Mazda are very much at the forefront when it comes to car brands in the United States. We all know Mazda of course for their incredible MX-5, possibly one of the greatest sports cars ever made. But this is not the only thing Mazda are well known for. The Japanese car manufacturer of course makes various vehicles such as the Mazda 3, the CX-30, and the CX-5. One of their most recent vehicles and additions to the line-up is the completely new CX-50, with production beginning in January of this year.

Like many companies, Mazda loves a special edition. To celebrate the CX-50, the company has recently launched the CX-50 Meridian Edition, set to go on sale this fall, and it is a package that Mazda say will elevate the remaining CX-50 models with some essential outdoor accessories. The CX-50 itself is of course a rugged SUV, designed to handle some of the toughest terrain out there while also offering great levels of comfort. A rugged SUV with an outdoors theme isn’t something you might expect from Mazda. But it looks like this burly CX-5 alternative could become a winner.

Getting To Know The CX-50 Meridian

Mazda CX-50 Meridian Edition Front Quarter View Top Down
via Mazda

Let's get a look at what this latest offering from Mazda is all about. What Mazda has done is taken the standard CX-50 2.5-turbo, and added a whole host of new aesthetic features and changes plus a pair of performance upgrades designed to help its off-road capabilities. The engine itself is specifically the Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and that engine produces 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. That is on 93 octane fuel, with 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque if you run the car on regular 87 octane.

When it comes to the exterior, the first additions are the two available colors. Mazda is offering “Polymetal Gray” and “Zircon Sand” as exclusive color options for the CX-50 Meridian. Interestingly, you only get one interior color for the SUV, although that is the Terracotta leather with black accents, so it is hardly a poor option you get. It is also worth noting that you get all the features on the Meridian that you would get on the standard CX-50 2.5 Turbo, so Mazda are giving you plenty of extras with the car but also keeping everything else that you would have had on the standard edition.

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Two Extra Packages For The Meridian

Mazda CX-50 Meridian Edition Rear Quarter View
via Mazda

On top of the basic Meridian package for the CX-50, Mazda are also offering a couple of extra packages for the Meridian. The first is the Apex Package. This was first seen during the reveal of the CX-50 last fall, and it includes roof-mounted black crossbars, a roof platform and front and rear splash guards too. The roof platform will allow customers to secure more outdoor equipment to the top of the CX-50, or as Mazda say, add the available rooftop tent from the wide range of Mazda’s accessories offerings.

Then we have the second package, the Meridian Choice Package. This is a dealer-installed option that offers similar outdoor-focussed features that will allow customers to personalize their CX-50 to best suit their lifestyle. With this package, you also get roof-mounted black crossbars, the roof platform as well as the front and rear splash guards. But you also get side rocker garnish, headlight garnish and black wheel locks and lug nuts. Finally, you get a matte black hood graphic with a different design than the one equipped on the standard Meridian Edition. So there is even more with this special package.

More Meridian Edition Features

Mazda CX-50 Meridian Edition Rear Quarter View Kicking Up Dirt
via Mazda

There truly is a lot of extras with this car. As well as all the above, the Meridian Edition itself features outdoor-focussed 18-inch alloy wheels that are in 225/60/18 all-terrain Falken tires, which will allow the Meridian to take on some of the most challenging terrains there is. It will also ensure that the rugged SUV feels right at home on the road, where it will probably spend most of its time. The various external additions such as the Meridian Edition branded matte black hood graphic and the side rocker panels help to stand out among the CX-50 variants.

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Is This A Game Changing Package?

Mazda CX-50 Meridian Edition Front View With Trailer
via Mazda

The short answer is no. This isn’t going to drastically alter your experience of driving and owning a CX-50. But the Meridian Edition does offer some cool new features, a few great external modifications and is that little bit more suited to some rugged off-roading. The addition of the Meridian Edition package to the CX-50 means the car is now available in 10 packages, which is quite a lot, but it does mean you, as a customer, have a lot of choice. The package goes on sale this fall with a starting MSRP of $39,950.

Source: Mazda USA