Understanding and Maintaining Mazda’s i-Activ AWD® System

The Mazda CX-50 turns heads with its wide stance and outdoorsy styling, but the features that win owners over are the ones nobody mentions on the showroom floor. After a few weeks of driving, most CX-50 owners discover details that make daily life along the Grand Strand easier, from beach-day hauling to summer traffic on Highway 17. At Beach Mazda in Myrtle Beach, our team knows the CX-50 inside and out, and these are the details that rarely make it into the brochure headlines. Here are eight underrated Mazda CX-50 features worth knowing before your test drive. 8 Underrated Mazda CX-50 Features This SUV offers many compelling features you may not know of: 1. Roof Rails Built to Carry Real Gear The CX-50's roof rails aren't just decorative trim. Mazda engineered the CX-50 with high-strength roof rails plus reinforced B-pillars and door jambs, so the roof is ready for kayak carriers, surfboard racks, cargo boxes, and even rooftop platforms. That's a big deal if your weekends involve paddling Murrells Inlet or hauling boards to Surfside Beach. Always check the load limits in your owner's manual before loading up. 2. Mi-Drive Off-Road Mode and Real Ground Clearance Every CX-50 comes with standard all-wheel drive, and the Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) switch lets you swap between Normal, Sport, and Off-Road modes. Off-Road mode adjusts the AWD system for loose surfaces like sandy access roads, gravel boat landings, and muddy trailheads. Pair that with 8.3 to 8.6 inches of ground clearance, and the SUV handles washed-out parking lots after a summer storm with ease. 3. A Towing Mode That Only Appears When You Need It CX-50 Turbo models can tow up to 3,500 pounds, enough for a small boat, jet skis, or a pop-up camper. The underrated part is Towing mode, a dedicated Mi-Drive setting that only becomes selectable once a trailer is connected. It tunes the vehicle's behavior for trailer work, so launching at the boat ramp feels more controlled. 4. Mazda's First Panoramic Moonroof The CX-50 debuted Mazda's first-ever panoramic moonroof, and it changes the feel of the whole cabin. Back-seat passengers get a sky view too, which makes coastal drives and sunset cruises down Ocean Boulevard feel a lot more open. 5. A Hybrid That Shines in Stop-and-Go Traffic The CX-50 Hybrid is EPA-rated at 39 mpg city, 37 highway, and 38 combined, with 219 horsepower and standard AWD. Notice that the city number beats the highway. That makes the hybrid a smart fit for summer tourist traffic on Kings Highway and Highway 17, where gas engines waste the most fuel. For 2026, Hybrid trims also gained standard parking sensors and rear seat heaters. Learn more on our 2026 CX-50 Hybrid page. 6. Cylinder Deactivation on the Standard Engine The standard Skyactiv-G 2.5 engine (187 hp) uses cylinder deactivation, shutting down two cylinders during light-load cruising to save fuel. You'll never feel it happen, but you'll notice it on long, steady highway runs to Wilmington or Florence. 7. Alexa Built-in and Wireless Phone Integration Many drivers don't realize the CX-50 offers Alexa Built-in, so you can use voice commands for music, smart-home controls, and more without touching your phone. It also offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charging pad, and multiple USB-C ports. Available remote start lets you cool the cabin before you leave the beach on a 95-degree July afternoon. 8. Standard Safety Tech That Takes the Stress Out of Traffic Every 2026 CX-50 includes Mazda's i-Activsense safety suite, including blind spot monitoring, Lane Keep Assist, and Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go. That last one manages the following distance in crawling traffic, which is a real help during peak season on the Grand Strand. The 2025 CX-50 and CX-50 Hybrid also earned an IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award. Which CX-50 Is Right for You? The 2026 Mazda CX-50 comes in three powertrain families, and the best one depends on how you drive. Powertrain Trims Output Skyactiv-G 2.5 S Select, S Preferred, Meridian Edition, Premium 187 hp Skyactiv-G 2.5 Turbo Turbo, Turbo Meridian Edition, Turbo Premium Plus 256 hp, 320 lb-ft; tows up to 3,500 lbs Hybrid Hybrid Preferred, Hybrid Premium, Hybrid Premium Plus 219 hp; 38 mpg combined Compare equipment trim by trim on our Mazda CX-50 trim levels page, or see how it stacks up against its sibling in our Mazda CX-5 vs. CX-50 comparison. Mazda CX-50 FAQs Does every Mazda CX-50 have all-wheel drive? + Yes. Every 2026 CX-50 comes with standard all-wheel drive. Gas models use i-Activ AWD, and the Hybrid model uses an electronic AWD system. How much can the Mazda CX-50 tow? + CX-50 Turbo models can tow up to 3,500 pounds using Towing mode. The CX-50 Hybrid is rated for up to 1,500 pounds when properly equipped. What gas mileage does the CX-50 Hybrid get? + The 2026 CX-50 Hybrid is EPA-rated at 39 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 38 mpg combined. How much cargo space does the CX-50 have? + Gas models offer 31.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 56.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Hybrid offers 29.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and the same 56.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. Can you put a kayak or rooftop tent on a CX-50? + The CX-50 was designed for roof-mounted gear, with high-strength roof rails and reinforced B-pillars and door jambs. Check your owner's manual for load limits, and ask our parts team about genuine Mazda roof accessories. Test Drive the Mazda CX-50 at Beach Mazda in Myrtle Beach The best way to discover these features is to experience them yourself. Beach Mazda has been serving the Myrtle Beach area since 1995, and our non-commissioned sales team lets you explore at your own pace. We also back every purchase with our $1,000 Low Price Guarantee. Browse our CX-50 inventory, schedule a test drive, or stop by 851 Jason Blvd in Myrtle Beach. We proudly serve drivers from Conway, Carolina Forest, Murrells Inlet, Surfside Beach, Georgetown, Florence, and Wilmington. Call our sales team at 843-279-2305 to get started.

New Mazda CX-5 Interior Options: What to Expect The new Mazda CX-5 interior is the biggest upgrade in the SUV's history. The fully redesigned 2026 CX-5 is about 4.5 inches longer, and nearly every inch of that growth went into the cabin. The result is more rear-seat room, a larger cargo area, the biggest screens Mazda has ever offered, and Google built-in on every trim. If you're shopping for a compact SUV around Myrtle Beach, Conway, or Murrells Inlet, here's what to expect inside the new CX-5, trim by trim. A Bigger, Cleaner Cabin Inside the 2026 Mazda CX-5 The third-generation CX-5 keeps the upscale feel Mazda is known for, but gives passengers a lot more room to enjoy it. Mazda stretched the wheelbase by about 4.5 inches and designed the dashboard around a simpler, driver-focused layout with fewer buttons and less visual clutter. What's Changed From the Previous CX-5 More space: Increased rear legroom, knee room, and headroom compared with the 2017–2025 model. Simplified controls: The old rotary commander knob is gone, replaced by a touchscreen, Google Assistant voice control, and new steering wheel shortcuts. Wider rear doors: A larger door opening makes it easier to load kids, car seats, and passengers. Premium materials: Soft-touch surfaces and refined trim carry Mazda's reputation for interiors that feel a class above. Key Interior Dimensions Rear legroom: 39.9 inches Rear headroom (without sunroof): 40.2 inches Seating: Five passengers across two rows, with car seat compatibility in every rear position Technology and Infotainment: The Biggest Screens Ever in a Mazda Technology is the headline of the new CX-5 interior. The 2026 CX-5 is the first Mazda with Google built-in, and it offers the largest touchscreen Mazda has ever put in a vehicle. Touchscreen Options 12.9-inch center touchscreen: Standard on the 2.5 S through 2.5 S Premium, replacing the previous 10.25-inch display. 15.6-inch center touchscreen: Exclusive to the top 2.5 S Premium Plus trim and the largest display ever offered in a Mazda. 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster: Standard on every trim. Full-color head-up display: Available from the 2.5 S Preferred and up. Google Built-In and Smartphone Integration Google built-in: Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play apps are standard on all five trims, with a complimentary one-year trial. Hands-free voice control: Adjust navigation, climate, and audio just by asking. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: Wired on the 2.5 S; wireless from the 2.5 S Select and above. Wireless phone charging: Standard from the 2.5 S Select and above. USB-C ports: Dual front USB-C ports on every trim, plus two rear ports on Premium trims. Audio Upgrades Standard: 8-speaker audio system with HD Radio on the 2.5 S through 2.5 S Preferred. Premium: Bose 12-speaker system with SiriusXM 360L on the 2.5 S Premium and Premium Plus. Seating, Comfort, and Cargo Space The new CX-5 is built for real Grand Strand life: beach chairs, coolers, golf clubs, and passengers who want room to stretch out. Upholstery Options Cloth: Standard on the 2.5 S. Leatherette with embossed microsuede inserts: 2.5 S Select and 2.5 S Preferred. Genuine leather: 2.5 S Premium and 2.5 S Premium Plus. Comfort Features Dual-zone automatic climate control: Standard on every trim. Rear air vents: Added from the 2.5 S Select, a welcome feature during hot South Carolina summers. Heated front seats and heated steering wheel: From the 2.5 S Preferred. Ventilated front seats and heated rear seats: From the 2.5 S Premium. Power driver's seat with memory: 10-way adjustment with two memory positions from the 2.5 S Preferred. Ambient lighting: Color-selectable lighting on Premium trims. Panoramic sunroof: Standard on the 2.5 S Premium and Premium Plus. Cargo Space and Versatility 33.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats. 66.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat. New 40:20:40 split rear seat: Fold the middle section for long items like paddleboards or fishing rods while two passengers ride in back. Power liftgate: Programmable height from the 2.5 S Preferred; hands-free on the Premium Plus. 2026 Mazda CX-5 Interior Options by Trim Level All five 2026 CX-5 trims come with standard i-Activ AWD. Here's how the interior builds from one trim to the next. 2.5 S 12.9-inch touchscreen with Google built-in 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Dual-zone automatic climate control Cloth seats 2.5 S Select Leatherette seats with embossed microsuede inserts Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Wireless phone charger Rear seat air vents Smart Keyless entry and push-button start 2.5 S Preferred Heated front seats and heated steering wheel 10-way power driver's seat with two-position memory Full-color windshield head-up display Power liftgate with programmable height HomeLink garage door opener 2.5 S Premium Genuine leather seats Ventilated front seats and heated rear seats 6-way power passenger seat Bose 12-speaker audio with SiriusXM 360L Panoramic sunroof and color-selectable ambient lighting Rear USB-C ports 2.5 S Premium Plus 15.6-inch touchscreen, the largest ever in a Mazda Mazda Driver Personalization System 360-degree camera with underfloor view Paddle shifters Hands-free power liftgate Safety Features Built Into the Cabin The 2026 CX-5 earned a 2026 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award, and its standard i-Activ Sense suite is more complete than any previous CX-5. Standard on Every Trim 10 airbags, including front knee and rear side airbags Rear Automatic Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection Blind Spot Monitoring and Blind Spot Assist Safe Exit Warning to alert passengers of approaching traffic before opening a door Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Speed Limit Assist Front and rear parking sensors Added on the 2.5 S Premium Plus Driver Monitoring Front Cross Traffic Alert and Braking Cruising and Traffic Support with Lane Change Assist Experience the New Mazda CX-5 Interior at Beach Mazda Photos and spec sheets can only tell you so much. The best way to appreciate the new Mazda CX-5 interior is to sit in it yourself, stretch out in the roomier back seat, and try the 15.6-inch touchscreen in person. At Beach Mazda, our non-commissioned sales team will walk you through every trim at your own pace, with no pressure, so you can find the CX-5 that fits your life and budget. Backed by nearly 30 years of Grand Strand hospitality and our $1,000 Low Price Guarantee, we make it easy to drive home happy. Browse our new Mazda CX-5 inventory, schedule your test drive online, or visit us at 851 Jason Blvd in Myrtle Beach, SC. You can also call our sales team at 843-279-2305. We proudly serve drivers from Myrtle Beach, Conway, Carolina Forest, Murrells Inlet, Surfside Beach, and beyond.

Bring Home a Piece of the Grand Strand with Beach Mazda Myrtle Beach isn’t just about the sun, sand, and surf — it’s also a vibrant hub of local artisans and unique treasures. Whether you’re looking for the perfect memento to remember your trip or a special gift for someone back home, Myrtle Beach offers a wide variety of souvenirs beyond the usual postcards and t-shirts. At Beach Mazda, we know that every road trip is an opportunity to discover something new. That’s why we encourage you to explore local shops and markets, and bring home one-of-a-kind keepsakes that capture the spirit of the Grand Strand. Here’s your guide to the best unique gifts and local crafts Myrtle Beach has to offer. 🛍️ Where to Find Unique Myrtle Beach Souvenirs Local Artisan Markets: Check out the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk and local farmers’ markets for handcrafted jewelry, pottery, and artwork made by area artisans. Broadway at the Beach: This bustling entertainment complex is full of specialty shops selling Myrtle Beach-themed gifts, from custom t-shirts to nautical décor. Market Common: A stylish shopping district featuring boutiques with local designers, handmade candles, and gourmet food items. Downtown Myrtle Beach: Explore quaint shops offering vintage finds, coastal-themed home goods, and unique fashion accessories. 🎁 Popular Myrtle Beach Souvenirs to Bring Home Sea Glass Jewelry: Beautiful, beach-polished glass pieces made into necklaces, bracelets, and earrings — perfect for a meaningful keepsake. Local Art and Photography: Capture the beauty of the coast with paintings or prints created by local artists. Handcrafted Pottery and Ceramics: Functional and decorative items reflecting coastal themes, great for gifts or your own home. South Carolina Sweetgrass Baskets: A traditional craft of the Lowcountry, these woven baskets are elegant and storied pieces of local heritage. Gourmet Treats: From artisan chocolates to locally made hot sauces and jams, Myrtle Beach offers flavors worth savoring beyond your vacation. 🚗 Exploring and Shopping with Your Mazda Whether you’re cruising through Market Common in a Mazda CX-5 or zipping to the MarshWalk in a Mazda CX-30, Mazda’s efficient and stylish vehicles make your Myrtle Beach shopping adventures easy and enjoyable. Spacious interiors and cargo room ensure you have plenty of space for your treasures. 🎉 Make Your Souvenir Hunt a Day to Remember Plan a full day dedicated to discovering local crafts and gifts. Pair your shopping with a visit to Myrtle Beach’s charming cafés and eateries, and take in the sights along the way. Don’t forget to capture your finds and moments with your Mazda for a memorable trip. 🛒 Ready to Explore Myrtle Beach in Style? At Beach Mazda, we’re excited to help you find the perfect vehicle to match your lifestyle — whether it’s for everyday drives or weekend adventures hunting for unique souvenirs. Visit Beach Mazda today to browse our lineup and take a test drive, and let your Myrtle Beach journey begin in a car as special as the memories you’ll bring home. Discover. Drive. Delight. With Beach Mazda, every journey is a treasure.