Mazda has introduced the CX-50 2026, a fashionable and flexible compact SUV aimed toward city drivers and small households in search of a blend of overall performance, design, and luxury. Powered through a 2.5L petrol engine delivering 192PS, the CX-50 gives responsive acceleration, smooth coping with, and dependable performance for city commuting in addition to weekend getaways.
Priced at ₹2.49 Lakh, this SUV combines current layout, superior era, and realistic interiors, making it an attractive choice for customers searching out a compact SUV with top rate functions and performance at an affordable rate.
Table of Contents
What is Mazda CX-50 (2026)
The Mazda CX-50 is a compact crossover SUV positioned above the standard crossover/SUV lineup from Mazda. For the 2026 model year, Mazda retains its 2.5-litre naturally aspirated 4-cylinder petrol engine as the base powertrain. This has been a staple for CX-50 since its debut.
The 2.5L “S-series” (non-turbo) produces around 187 hp (≈ 190 PS) and adequate torque — enough for daily driving, smooth cruising and even some light off-road or rough-road conditions thanks to standard all-wheel drive (AWD). In addition to the standard variant, CX-50 offers higher trims — including turbocharged petrol and hybrid versions — for those seeking more performance or better efficiency.
Reality Check: Price vs. ₹2.49 Lakh Claim
Here’s where things get tricky. In markets where CX-50 is widely sold (such as the U.S.), the starting manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for 2026 begins at about US $31,395 for the base 2.5 S Select trim. Even accounting for favorable currency conversion, duties, taxes, and localisation costs — bringing a high-spec SUV like CX-50 to India would cost significantly more than ₹2.49 Lakh. Reports for similar models suggest on-road costs in India could range in tens of lakhs.
So the claim of “just ₹2.49 Lakh” is almost certainly false or misleading — perhaps a typo or marketing gimmick. A more realistic understanding: CX-50 belongs to a premium segment, and its price will reflect that, not sub-compact or entry-level cars.
Why Mazda CX-50 Still Impresses
Even if the price claim is off, CX-50 has several qualities that make it stand out as a desirable compact SUV:
- Balanced performance & AWD: The widespread 2.5 L engine with AWD offers assured handling in each city and rough roads — a plus in various riding situations.
- Comfort & features: Even in base trims, CX-50 comes with present day capabilities: a nicely-finished cabin, pleasant construct, and excellent journey consolation. Higher trims convey extras like top class upholstery, larger wheels, panoramic roof / moonroof, advanced protection and tech.
- Versatility: With multiple powertrain alternatives (certainly aspirated, faster, hybrid), shoppers can select what fits their desires — whether or not it’s efficiency, energy, or all-terrain functionality.
- Premium appeal without being a full-size SUV: CX-50 gives many attributes of larger SUVs (area, AWD, robustness) however in a greater compact and attainable size — ideal for city + occasional off-road use.
What to Watch Out For
- Price in India will be much higher: Import duties, localisation, taxes, etc., mean the on-road price will likely be in the high lakhs (or more), not ₹2.49 Lakh.
- Fuel & maintenance costs: A 2.5 L petrol AWD SUV is more expensive to run than small cars — fuel efficiency, maintenance, insurance, etc., will reflect that.
- Suitability depends on use: If you mostly drive short distances in cities, a heavy AWD SUV may be overkill. But for mixed roads, long drives, or rough terrain — CX-50 makes sense.
Conclusion
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 brings collectively style, versatility, and top rate SUV-like attributes in a compact package deal. Its 2.5 L petrol engine (≈190 PS) with all-wheel pressure, combined with a well-appointed cabin and bendy trim & powertrain options, make it a strong contender if you’re looking for a blend of comfort, capability and a bit of ruggedness.
However, the claim of “just ₹2.49 Lakh” for CX-50 is unrealistic — almost certainly incorrect. The real cost in India would be far higher once all import, regulatory & localisation charges are factored in. Treat that number as a misprint rather than as a valid offer.
