What's New for 2026 Models!

Hey there Mazda fans,

Welcome to this month’s Classic Mazda newsletter. Catch up on past issues at news.classicmazda.com.

Here’s what we’ve got for you this month:

• What’s new in the 2026 CX-50?

• More 2026 Mazda3 Details revealed!

• Remembering the Late Father of the Miata

• the latest Mazda News

2026 Mazda CX-50 Gets an Adventure Upgrade

Since 2022, the Mazda CX-50 has been a big deal in our lineup—and for good reason. The 2025 model stacked up so many prestigious trophies we’re running out of shelf space and these include:

1. IIHS Top Safety Pick+

2. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating

3. Car & Driver Editor’s Choice

4. and more…

Assembled proudly in Huntsville, Alabama, the CX-50 once again proves that you don’t have to compromise on quality or value when putting together a true Driver’s car.

So what’s new for 2026? Glad you asked.

For starters, the 2026 CX-50 will no longer come with the Premium Plus or Turbo Premium trims, instead replacing them with trims that should more efficiently meet the American demands for more cool-looking SUVs in really shiny colors.

The first NEW trim is the “2.5 S Meridian Edition”. Think of the Meridian as the CX-50 built for the outdoorsy crowd who value capability both in and off road. The new Meridian Edition does not have turbo, as off-roaders typically prefer a naturally aspirated engine that growls.

You get 18-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tires and black roof rail. There’s also added charm with glossy blacked-out emblems, unique Meridian styling touches, and unique Meridian badging.

The other New trim is the “2.5 Turbo” which takes the place of the outgoing Turbo Premium. As the name suggests, this CX-50 gets a TURBO 2.5 liter 4-cyl SkyActiv engine.

That’s car techy stuff that means this CX-50 goes zoom zoom pretty fast, making highway merges even more fun as you unleash more than 250 horsepower...responsibly…while obeying applicable traffic laws.

Inside, the CX-50 Turbo trims still get access to upscale features like Available White Leather interior, ventilated seats, and all the tech niceties that make the CX-50 feel more premium than any other midsize SUV not from Mazda.

If you’ve driven a modern Mazda, you know what I mean. Come test drive one now.

Meet the 2026 Mazda3: Small Car, Big Attitude

The Mazda3 is back for 2026, and it’s proof that “compact” doesn’t mean cookie-cutter.

For 2026? You can still row your own gears with a six-speed manual (yes, Mazda still believes in fun) or stick with their smooth-shifting automatic transmission.

Let’s break down the trims below (there’s a lot and that’s a good thing!)

• 2.5 S —> Entry model, BUT it is generously equipped with Mazda’s i-Activsense assistance and safety features including radar cruise, lane keep assist, and blind monitoring as STANDARD!

• 2.5 S Select Sport —> You get leatherette seats, rain-sensing wipers, dual-zone climate, and Alexa Built-in so you can yell at your car like you do your smartphone.

• 2.5 S Preferred —> Heated seats, moonroof, power driver’s seat with memory

• Carbon Edition —> Available exclusively with the Polymetal Gray exterior paint, Red Leather interior, black 18-in aluminum alloy wheels, and AWD standard.

• 2.5 S Premium (Exclusive to Hatchback)—> The enthusiast’s car. Manual Transmission, a BOSE 12-speaker audio system, and Heads-up display!

• 2.5 S Turbo Premium Plus —> Available for Sedan and Hatchback. This trim gets you 250 Horsepowers, glossy black aero accents, a heated steering wheel, a 360° camera, and a bigger touchscreen.

It looks sharper than the competition, it drives better than the competition, and it gives you more bang for your buck than most compact cars dare. What’s not to love?

Remembering Tom Matano, “Father of the Miata”

With great sadness, we share the passing of Tsutomu “Tom” Matano, the legendary designer known as the “Father of the Miata.” While Bob Hall first sparked the idea, it was Matano who helped shape the Miata into reality in the late 1980s—at a time when two-seat roadsters had all but disappeared.

Thanks to Tom’s vision and design, the Miata’s timeless style and joyful driving experience went on to capture hearts worldwide, becoming one of the most beloved sports cars ever created.

Getting his start at General Motors Australia, Tom would later make his way to Europe and work for BMW and even Volvo, but it would be Mazda where he became a legend.

One of Tom’s very first projects was indeed designing the first MX-5 Miata but that’s not all; Tom’s talents would also lend to the design of the 3rd generation Mazda RX-7 seen above.

Rest in Peace, 俣野 努

• Mazda reveals All-New CX-5 generation

• Award-Winning Mazda CX-90 PHEV Sets New Hybrid Benchmark

• 2026 Mazda3: Pricing & Packaging updates

• 10/09 - MX-5 Cup Race Round 13 @ Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta

• 10/10 - MX-5 Cup Race Round 14 @ Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta

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