2026 Mazda CX-50 Meridian Edition Explained: Features, Off-Road Capability & What Makes It Different
There are so many superlatives that can be used to describe the latest 2026 Mazda CX-50, such as premium, stylish, powerful, capable, versatile, and, of course, desirable.
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 Meridian Edition is designed to meet the needs of shoppers who want to tackle various terrains, including rocky trails, muddy paths, and steep inclines, without sacrificing everyday suburban travel capability and versatility.
What is the 2026 Mazda CX-50 Meridian Edition?
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 Meridian Edition differentiates itself from other CX-50 trim levels with its more rugged, outdoor-focused styling package and trim-exclusive interior and exterior finishes.
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 model year has expanded the Meridian Edition to now include a naturally aspirated 2.5 S engine, in addition to the previously available Turbo engine.
Is the 2026 Mazda CX-50 new?
No, not new, but Mazda has listened to its customers and made some changes to the 2026 CX-50 lineup that address past owners' concerns.
Changes include improved comfort and quietness, such as the more relaxed rear seating angles for better passenger comfort, improved cargo carrying capability, and the 2026 Mazda CX-50’s cabin now features improved acoustic glass and underbody insulation to reduce any intrusive road noise.
The CX-50’s driving experience has also been enhanced by more refined suspension dampers that provide a smoother, more comfortable ride.
Off-road inspired exterior
The CX-50’s rugged, squared-off design with distinctive wide fenders and large body cladding cues aims to inspire confidence and a sense of adventure in outdoor enthusiasts, highlighting its off-road capability.
The CX-50 Meridian Edition features a low roofline that allows owners easy access to the versatile standard-fitment aluminum roof rails finished in Satin Black.
The Mazda CX-50 Meridian Edition measures 185.8 inches long, 75.6 inches wide, with a wheelbase of 110.8 inches.
The Meridian Edition is slightly taller by 0.4 inches than its standard-trim siblings at 63.9 inches, courtesy of its chunky P225/60/18 all-terrain tires mounted on trim-exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels finished in black metallic.
The Meridian Edition's ground clearance measures a useful 8.6 inches compared to the other trim levels' standard 8.3 inches, allowing owners to tackle off-road trails with confidence without fear of damaging their Mazda's underbelly.
Further exterior features of the 2026 Mazda CX-50 Meridian Edition include:
- LED headlights with auto-leveling, high beam control and auto on/off
- Daytime running lights
- LED combination taillights with signature lighting
- Black dual heated side mirrors with LED turn signal indicators
- Automatic power folding side mirrors with two-position memory function
- Power sliding-glass panoramic moonroof with one-touch-open feature
- Rear Power Liftgate with programmable height adjustment
- Body-colored rear roof spoiler
Exclusive to the Meridian Edition are gloss black AWD badges, Meridian hood graphics, and black side rocker garnish.
Buyers of the Meridian Edition get to pick their exterior color choice from a lineup of three options: Jet Black Mica and two extra-cost options, Polymetal Gray Metallic and Zircon Sand Metallic.
Premium finished interior
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 Meridian Edition offers buyers an upscale interior that seats five passengers across its two rows.
The Meridian Edition’s interior is meticulously crafted from high-quality materials and mirrors the rugged theme of the exterior design, with cabin accents to buyers seeking both adventure and refinement.
Surprise-and-delight features abound, including luxury and comfort items such as an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar support and two-position memory, and a six-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, both of which are heated and ventilated.
Buyers get seating trimmed in Black Leatherette with Gray accents.
Just some of the Meridian Edition's generous lineup of standard driver's equipment includes a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, push-button start, a partially digital 7-inch LCD meter gauge display, and a Traffic Sign Recognition system.
Further standout interior features include dual-zone automatic climate control with pollen filter, leather-wrapped gear selector and steering wheel, and plenty more.
The 2026 Mazda Meridian Edition is equipped with an infotainment system that includes a 10.25-inch full-color display with the Mazda Connect Infotainment System, controlled by the center console-mounted Multifunction Commander and voice commands.
Highlights of the infotainment system also include a Bose® 12-speaker surround sound system with Centerpoint® and AudioPilot®, plus Bluetooth® hands-free phone and audio capability, Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto integration, and steering wheel-mounted audio, phone, and cruise controls.
Capable engine choices
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 Meridian Edition, as mentioned, is now available with two engine options.
First up is the standard SKYACTIV®-G 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing up to 187 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 185 pound-feet of torque @ 4,000 rpm
The more powerful four-cylinder SKYACTIV®-G 2.5 engine with Twin-scroll Turbo and i-Stop makes 256 horsepower @ 5,000 and 310 pound-feet of torque @ 2,500 rpm.
Both engines are paired with a SKYACTIV®-Drive six-speed automatic transmission offering a manual shift mode, and for versatile off-road capability, Mazda’s iActiv all-wheel drive offers drivers Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) with drive modes for sport, off-road, and towing.
The Meridian Edition, fitted with the base engine, can tow up to 2,000 pounds, and up to 3,500 pounds when powered by a turbocharged engine.
Top-notch safety
Drivers and passengers alike can travel at peace, knowing they are well protected in the 2026 Mazda CX-50 Meridian edition.
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 lineup has won a 2026 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award thanks to its comprehensive lineup of standard safety features and standard fitment of Mazda's i-Activsense safety suite.
How much does the 2026 Mazda CX-50 Meridian Edition cost?
Buyers keen on the 2.5 S Meridian Edition will pay a starting MSRP of $33,150, and those shoppers wanting the appreciable enhanced performance of the turbocharged version can expect a starting MSRP of $40,400.
Purchase the 2026 Mazda CX-50 Meridian Edition at Seacoast Mazda
Learn more about and test drive the capable 2026 Mazda CX-50 Meridian Edition at Seacoast Mazda.
Allow our friendly and knowledgeable sales team to help every step of the way with your next Mazda purchase, be it a brand-new CX-50 or any of our quality pre-owned vehicles.
View Mazda CX-50 Inventory