Bob Penkhus Mazda South - Can the 2026 Mazda CX-50 Tow a Small Camper around Colorado Springs, CO?
If you are eyeing a 2026 Mazda CX-50 and wondering whether it can tow a small camper around Colorado Springs, CO, the short explanation is that it absolutely can—provided you match the right model and equipment to the trailer you plan to pull. At Bob Penkhus Mazda South, we help shoppers pair real-world trailers with the correct CX-50 configuration every day, from teardrops headed toward Mueller State Park to compact pop-ups bound for Cheyenne Mountain State Park.
Here is how towing works on the 2026 CX-50. When properly equipped with a Genuine Mazda Tow Hitch and wiring, CX-50 2.5 S models are rated to tow up to 2,000 lb. CX-50 2.5 Turbo models, when properly equipped, are rated up to 3,500 lb and add a Towing mode to Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive). Every CX-50 includes standard i-Activ AWD®, which adds confidence when you pull off the pavement to access trailheads or campground loops around the Pikes Peak region.
What the CX-50 tow ratings mean for real campers
Tow ratings are only useful if they map to actual trailer types. In our area, we most often see teardrop campers, lightweight pop-ups, and compact fiberglass or aluminum travel trailers. Many teardrops fall between 1,200 and 2,000 lb, which can pair well with a properly equipped CX-50 2.5 S model. Pop-up and compact hard-sided trailers often span 1,500 to 3,000-plus lb loaded, which typically points shoppers to a CX-50 2.5 Turbo for the 3,500-lb headroom. Of course, every trailer is different, so knowing the trailer’s loaded weight and tongue weight is essential before you select a configuration.
When you see “properly equipped,” think two things: the right Mazda Genuine towing hardware and using the correct Mi-Drive setting for your situation. CX-50 2.5 Turbo models add Towing mode when properly equipped, which adjusts throttle mapping, transmission behavior, and stability strategies for more composed control under load. Paired with i-Activ AWD® and G-Vectoring Control Plus, the system helps the CX-50 feel settled and predictable around Colorado Springs’ rolling grades and curving park roads.
The equipment you will actually use
Our parts and service teams install OEM towing gear every week, and we can set up your CX-50 so it is ready to hitch and go. Here is the core hardware checklist many local owners choose for small-camper duty.
- Tow hitch and wiring: A Genuine Mazda Tow Hitch and the appropriate trailer wiring harness ensure compatibility with CX-50 systems and lighting.
- Ball mount and hitch ball: Select the correct shank rise/drop and ball size to keep the trailer level and securely coupled.
- Trailer brakes and controller: Depending on your trailer and weight, an electronic brake controller may be recommended or required—our team can guide you.
- Mirrors and lighting checks: Confirm visibility and perform a full light check before every tow for safety and compliance.
- Cargo balance and tongue weight: Pack to keep tongue weight within the trailer manufacturer’s guidance for stable, sway-resistant towing.
- Tires and pressures: Verify proper inflation on both the CX-50 and trailer; altitude swings to Woodland Park can affect pressures.
We stock Genuine Mazda Parts and can handle installation, testing, and a road check near our Motor City Drive location. If you are new to towing, we will walk you through the hitching steps and offer practical tips tailored to your trailer.
How CX-50 hardware and software support towing
On CX-50 2.5 Turbo models, Towing mode (when properly equipped) is part of Mi-Drive. Engage it before you start rolling to optimize launch feel, shift timing, and stability logic for a composed pull away from lights on Nevada Avenue or when merging onto I-25. Off-Road mode can be helpful at slow speeds on gravel campground roads, while Normal mode is your go-to when unhitched.
Standard i-Activ AWD® is always engaged and proactively monitors vehicle dynamics to distribute torque for confident traction. It works in tandem with G-Vectoring Control Plus, which subtly refines vehicle response during steering inputs for a planted feel on winding sections of U.S. 24 up Ute Pass. On upper trims like the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus, the available 360° View Monitor with See-Through View and front and rear parking sensors can help with low-speed maneuvering around tight campground loops or aligning to a trailer tongue in a driveway. And with i-Activsense® features like Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, situational awareness gets a helpful assist when you are hitched.
Picking the right CX-50 for your camping plans
If your camping setup is a compact teardrop or a lightweight pop-up that stays under 2,000 lb when loaded, a properly equipped CX-50 2.5 S model can be a smart fit, especially if you value the refined ride and efficiency of the naturally aspirated Skyactiv-G 2.5L. If your trailer skirts closer to 3,000 lb loaded or you want extra capacity for bikes, kayaks, and coolers, we generally recommend the CX-50 2.5 Turbo for its 3,500-lb rating when properly equipped and the added control from Towing mode. The 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition is a customer favorite for all-terrain tires, side rocker garnish, and outdoor-ready accessories—ideal for gravel approaches to popular sites outside Divide and Florissant.
If efficiency is your priority, the CX-50 Hybrid offers an EPA-estimated 38 MPG combined and standard eAWD to add confidence when the pavement ends. Tow ratings and hardware requirements vary by powertrain, so connect with our team and we will confirm the latest guidance and help you choose the right setup for your trailer and usage.
Local route planning tips for Colorado Springs towers
Our elevated terrain adds a few planning considerations. Grades on U.S. 24 to Woodland Park, the climb and winds across Monument Hill, and the curves toward Mueller State Park can all change how a rig feels compared with a flatland tow. We recommend a short familiarization loop near town before a big weekend, then build up to longer trips. A few practical reminders for local routes:
- Do a complete light and brake check with a helper before leaving the driveway.
- Leave extra following distance on I-25 and anticipate longer stopping distances.
- Downshift early on descents and modulate brakes to avoid overheating.
- Use Mi-Drive Towing mode on equipped Turbo models before you start climbing.
- Plan fuel and rest stops—trailheads can fill quickly on weekends.
Once you are comfortable, the CX-50’s composed chassis and intuitive controls make towing feel natural, whether you are heading out to Cheyenne Mountain State Park for a quick overnight or taking a long weekend toward Eleven Mile Reservoir.
If you would like a walkthrough, visit us at Bob Penkhus Mazda South. We can show you how Mi-Drive works, demonstrate low-speed maneuvering aids, and help you select the correct hitch and wiring. We can also talk through your trailer’s specs and confirm the best trim for your needs—then set up a drive so you can feel the control and refinement that define the CX-50.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Which 2026 Mazda CX-50 models are rated to tow up to 3,500 lb?
When properly equipped with a Genuine Mazda Tow Hitch, CX-50 2.5 Turbo models are rated up to 3,500 lb and add Towing mode via Mi-Drive for enhanced control.
What is the tow rating for CX-50 2.5 S models?
When properly equipped, CX-50 2.5 S models are rated up to 2,000 lb. This can suit many teardrops and some lightweight pop-up campers when loaded within limits.
Do CX-50 models include a hitch and wiring from the factory?
No. The tow hitch and wiring are dealer-installed accessories. Our parts and service teams can provide Genuine Mazda components, complete installation, and perform a systems check before delivery.
How do I select Towing mode on a CX-50 2.5 Turbo?
On properly equipped Turbo models, use the Mi-Drive selector near the shifter to choose Towing. Your instrument panel will confirm the mode. For detailed steps and usage guidance, refer to your owner’s manual—or ask our delivery specialist for a quick demo.
Is i-Activ AWD® active while towing?
Yes. i-Activ AWD® is standard on every CX-50 and remains engaged while towing. It proactively monitors vehicle dynamics to distribute torque for composed traction, which is especially reassuring on gravel access roads and uneven campground surfaces.
Can you install a trailer brake controller if my camper has electric brakes?
Yes. If your trailer requires or recommends electric brakes, our service team can discuss controller options and install one along with your Genuine Mazda hitch and wiring.
We are here to help you match the right 2026 Mazda CX-50 to your camper and your favorite Colorado routes. Visit Bob Penkhus Mazda South at 1101 Motor City Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80905, or give us a call to set up a consultation. We will confirm your trailer’s requirements, recommend the correct CX-50 configuration, and get you ready for confident, enjoyable towing around the Pikes Peak region.