Three Questions: 2025 Mazda CX-50 Turbo Meridian Edition

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Meridian Edition is an outdoor-themed take on Mazda’s popular compact crossover. It looks the part, though functionally you’re not getting more capability than the typical CX-50 can provide. Still, for $42,670, Mazda delivers a creative take on its already distinctive crossover, and the Meridian trim is a good box to check if you’re already thinking turbo for your CX-50.

After a week in the CX-50 Meridian Edition, we’re here to answer three key questions.

What Is It?

The Merian Edition is a tire and paint package offered on the 2.5 Turbo model. Ticking the box adds black metallic 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in all-terrain Falken tires. There are headlight and rocker garnishes, which dress up the CX-50’s profile a bit, and a matte hood graphic. The interior comes with Terracotta leather with black accents. It’s a nice way to get into the 2.5-liter Turbo, adding $3,300 to the price of the 2.5 S Premium Plus (naturally aspirated 187-hp), while the Meridian is $500 less than the Turbo Premium.

How Does It Drive?

The CX-50 Meridian edition is a zippy crossover with 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque delivered relatively low in the band from the twin-scroll turbo four-cylinder powerplant. Fill the tank with premium fuel and that jumps to 256 ponies and 320 lb-ft. Like with Mazda’s other crossovers, engineers took care to translate some of the brand’s sporting DNA into the chassis setup, which gives the CX-50 a little more response than most compact crossovers. You’ll notice that a bit in the steering, which is tauter than you might expect, though it feels more authentic in the CX-50 than in some of Mazda’s larger models, like the surprisingly (and some might say overly) engaging CX-90.

The CX-50, especially in this trim, has a classy interior, good visibility and plenty of room for the duties of family life. I filled the cargo hold with hockey gear, groceries and other random items, sometimes all at once. The second row fits a high back booster car seat well, and the row is reasonably comfortable for adults. Mazda’s infotainment isn’t my favorite, though I like the rotary knob, and after a decade or so of testing this setup, it’s far from the worst. My main interior complaint is the cupholders are too far forward.

Do I Want It?

Yes, you do—but your money is better spent on the CX-50 Hybrid Premium Plus model, which delivers 39 miles per gallon from a 219-hp hybrid system with all-wheel drive for $41,470, including destination.

The Meridian is more evocative and more fun, but for the same money, you can get a vehicle that’s just as nice and much more fuel-efficient. That said, the 310 lb-ft of torque delivered by this spunky turbo dressed in the Meridian’s outdoorsy and sporty look is a great vibe. It’s like rocking a stainless steel Seiko diver with jeans and a T-shirt. Quiet luxury. A subtle flex. That's the CX-50 Meridian—a right-brain vehicle.

Become an AutoGuide insider. Get the latest from the automotive world first by subscribing to our newsletter here.