The Mazda CX-50 is the rugged, adventure-ready member of Mazda’s crossover lineup, with a wider, lower stance, standard all-wheel drive and an Off-Road drive mode for sandy roads and trailheads. At Palm Springs Mazda, 69200 E Palm Canyon Dr (Highway 111) in Cathedral City, you can compare every gas-powered CX-50 trim, from the 2.5 S Select to the 256-horsepower 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus.
Browse the CX-50 inventory above, then use the guides below to match the right engine and trim to how you drive, tow and explore the desert.
Ground clearance of 8.3 to 8.6 inches, depending on model and wheel size, plus an Off-Road mode that helps limit wheel spin in sand, mud or snow, make the CX-50 a natural fit for dirt roads near Joshua Tree National Park.
The Skyactiv-G 2.5 Turbo delivers up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on recommended premium fuel, giving you strong passing power on I-10 and confident climbs on the Palms to Pines Highway.
When properly equipped, Turbo models tow up to 3,500 lbs with Towing Mode engaged, and 2.5 S models tow up to 2,000 lbs with a genuine Mazda hitch. That is enough for small trailers, jet skis or a pair of dirt bikes.
i-Activ AWD is standard on every trim, along with Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Lane Departure Warning. Mazda states the CX-50 has earned an IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award and a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating from NHTSA.
The gas-powered CX-50 lineup offers two engines and two Meridian Editions with an outdoorsy look. Use this table to see where each trim fits, then ask our team to show you equipped vehicles side by side.
| Trim | Powertrain | Key Highlights | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 S Select | Skyactiv-G 2.5, AWD | Wireless Apple CarPlay®, Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go | Value-minded adventurers |
| 2.5 S Preferred | Skyactiv-G 2.5, AWD | Power liftgate, 8-way power driver’s seat, front and rear parking sensors | A well-rounded daily driver |
| 2.5 S Meridian Edition | Skyactiv-G 2.5, AWD | 18-inch black metallic wheels, black roof rails, heated front seats | Trailhead style without the turbo |
| 2.5 S Premium | Skyactiv-G 2.5, AWD | 20-inch black metallic machine-cut wheels, ventilated front seats, wiper de-icer | Comfort in the summer heat |
| 2.5 Turbo | Skyactiv-G 2.5 Turbo, AWD | Twin-scroll turbo, Adaptive Front-lighting System, up to 3,500-lb towing | Drivers who want power and towing |
| 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition | Skyactiv-G 2.5 Turbo, AWD | 18-inch black wheels with black lug nuts, heated steering wheel, Mazda online navigation | Turbo power with a rugged look |
| 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus | Skyactiv-G 2.5 Turbo, AWD | 360° View Monitor with See-through View, Cruising and Traffic Support, expanded Smart Brake Support | The most capable, best-equipped CX-50 |
Both gas engines pair with a 6-speed automatic transmission and standard i-Activ AWD. Choose based on how much power and towing capability you need.
| Engine | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | EPA MPG (City/Hwy/Comb)* | Max Towing* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skyactiv-G 2.5 | 187 | 185 | 24 / 30 / 26 | 2,000 lbs |
| Skyactiv-G 2.5 Turbo (93 octane) | 256 | 320 | 23 / 29 / 25 | 3,500 lbs |
| Skyactiv-G 2.5 Turbo (87 octane) | 227 | 310 | 23 / 29 / 25 | 3,500 lbs |
Palm Springs Mazda, part of the Palm Springs Motors group, carries the full Mazda lineup and keeps the buying process simple, transparent and enjoyable. Settle into the exclusive Mazda Lounge upstairs while our team lines up CX-50 trims to compare, explains your CX-50 financing and lease options, and values your current vehicle through our Kelley Blue Book® Instant Cash Offer. Check current Mazda offers and incentives before you stop by.
After the sale, our factory-trained service team helps keep your CX-50 ready for desert heat and dusty trails. Schedule CX-50 service online, order a genuine Mazda hitch or accessories through our Mazda parts department, and rely on our on-site body shop if you ever need collision repair. Looking for a pre-owned option? Browse our Mazda certified pre-owned inventory.
Palm Springs Mazda is located at 69200 E Palm Canyon Dr (Highway 111) in Cathedral City, CA 92234, minutes from Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage and Palm Desert. Browse our CX-50 inventory online and call sales at 760-328-2102 to confirm availability or schedule a test drive.
The CX-50 has a more rugged design, available Off-Road and Towing drive modes, and an available 2.5 Turbo engine with up to 3,500 lbs of towing. The CX-5 focuses on interior space and technology, with a standard 12.9-inch touchscreen and Google built-in. Our team can help you compare both on the lot.
When properly equipped, 2.5 Turbo models tow up to 3,500 lbs with Towing Mode engaged, and 2.5 S models tow up to 2,000 lbs with a genuine Mazda hitch. Ask us for the rating on the specific vehicle you are considering.
The CX-50 is designed for light off-road use, with standard AWD, an Off-Road mode and 8.3 to 8.6 inches of ground clearance depending on model and wheel size. It handles graded dirt roads and sandy trailhead parking well, though it is not intended for extreme rock crawling.
The 2.5 S delivers 187 hp and slightly better EPA-estimated fuel economy, which suits commuting and everyday errands. The 2.5 Turbo adds up to 256 hp on premium fuel and higher towing capacity, which is worth it if you tow or drive mountain grades often.
EPA estimates are 24 city, 30 highway and 26 combined mpg for 2.5 S models, and 23 city, 29 highway and 25 combined mpg for 2.5 Turbo models. If efficiency is your top priority, the CX-50 Hybrid is rated at 38 combined mpg.
The Meridian Edition adds an outdoorsy look with 18-inch black metallic wheels and black roof rails, and it is offered with both the 2.5 S and 2.5 Turbo engines. The Turbo Meridian Edition also adds a heated steering wheel and Mazda online navigation.
Yes. Use our Kelley Blue Book Instant Cash Offer tool online to get a value for your current vehicle in minutes, then apply it toward your new CX-50 when you visit Palm Springs Mazda.
Palm Springs Mazda is proud to serve drivers from Cathedral City, Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio, Coachella, Desert Hot Springs, Thousand Palms, Yucca Valley, Joshua Tree, Beaumont, Banning, and beyond.
Compare CX-50 trims, engines and towing capability with our team at 69200 E Palm Canyon Dr in Cathedral City.
69200 E Palm Canyon Dr
Cathedral City, CA 92234
Sales, Service & Parts: 760-328-2102
Body Shop: 760-699-6748
