs. 26 gas)
- Toyota-sourced parallel hybrid
- 219 hp combined output
- Heated front seats
- 10.25" screen, wireless CarPlay
- Bose 12-speaker premium audio
- Wireless charging
- Panoramic sunroof
- Auto-dimming mirror
- All Preferred Hybrid content
- Head-up display (HUD)
- Driver memory seat
- Power passenger seat
- Nappa leather seating
- 19" wheels, power-folding mirrors
*All MSRP figures exclude the $1,530 destination charge. Hybrid MSRPs from Edmunds/dealer sources — confirm at mazdausa.com. EPA fuel economy estimates. AWD standard on all trims.
Built for More Than the Daily Drive
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 was designed for drivers who want the option of a trail without giving up the refinement of a daily commute. Its 8.3-inch ground clearance (8.6 inches on the Meridian Edition with all-terrain tires) puts it higher than the CX-5 and most rivals. Every trim runs i-Activ AWD standard, meaning there is no front-drive penalty box hiding in the configurator.
What changed for 2026: the 10.25-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard on every trim, including the base Select. In prior years, those were Preferred-and-above features. That is a meaningful value shift for buyers shopping the entry level.
For Triangle-area buyers on I-40 between Durham and the RTP corridor, the Hybrid's 38 MPG combined is the most compelling fuel-economy story in the midsize AWD crossover segment. The gas Turbo at 3,500 lb towing handles boats on Jordan Lake and trailers to the mountains on US-421 without breaking a sweat. The Meridian Edition all-terrain package fits the Uwharrie Forest crowd without requiring a truck.
Which CX-50 Configuration Is Right for You?
Do You Want to Save on Fuel?
The CX-50 Hybrid gets 38 MPG combined versus 26 MPG for the base gas. At 15,000 miles per year and $3.50/gallon, that is roughly $600 to $800 in annual savings. The Hybrid Preferred starts $6,345 above the gas Select — a 9 to 10 year payback on fuel alone. If you have a short commute and the price gap matters, the gas Select is the rational call. If you drive 200+ miles per week on I-40 or US-15-501 between Durham and Chapel Hill, the Hybrid earns its keep.
Do You Need Turbo Power?
The 2.5 Turbo adds 69 hp over the base gas and raises the tow rating from 2,000 lb to 3,500 lb. If you tow a boat to Falls Lake or need to pass on rural NC highways without planning ahead, the Turbo justifies its $8,000 premium over the Select. If you drive primarily on NC-54, I-40, or US-15-501 and do not tow, the naturally aspirated 187 hp is more than enough — and 26 MPG versus 25 MPG is a small daily win too.
Do You Need All-Terrain?
The Meridian Edition's all-terrain tires (both the 2.5 S at $33,150 and the Turbo at $40,400) are the right choice if you regularly visit Eno River State Park trails, Hanging Rock State Park, or if you live on a dirt driveway in Orange or Chatham County. For buyers whose "off-road" experience is Trader Joe's parking on a rainy Saturday in Durham, the standard tires and 8.3-inch clearance already handle it.
2026 CX-50 Spec Comparison
Select a category to compare trims side by side.
| Feature | Select $29,900 | Preferred $32,400 | Premium $34,900 | Turbo $37,900 | Turbo Prem+ $42,900 | Hybrid Pref. $36,245 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panoramic Moonroof | ||||||
| Power Liftgate | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| 8-Way Power Driver Seat | ||||||
| Wireless Charging | ||||||
| Bose 12-Speaker Audio | ||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||||
| Nappa Leather | ||||||
| Head-Up Display | ||||||
| All-Terrain Tires |
| Spec | 2.5 S (4 trims) | 2.5 Turbo | 2.5 Turbo Meridian | Turbo Prem+ | Hybrid (3 trims) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5L NA I-4 | 2.5T I-4 Turbo | 2.5T I-4 Turbo | 2.5T I-4 Turbo | 2.5L Hybrid |
| Horsepower | 187 hp | 227 / 256 hp* | 227 / 256 hp* | 227 / 256 hp* | 219 hp combined |
| Torque | 185 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 163 lb-ft |
| AWD System | i-Activ AWD | i-Activ AWD | i-Activ AWD | i-Activ AWD | Electronic e-AWD |
| MPG City | 24 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 39 |
| MPG Hwy | 29 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 37 |
| MPG Combined | 26 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 38 |
| Towing Capacity | 2,000 lb | 3,500 lb | 3,500 lb | 3,500 lb | 1,500 lb |
| Ground Clearance | 8.3 in. | 8.3 in. | 8.6 in. (AT tires) | 8.3 in. | 8.3 in. |
| Drive Modes | Normal only | Normal, Sport, Off-Road | Normal, Sport, Off-Road | Normal, Sport, Off-Road | Normal, EV |
*Turbo: 227 hp on regular fuel, 256 hp on premium fuel. EPA estimates. All gas trims: Skyactiv-Drive 6-speed automatic. Hybrid trims: E-CVT.
| Safety Feature | Select | Preferred+ | Premium Sport+ | All Hybrid Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radar Cruise Control (Stop/Go) | ||||
| Smart Brake Support (AEB) | ||||
| Blind Spot Monitoring | ||||
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning + Assist | ||||
| Driver Attention Alert | ||||
| Front Parking Sensors | ||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | ||||
| Emergency Lane Keep + BSM Assist |
| Technology | Select | Preferred | Premium | Turbo+ | Turbo Prem+ | Hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Touchscreen Size | 10.25" | 10.25" | 10.25" | 10.25" | 10.25" | 10.25" |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay | ||||||
| Wireless Android Auto | ||||||
| Amazon Alexa Voice | ||||||
| Wireless Charging | ||||||
| Bose Audio (12-Speaker) | ||||||
| Head-Up Display |
38 MPG Combined in an AWD Crossover
The CX-50 Hybrid uses a Toyota-sourced parallel hybrid system under the hood, paired with e-AWD from a rear electric motor. The result: 38 MPG combined and 219 hp in a package that feels noticeably quieter and smoother at low speeds than the gas alternatives. It is not a plug-in, so there is no charging routine — just fill the tank and drive.
For buyers commuting between Durham and RTP or Chapel Hill on US-15-501, the Hybrid Preferred at $36,245 pays back its $6,345 premium over the gas Select in roughly 9 to 10 years at current fuel prices. If you plan to own this vehicle for that long, the math is straightforward.
All-Terrain Capability Without the Truck Tax
The Meridian Edition raises the ride height to 8.6 inches with all-terrain tires and adds bronze exterior accents that distinguish it from the standard CX-50 lineup. It is available in both the naturally aspirated 2.5 S ($33,150) and the Turbo ($40,400) configurations.
If Eno River State Park trails, the dirt roads near Jordan Lake, or a dirt driveway in rural Chatham County are part of your regular route, the Meridian Edition all-terrain tires add meaningful grip and ground clearance. The Turbo Meridian Edition adds 3,500 lb towing capacity on top of that.
The Flagship CX-50: HUD, Nappa, and 256 HP
The 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus at $42,900 MSRP is the most fully equipped CX-50 in the gas lineup. It adds a head-up display, Nappa leather seating, ventilated front seats, driver memory, and a Bose 12-speaker system on top of everything in the mid-tier trims. It is Mazda's answer to buyers who want the CX-50's adventure credentials without sacrificing a premium daily driver experience.
The Turbo S engine at 256 hp on premium fuel (310 lb-ft of torque from 2,000 rpm) handles I-40 merges and mountain grades without noticeably straining, and the 3,500 lb tow rating opens up weekends at Falls Lake or NC High Country that a 187-hp gas or 1,500-lb-rated Hybrid cannot match.
Mazda i-Activsense Safety Suite
Every 2026 CX-50, from the $29,900 Select to the $42,900 Turbo Premium Plus, includes the full i-Activsense package at no extra cost.
Smart Brake Support
Forward collision warning plus automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection. Activates from highway speeds down to a stop.
Radar Cruise Control
All-speed adaptive cruise with Stop and Go capability. Maintains a set following distance even in stop-and-go I-40 traffic between Durham and Cary.
Blind Spot Monitoring
Visual alert in the door mirror when a vehicle is detected in your blind spot on NC-147 or the I-40 / I-85 interchange.
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Warns the driver of approaching cross traffic when reversing out of a parking space in the Durham Bulls Athletic Park lot or a Whole Foods on Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy.
Lane Departure Warning and Assist
Audio and visual alert when the vehicle drifts out of the lane without signaling, with gentle steering correction to help bring the car back.
Driver Attention Alert
Monitors driving patterns and prompts the driver to rest when fatigue indicators are detected. Refined for 2026 with smoother, less disruptive alerts.
Which CX-50 Trim Is Right for You?
The Practical Daily Driver
Best Trim: 2.5 S Preferred ($32,400)You commute between Morrisville and Durham on I-40, want heated seats on cold January mornings, and need a car that hauls groceries and the occasional Costco run. The Preferred adds a moonroof, heated seats, and power liftgate over the Select for $2,500. It covers everything you will use every week without paying for luxury features you will forget about by spring.
The Outdoor Weekend Driver
Best Trim: 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition ($40,400)Your weekend starts at Eno River State Park or the Uwharrie National Forest trails. You want the confidence of all-terrain tires and 8.6 inches of clearance for gravel roads, plus the 3,500 lb towing capacity for a kayak or cargo trailer. The Turbo Meridian gives you the off-road package with the Turbo's power and towing — without requiring a dedicated truck for the rest of the week.
The High-Mileage Commuter
Best Trim: CX-50 Hybrid Preferred ($36,245)You drive 200 miles or more per week between Durham and Raleigh, Chapel Hill, or the Triangle's outer suburbs. The Hybrid's 38 MPG combined will save you $600 to $800 per year over the gas Select. You also get 219 hp and smooth, quiet e-AWD acceleration. The Hybrid Preferred is the entry point to the electric drivetrain without the plug-in charging obligation.
The Wants-It-All Buyer
Best Trim: 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus ($42,900)You want ventilated seats for Durham summers, a Bose sound system for the commute, a HUD so your eyes never leave I-40, and enough towing capacity for the boat at Jordan Lake. The Turbo Premium Plus at $42,900 is Mazda's top gas CX-50 trim, and it competes directly with entry-level Volvo XC40 and BMW X1 at a meaningfully lower price point.
Shop the 2026 CX-50 in Durham
Sport Durst Mazda carries the 2026 CX-50 in multiple trims at 4515 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd. We can confirm current in-stock availability of gas, Turbo, Meridian, and Hybrid configurations before you make the drive.
| Dealer | Sport Durst Mazda |
| Address | 4515 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd, Durham, NC 27707 |
| Sales | (919) 873-4428 |
| Service | (919) 536-6559 |
| Hours | Mon-Sat 9AM-8PM | Sun 12-6PM |
| Serving | Durham, Chapel Hill, Raleigh, Cary, Morrisville, RTP |
View CX-50 Inventory
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2026 Mazda CX-50 Trim FAQ
How many trims does the 2026 Mazda CX-50 come in?
What is the best value trim on the 2026 Mazda CX-50?
What is the difference between the CX-50 Select and Preferred?
What is the Mazda CX-50 Meridian Edition?
Is the 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid worth the extra cost?
Which CX-50 trim has the highest towing capacity?
Does every 2026 CX-50 come with AWD?
Does the CX-50 come with a sunroof?
Can I test drive the 2026 CX-50 in Durham?
Find Your 2026 Mazda CX-50 in Durham, NC
Sport Durst Mazda has the CX-50 in stock — gas, Turbo, Meridian Edition, and Hybrid. Every deal includes our $5,000 price guarantee. Come drive all three powertrains and find the one that fits your commute, your weekend, and your budget.
Shop 2026 CX-50 InventoryCall (919) 873-4428Sport Durst Mazda | 4515 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd, Durham, NC 27707 | Mon-Sat 9AM-8PM | Sun 12-6PM
