What Is the 2026 Mazda CX-50’s Towing Capacity and What Do I Need to Tow in Colorado Springs, CO?

Bob Penkhus Mazda South - What Is the 2026 Mazda CX-50’s Towing Capacity and What Do I Need to Tow in Colorado Springs, CO?

For many shoppers in Colorado Springs, CO, the most practical question about the 2026 Mazda CX-50 is simple: what can it tow, and what do you need to tow with confidence along I-25, Highway 24, and into the foothills? At Bob Penkhus Mazda South, we help equip adventure-ready SUVs every day, and the CX-50 stands out with capability that matches our region’s mix of mountain passes, high-altitude campsites, and weekend trailering.

Here’s the headline. When properly equipped with a genuine Mazda Tow Hitch, 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S models are rated to tow up to 2,000 lbs. Step up to a 2026 CX-50 2.5 Turbo, and capacity increases to up to 3,500 lbs when Towing Mode is engaged. Every CX-50 comes standard with i-Activ AWD®, and Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) includes Sport and Off-Road modes on all models, with Towing Mode added to Turbo models when equipped with Mazda towing accessories. If your plans include small campers, light watercraft, or a pair of dirt bikes, the CX-50 delivers the right mix of control, confidence, and everyday refinement.

Capability is only part of the story. The CX-50’s thoughtful technology helps you manage the whole towing experience. On select trims, features like the 360° View Monitor with See-Through View streamline hitch alignment and low-speed maneuvering. Adaptive Front-lighting System and Signature LED headlights improve visibility when you’re rolling into a campsite at dusk. And i-Activsense® safety features such as Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are standard across the lineup to boost awareness when your trailer narrows sightlines in crowded trailhead lots.

Altitude matters here. Colorado Springs sits around 6,000 feet, and naturally aspirated engines can feel the elevation. That’s where the CX-50 2.5 Turbo shines — its turbocharged torque helps compensate for thinner air during climbs on Highway 24 toward Woodland Park or over Wilkerson Pass. If your trailer regularly approaches the higher end of the capacity range or your routes include long grades, our team will guide you toward a Turbo configuration and the right trailer setup for smooth, stress-free drives.

Preparing to tow should be straightforward. We install Mazda-engineered hardware and walk you through best practices for load balance, tongue weight, and braking so you get the most out of your CX-50. Below are the essentials our Colorado drivers typically need to tow safely and legally.

• Genuine Mazda Tow Hitch and Wiring: Ensures correct fitment, maintains cooling airflow, and supports Mi-Drive’s Towing Mode calibration on Turbo models.
• Trailer Lighting and Connectors: Proper 4-pin or 7-pin connections for brake lights, turn signals, and running lights to meet Colorado requirements.
• Trailer Brake Controller: Recommended for heavier loads and often required by trailer weight — improves stopping distances and stability on mountain descents.
• Weight Distribution and Sway Control: Helpful for longer trailers, crosswinds on I-25, and varied cargo loads — ask our parts advisors about compatible setups.
• Recovery and Safety Gear: Rated tow straps, wheel chocks, reflective triangles, and a torque wrench for hitch hardware checks before each trip.
• Tire and Pressure Management: Verify PSI for both vehicle and trailer — higher-altitude swings and temperature changes can shift pressures overnight.

When you’re choosing your CX-50, match your trailer and your routes to the trim that fits your lifestyle. 2.5 S models are a great fit for utility trailers, lightweight boats, and small gear haulers. The 2.5 Turbo lineup steps up for pop-up campers and heavier single-axle loads. If your adventures blend trailheads and tailheads, the Meridian Edition — available in Jet Black Mica, Polymetal Gray, or Zircon Sand — adds all-terrain style and hardware that pairs beautifully with Off-Road mode. Prefer electrified efficiency for daily drives with occasional light towing? The CX-50 Hybrid offers an EPA-estimated 38 MPG combined with on-demand e-AWD and robust features, making it a smart choice for mixed urban-outdoor life around the Springs.

Our goal at Bob Penkhus Mazda South is to make towing simple and safe. We’ll install the right hitch and wiring, confirm trailer compatibility, and review a quick pre-trip checklist tailored to your gear and destinations.

1. Schedule a tow consultation with our Mazda-trained technicians.
2. Select and install genuine Mazda towing accessories.
3. Test hitch height, lighting, and brake controller function.
4. Review weight distribution, tongue weight, and loading tips.
5. Take a short, accompanied drive to validate stability and braking.

A few final best practices for our region: target 10–15% of total trailer weight on the hitch, secure cargo low and forward of the axle, use lower gears for engine braking on descents, and give yourself extra following distance — especially in wet or snowy weather. With i-Activ AWD® standard and Mi-Drive tailoring power delivery and shifting, the CX-50 is built to help you feel composed and connected, whether you’re merging onto I-25 with a full load or easing down a gravel boat ramp along the Arkansas River.

Ready to tailor a 2026 Mazda CX-50 for your life in Colorado Springs, CO? Visit us at 1101 Motor City Drive. Our team will help you compare 2.5 S, Hybrid, and 2.5 Turbo configurations, demonstrate features like the 360° View Monitor with See-Through View, and outfit your CX-50 with the right towing hardware for season-after-season adventures.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Which 2026 Mazda CX-50 should I choose if I tow near Colorado Springs regularly?

If your trailer is under 2,000 lbs and you tow occasionally, a CX-50 2.5 S with i-Activ AWD® is a great fit. If you tow more frequently, travel steep grades, or need up to 3,500 lbs of capacity, choose a 2.5 Turbo — its Mi-Drive Towing Mode and turbocharged torque deliver more confidence at altitude.

Can you install a brake controller and wiring at Bob Penkhus Mazda South?

Yes. Our Mazda-trained technicians install genuine Mazda Tow Hitches, wiring harnesses, and compatible brake controllers. We test the lighting, trailer connection, and controller function before you leave.

Does the 360° View Monitor help with hitch alignment?

On select trims, the 360° View Monitor with See-Through View provides enhanced perspectives that make lining up to your trailer easier and help with tight maneuvering in driveways, trailhead lots, and campsites. Ask our team, serving Pueblo, Fountain, and Castle Rock, to demonstrate this feature during your visit.

Request more 2026 Mazda CX-50 information