July in Kentucky has plenty of road-trip opportunities. Travelers to Daniel Boone National Forest, Mammoth Cave, Lake Cumberland, and other spots, need the right vehicle.
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 is Mazda's adventure-oriented crossover, with standard all-wheel drive (AWD), multiple terrain-adaptive drive modes through Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive), up to 8.6 inches of ground clearance on certain trims, and roofline fit to carry gear.
The 2026 Mazda CX-50: Built for the Road Less Traveled
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 is a crossover SUVs built for more than just commutes.
Every trim of the 2026 Mazda CX-50 comes standard with Mazda's i-ACTIV AWD®. This system goes beyond conventional all-wheel drive: rather than waiting for a wheel to slip before engaging, i-ACTIV AWD® continuously monitors vehicle dynamics data in real time. Monitoring includes wheel loads, steering inputs, and road surface variations. It distributes torque to keep the vehicle stable and planted on everything from rain-slicked byways or gravel pull-off at a trailhead.
The base 2.5L four-cylinder engine produces 187 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque, and the available 2.5L Turbo engine pushes that to up to 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
If efficiency is the priority, the available 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid delivers up to 219 combined horsepower and an EPA-estimated 38 MPG combined, with an e-AWD system included.
Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) system lets you switch between Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and available Towing modes.
Off-Road Mode is useful the moment you leave pavement to reach a campsite or trailhead.
Sport Mode maximizes responsiveness when the accelerator pedal is depressed and accelerates powerfully.
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 also earned the 2026 Car and Driver Editors' Choice Award, the 2026 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+, and a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating from NHTSA.
Kentucky's Best Scenic Byways: Where to Point It
Kentucky punches well above its weight when it comes to spectacular driving roads. These four routes are worth building a July weekend around.
- Red River Gorge National Scenic Byway: Beware narrow lanes and oncoming traffic.
- Old Frankfort Pike: Rolling horse country rewarding Sport Mode and a slow pace.
- Woodlands Trace National Scenic Byway: Open meadows, wildlife corridors, and river views make this one ideal for a late afternoon drive.
- Duncan Hines Scenic Byway: Offers views of stately homes and incredible vistas.
Roof Rails and Gear Attachments: Pack Everything You Need
The 2026 Mazda CX-50’s available roof rail system. Select trims come with integrated roof rails. Add Genuine Mazda Crossbars and a Mazda Bike Carrier to round it out.
The Bike Carrier is available in 2-bike and 4-bike configurations. Mazda’s Ski/Snowboard Carrier can carry four snowboards or six skis.
The Kayak and Paddleboard Carrier can carry two kayaks or two paddleboards.
A Cargo Box attachment is useful for longer camping trips.
Speaking of interior cargo, the 2026 Mazda CX-50 offers 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats upright, expanding to 56.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat. The long flat load floor makes it genuinely easy to load camp gear, coolers, and trail supplies.
The 2.5 Turbo models have a towing capacity of up to 3,500 lbs with a Genuine Mazda hitch, enough for a small camper trailer or a watercraft.
2026 Mazda CX-50 Meridian Edition: Adventure-Ready Trim
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 Meridian Edition is an adventure-focused trim shipping with 18-inch alloy wheels fitted with knobbier all-terrain tires for improved traction.
Black roof rails add some distinction to this trim.
It's available on both the 2.5 S base engine and 2.5 Turbo configurations, giving you a choice between efficiency-forward and performance-forward adventure setups.
Why the 2026 Mazda CX-50 Is the Right Choice This Summer
What separates the 2026 Mazda CX-50 from most adventure crossovers is the integration of its capabilities.
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 brings a lot of perks:
- Standard AWD
- Driver-selectable terrain modes
- Roof rail accessory ecosystem
- Generous cargo volume
- Handling dynamics
These add up to earn consistent praise from automotive reviewers.
Add a 5-Star NHTSA safety rating and IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ recognition, and you get a vehicle you can trust on an unfamiliar byway as much as a familiar highway. That's not a small thing when you're winding through the gorge with bikes on the roof and a weekend of trails ahead.
Kentucky's scenic byways are some of the best driving roads in the South. The Mazda CX-50 is a vehicle that can handle these roads.
Schedule Your Test Drive This July at Neil Huffman Mazda, where you can get a deal on a 2026 Mazda CX-50!
