After extensive testing and research, CR determined this car to be:
- SAFE AND RELIABLE
- GOOD PERFORMANCE
- COMFORTABLE AND CONVENIENT
one of our 144 recommended SUVs
2026 Mazda CX-50
Road Test Results
Overall
Acceleration
Transmission
Braking
Emergency Handling
Fuel Economy
Ride
Noise
Usability
Owner Reports
Predicted Reliability
Predicted Owner Satisfaction
Pros
- Handling
- Steering
- Fit and finish
- Interior room
Cons
- Ride
- Modest acceleration with the base engine
- Frustrating infotainment system
Best Version to Get
The Preferred trim brings a power driver’s seat, heated front seats, heated side mirrors, and a power liftgate. The Premium trim may be the best bet, as it adds leather seats, a six-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, and an upgraded 12-speaker Bose audio system, but sticks with the smaller 17-inch wheels. Higher trims, such as our tested model, add 20-inch wheels that hurt the ride quality.
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About Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports puts people first. For more than 80 years, CR has provided consumers with independent research, ratings and recommendations to help make good purchase decisions. As a nonprofit consumer testing and advocacy organization, CR works with businesses and government to improve the safety, performance, value and reliability of products and services.
Every year CR puts manufacturer claims to the test for thousands of products, from cars and appliances to baby products and sunscreens. CR purchases all the products that we test and uses scientific research methods to develop our ratings.