2026 CX-50 2.5 S Meridian Edition
Quick Answer: 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Meridian Edition
New for 2026: the Meridian Edition finally comes with the base 2.5 S engine, priced at $33,150 MSRP — previously the Meridian look was locked to the pricier Turbo. It trades the Preferred's comfort focus for a trail-styled appearance package: 18-inch black-metallic alloy wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires, black roof rails, exclusive black leather seats with three-level heating, and an exterior color palette limited to Jet Black Mica, Polymetal Gray Metallic, and Zircon Sand Metallic. Same 187-hp naturally aspirated engine and standard AWD as every other 2.5 S trim. If you want the outdoorsy look without paying Turbo money, this is now the way in.
A trim, not a package — and a genuinely new one for 2026
Worth stating plainly, because it trips up a lot of shoppers cross-referencing older reviews: Meridian Edition is a full trim level, not an option package layered onto something else, and the CX-50 doesn't sell traditional option packages at all — Mazda builds by trim, then lets you pick paint and interior color. Through 2025, "Meridian Edition" meant the turbocharged version exclusively. For 2026, Mazda split it in two: this naturally aspirated 2.5 S Meridian at $33,150, and the 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition at $40,400 for buyers who want the same look with more power. They are not the same vehicle underneath the styling, and pricing and equipment differ meaningfully between them — don't let a competitor's older Meridian write-up merge them for you.
What the black-out look actually gets you
Beyond the styling, the Meridian's all-terrain tires are a real functional upgrade over the street tires on Select, Preferred, and Premium — worth knowing if your CX-50 sees the occasional gravel driveway, a weekend trip up to the Delaware Water Gap, or just wants more confidence on a salted, half-plowed Route 22 side street in February. The black leather seats are exclusive to this trim with three-level heating, and the black-finish 18-inch wheels and roof rails complete a look that reads more deliberately outdoors-oriented than the chrome-trimmed Preferred or Premium sitting next to it on the lot.
What it doesn't add: the Preferred's power liftgate and moonroof aren't automatically included just because the price is close — Meridian is priced above Preferred specifically for the styling and tire package, so compare feature lists carefully rather than assuming a straight upgrade.
Who the Meridian is actually for
Buyers who cross-shopped the CX-50 specifically because of its outdoor-lifestyle marketing and want the vehicle to look the part, not just perform it. If all-terrain tires and a blacked-out aesthetic don't move the needle for you, the money is arguably better spent moving up to the 2.5 S Premium, which adds Bose audio, ventilated seats, and 20-inch wheels for $1,750 more. If the look does matter and you also want real power behind it, the Turbo Meridian is the natural next step up.
Frequently asked questions
What does the 2026 CX-50 2.5 S Meridian Edition cost?
MSRP is $33,150, before Mazda's $1,495 destination charge and New Jersey's 6.625% sales tax. See the pricing & leasing guide for current offers.
Is the Meridian Edition off-road capable?
It has real advantages over the standard trims — all-terrain tires and standard AWD — but it's not a dedicated off-road vehicle with locking differentials or increased ground clearance. Think "confident on gravel and light trails," not "rock crawler."
What colors does the Meridian Edition come in?
Three for 2026: Jet Black Mica, Polymetal Gray Metallic, and Zircon Sand Metallic. The exterior color list is intentionally narrower than other trims to keep the black-accented look consistent.
Is there a Turbo version of the Meridian?
Yes — the 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition at $40,400 pairs the same styling with the turbocharged engine, plus its own equipment differences like Mazda navigation and a heated steering wheel.
Where can I see a Meridian Edition in Green Brook?
Check current Meridian Edition inventory at Empire Mazda of Green Brook on Route 22.
The bottom line
The 2.5 S Meridian Edition is the newest trim in the 2026 CX-50 lineup, and it exists because Mazda noticed people wanted the outdoors look without paying Turbo prices for it. All-terrain tires, black-out styling, exclusive leather — on the same reliable base engine as the rest of the 2.5 S family.
MSRP figures exclude Mazda's $1,495 destination charge plus taxes, title, registration, and dealer-installed options; the dealer sets the actual selling price. Fuel-economy figures are EPA estimates. Equipment and availability can shift with configuration and production timing; confirm current specs with Empire Mazda of Green Brook. Customer quotes are excerpts from public Google reviews of Empire Mazda of Green Brook.