The 2026 Mazda CX‑50,
Answered.A Beaverton & Portland Buyer's Guide
Gas, Turbo or Hybrid? How much can it tow? Is the Meridian Edition worth it? Will it handle Mount Hood? Straight answers to the questions Portland-area drivers ask us every day, from the Herzog-Meier Mazda team on TV Highway.

| $29,900Starting MSRP* | 38 MPGHybrid, EPA combined |
| 3,500 LBSMax towing (Turbo) | TOP SAFETY PICK+IIHS 2026 award |
Updated · By the Herzog-Meier Mazda sales & service team, Beaverton, OR · Specs from Mazda North American Operations, IIHS and EPA (see sources)
2026 Mazda CX-50 at a glance
| Spec | 2026 Mazda CX-50 |
|---|---|
| Price (MSRP) | $29,900 (2.5 S Select) to $42,900 (2.5 Turbo Premium Plus); $1,595 destination |
| Engines | 2.5L four-cylinder (187 hp) · 2.5L Turbo (227 hp regular / 256 hp premium) · Hybrid (219 hp) |
| Trims | 2.5 S: Select, Preferred, Meridian Edition, Premium · Hybrid: Preferred, Premium, Premium Plus · Turbo: 2.5 Turbo, Meridian Edition, Premium Plus |
| Drivetrain | All-wheel drive standard (i-Activ AWD; electric AWD on Hybrid) |
| EPA mpg (combined) | 2.5 S 26 · Turbo 25 · Hybrid 38 |
| Towing | 2.5 S 2,000 lbs · Turbo 3,500 lbs · Hybrid 1,500 lbs |
| Seating | 5 passengers, 2 rows |
| Cargo | 31.4 cu ft behind rear seat (29.2 Hybrid); 56.3 cu ft folded |
| Rear legroom | 39.8 in (gas models) |
| Ground clearance | 8.3 in; 8.6 in on Meridian Edition |
| Length / height | 185.8 in / about 63.5 in |
| Infotainment | 10.25-in display, wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, Alexa Built-in |
| Safety | IIHS 2026 TOP SAFETY PICK+ |
| Built in | Huntsville, Alabama |
| Warranty | 3-yr/36,000-mi basic; 5-yr/60,000-mi powertrain |
| 01Help Me Choose → | 02Will It Fit My Life? → |
| 03Show Me How → | 04What To Expect → |
| 05What Ownership Is Like → | 06Answer My Question → |
| 01 / Help Me Choose |
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Gas, Turbo or Hybrid: which CX-50 is right for me?
| 2.5 S | 2.5 Turbo | Hybrid | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP* | $29,900 | $37,900 | $34,750 |
| Horsepower | 187 hp | 227 hp regular / 256 hp premium | 219 hp combined |
| Torque | 185 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft regular / 320 lb-ft premium | 163 lb-ft (engine) |
| EPA mpg (city/hwy/comb) | 24 / 30 / 26 | 23 / 29 / 25 | 39 / 37 / 38 |
| Max towing | 2,000 lbs | 3,500 lbs | 1,500 lbs |
| Transmission / AWD | 6-speed auto / i-Activ AWD | 6-speed auto with paddles / i-Activ AWD | eCVT / electric AWD |
| Drive modes | Normal, Sport, Off-Road | Normal, Sport, Off-Road, Towing | Normal, Power, Trail |
| Fuel | Regular | Regular or premium | Regular |
What does fuel actually cost per year?
An example to make the decision concrete: 12,000 miles a year, with regular at $4.00 and premium at $4.80 a gallon. Your numbers will differ, but the comparison holds.
| Engine | EPA combined | Est. fuel cost / year |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5 S | 26 mpg | $1,846 |
| 2.5 Turbo (regular) | 25 mpg | $1,920 |
| 2.5 Turbo (premium) | 25 mpg | $2,304 |
| Hybrid | 38 mpg | $1,263 |
Which 2026 CX-50 trim do I need?
Ten trims across three engines. Within each engine, each step up adds to the one before it:
| Trim & MSRP* | What it adds | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5 S Select $29,900 |
187-hp 2.5L, AWD, 10.25-in display, wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, Alexa Built-in, wireless charger, four USB-C ports, dual-zone climate with rear vents, roof rails, 17-in wheels, i-Activsense safety suite. | Lowest price. All the tech most people use daily is already standard. |
| 2.5 S Preferred $32,400 |
Adds power panoramic moonroof, heated front seats, power liftgate, front & rear parking sensors, 8-way power driver seat with lumbar, heated mirrors. White interior available. | First trim with heated seats and the panoramic roof. |
| 2.5 S Meridian Edition $33,150 |
Preferred features plus 18-in wheels with all-terrain tires, 8.6-in ground clearance, black roof rails and gloss-black badges. | Our pick for most Pacific Northwest drivers. Trailhead-ready for $750 more than Preferred. |
| 2.5 S Premium $34,900 |
Adds leather, ventilated front seats, power passenger seat, memory, radar cruise with Stop & Go, Traffic Sign Recognition, 12-speaker Bose, windshield de-icer, 20-in wheels. | Comfort and highway features without paying for the turbo. |
| Hybrid Preferred $34,750 |
219-hp hybrid, 38 mpg combined, electric AWD. Equipped like the 2.5 S Preferred: panoramic moonroof, heated front seats, power liftgate, parking sensors. | Commuters. The easiest fuel savings in the lineup. |
| Hybrid Premium $38,150 |
Adds leather (black or Hybrid-exclusive red), ventilated front seats, Bose audio, radar cruise with Stop & Go, power passenger seat, memory. | Commuters who want the comfort features too. |
| Hybrid Premium Plus $40,150 |
Adds heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, full-color Active Driving Display, adaptive LED headlights, auto-folding mirrors, 19-in wheels. | The best-equipped efficient CX-50. |
| 2.5 Turbo $37,900 |
Up to 256 hp (premium fuel), up to 3,500-lb towing, paddle shifters, adaptive LED headlights, Active Driving Display, plus 2.5 S Premium comfort features. | Towing and passing power. |
| 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition $40,400 |
Adds 18-in all-terrain tires, terracotta leather, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, Mazda Online Navigation, rocker and hood graphics. | Adventure buyers who tow a small camper or boat. |
| 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus $42,900 |
Adds 360 View Monitor with See-Through View, Traffic Jam Assist, Emergency Lane Keeping, Front Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Smart Brake Support, frameless auto-dimming mirror. | Maximum power plus the most driver-assistance features. |
*Starting MSRP excludes $1,595 destination and handling, taxes, title, license and dealer fees. Premium paint (Soul Red Crystal, Zircon Sand, Polymetal Gray, Machine Gray, Wind Chill Pearl) adds $595; white interior, where offered, adds $200. Dealer sets actual price.
Quick decision guide: if you…
| If you… | Look at |
|---|---|
| Want the lowest price | 2.5 S Select: AWD, wireless CarPlay and Android Auto and the core safety suite are standard. |
| Head to trailheads, ski areas or the coast on weekends | 2.5 S Meridian Edition for all-terrain tires and 8.6 inches of clearance. |
| Drive a long daily commute on US-26 or I-5 | Hybrid Preferred or Hybrid Premium for 38 mpg; Premium adds radar cruise with Stop & Go. |
| Tow a small trailer, camper or boat | 2.5 Turbo or Turbo Meridian Edition for up to 3,500 pounds. |
| Want every driver-assistance feature | 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus for the 360 View Monitor, Traffic Jam Assist and rear automatic braking. |
CX-50 or CX-5: which Mazda is right for me?
They're the same size class and sit side by side on our lot, but they're built for different people. The CX-50 is the rugged, lower, wider-stance one with more engine choices. The CX-5 is the roomier, tech-forward one.
| 2026 CX-50 | 2026 CX-5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Personality | Rugged, outdoorsy, firmer and sportier feel | Polished, quiet, comfort-first |
| Engines | 2.5L (187 hp), 2.5L Turbo (up to 256 hp) or Hybrid (219 hp, 38 mpg) | 2.5L four-cylinder, 187 hp (hybrid due for 2027) |
| Starting MSRP* | $29,900 | $29,990 |
| Cargo behind rear seat | 31.4 cu ft (29.2 Hybrid) | 33.7 cu ft |
| Max towing | Up to 3,500 lbs (Turbo) | Up to 1,500 lbs |
| Ground clearance | 8.3 in (8.6 in Meridian) | 8.0 to 8.2 in |
| Dashboard tech | 10.25-in display with console knob and physical climate controls, Alexa Built-in | 12.9-in or 15.6-in touchscreen with Google built-in |
| Where it's built | Huntsville, Alabama | Japan |
| IIHS 2026 | TOP SAFETY PICK+ | TOP SAFETY PICK+ |
| 02 / Will It Fit My Life? |
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Real-world fit: trailheads, car seats, cargo & towing
Spec sheets don't tell you whether the cooler fits or how it handles a washboard Forest Service road. Here are straight answers to the questions we hear most.
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Pacific Northwest
Can it handle Mount Hood, the coast and forest roads?
Every CX-50 has all-wheel drive, an Off-Road mode (Trail mode on the Hybrid) and 8.3 inches of ground clearance, or 8.6 inches on Meridian Editions, which also add all-terrain tires. That's plenty for snowy ski-area roads, gravel trailheads and beach access. It isn't built for rock crawling. In winter, tires matter most: check ODOT TripCheck and carry chains or traction devices when signs require them.
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Vehicle fit
Does it fit car seats?
Yes. Gas models have 39.8 inches of rear legroom and two car seats fit comfortably. To be fair, the 2026 CX-5 has a roomier back seat and larger door openings, so if you use bulky rear-facing seats, try both. Bring your car seats and install them on our lot before you buy.
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Vehicle fit
How much cargo space do I get?
31.4 cubic feet behind the rear seat on gas models (29.2 on the Hybrid) and 56.3 cubic feet folded. That trails the CX-5 and most rivals, so if you haul a lot inside, measure your gear. Standard roof rails on every trim help make up for it with cargo boxes, bikes, skis and boards up top.
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Utility
How much can it tow?
Up to 3,500 pounds with the 2.5 Turbo and Mazda genuine towing accessories, which also unlock Towing mode. That covers many small campers, utility trailers and fishing boats. The 2.5 S tows 2,000 pounds and the Hybrid 1,500 pounds, enough for a small utility trailer or jet ski.
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Vehicle fit
Will it fit in my garage?
The CX-50 is 185.8 inches long and about 63.5 inches tall (63.9 inches on Meridian Editions). That's lower than the CX-5, which also makes loading a roof box easier. Width is 80.8 inches with the mirrors open, so measure a narrow garage door.
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Comfort
Is the ride comfortable on long drives?
The CX-50 is tuned to feel planted and sporty, so reviewers describe the ride as firmer than the CX-5. Many drivers like that on twisty roads like OR-6 to Tillamook. Premium trims add ventilated front seats and Bose audio; Hybrid Premium Plus and Turbo Meridian Edition add heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel.
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| 03 / Show Me How |
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How the CX-50's key features work
These are the features people ask us to demonstrate most, and how to use them.
Picking the right drive mode
| 01 |
Normal: everyday driving
The default on every CX-50. Use it for commuting, errands and highway cruising.
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| 02 |
Sport (gas & Turbo) or Power (Hybrid)
Sharper throttle response for merging onto the Sunset Highway or passing on two-lane roads.
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| 03 |
Off-Road (gas & Turbo) or Trail (Hybrid)
Adjusts the all-wheel drive and traction control for gravel, mud, sand or deep snow. Switch back to Normal on pavement.
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| 04 |
Towing (Turbo)
Available when the Turbo is equipped with Mazda genuine towing accessories; it optimizes the drivetrain for a trailer behind you.
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More features we demo every day
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All trims
Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
Standard on every trim. Pair once and your phone connects automatically. The 10.25-inch display is operated mainly with the center-console control knob, which is easy to use without looking; it also responds to touch while CarPlay or Android Auto is running.
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All trims
Alexa Built-in
Ask for directions, music, news or smart-home controls by voice without picking up your phone. We'll help you link your Amazon account on delivery day.
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Hybrid
Getting the most from the Hybrid
The Hybrid can run on electric power alone at low speeds and recaptures energy when you brake and coast. Smooth starts and early, gentle braking in stop-and-go traffic on Highway 217 make the biggest difference to your mpg.
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Turbo Premium Plus
360 View Monitor with See-Through View
A bird's-eye camera view that can also show what's around the front corners and under the nose, useful on rutted trailheads and in tight Pearl District parking.
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Hybrid Premium Plus, Turbo trims
Active Driving Display
A full-color head-up display projects speed, navigation turns and safety alerts onto the windshield in your line of sight.
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Premium trims and up
Radar cruise with Stop & Go
Keeps a set distance from the car ahead, including to a full stop in traffic. On Turbo Premium Plus, Traffic Jam Assist also helps steer in slow traffic.
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| 04 / What To Expect |
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What to expect at Herzog-Meier Mazda
Buying a car shouldn't feel like a mystery. Here is how each step works at our Beaverton store on SW Tualatin Valley Highway, serving Beaverton, Hillsboro, Tigard and Portland since 1966. Our team is bilingual: hablamos español.
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Test drive
What happens on a test drive?
We start by asking how you'll use the car, then match you to a trim. We'll set up your seat and pair your phone, and you'll drive a route that mixes TV Highway traffic with highway merging. Deciding between engines? Drive the 2.5 S, Turbo and Hybrid back to back, or compare the CX-50 with the CX-5, in the same visit. Bring your driver's license, plus car seats or gear if you want to test the fit.
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Trade-in
How long does a trade-in take?
An in-person appraisal usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including a walkaround and a short drive. Bring your title or loan payoff information, both keys and any service records to speed things up.
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Delivery day
What should I expect at delivery?
After paperwork, a team member walks you through your CX-50: phone pairing, wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, Alexa Built-in, the MyMazda app, your drive modes and how the safety systems work. Bring your license, proof of insurance and any financing or trade-in documents.
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Service
What are service visits like?
Our factory-trained Mazda technicians use genuine Mazda parts, offer online scheduling and send updates through Mazda Digital Service, so you can see what your car needs before you approve it.
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| 05 / What Ownership Is Like |
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Living with a 2026 CX-50
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Do I need premium gas? | No. The 2.5 S and Hybrid use regular unleaded. The Turbo runs on regular too (227 hp); premium unlocks its full 256 hp. |
| What mileage will I get? | EPA estimates: 2.5 S 24 / 30 / 26 mpg, Turbo 23 / 29 / 25 mpg, Hybrid 39 / 37 / 38 mpg (city / highway / combined). |
| How far can I go on a tank? | Mazda rates the Hybrid at about 551 miles of total range on its 14.5-gallon tank. Gas models carry 15.9 gallons. |
| How often do I need maintenance? | Follow Mazda's schedule in the owner's manual. The maintenance monitor reminds you when oil, filter and tire rotation are due, with inspections added at higher mileage. |
| What does service cost? | It depends on the engine and mileage interval. Call our service team at (888) 295-0640 for an exact quote, and check our service specials before you book. |
| What warranty do I get? | 3-year/36,000-mile basic and 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain limited warranties from Mazda. Hybrid components have their own longer hybrid warranty; ask us for the Oregon terms. |
| Where is it built? | Huntsville, Alabama, at Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As a U.S.-built model, it isn't subject to the tariff on Japan-built vehicles. |
Ownership tips from our service drive
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Think about tires before November
All-wheel drive helps you go; tires help you stop and turn. All-terrain tires on Meridian Editions are great on gravel, but for regular Mount Hood trips, consider dedicated winter or severe-weather-rated tires.
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Check roof load limits
Before mounting a rooftop tent, cargo box or kayak rack, confirm the roof-rail load ratings in your owner's manual. We can help you choose genuine Mazda accessories.
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Rinse after the beach or gravel
Salt air at the coast and grit from forest roads are hard on brakes and underbody parts. A quick undercarriage rinse after a trip goes a long way.
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Keep a service record
Servicing at a Mazda dealer keeps a documented history, which supports warranty coverage and resale value.
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| 06 / Answer My Question |
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Common misconceptions
| What people assume | What's actually true |
|---|---|
| “The CX-50 is just a lifted CX-5.” | It's a different vehicle: lower, longer and built in Alabama, with turbo and hybrid options the CX-5 doesn't offer. The CX-5 has the roomier back seat and cargo area. |
| “The Turbo requires premium gas.” | It runs on regular at 227 hp. Premium raises output to 256 hp, but it's optional. |
| “The Hybrid can't tow.” | It's rated for up to 1,500 pounds, enough for a small utility trailer or jet ski. |
| “Every trim has heated seats.” | Heated front seats start at the 2.5 S Preferred and Hybrid Preferred. The base 2.5 S Select doesn't have them. |
| “Tariffs pushed the CX-50's price up.” | The CX-50 is built in Huntsville, Alabama, and its base price actually dropped $600 for 2026. |
| “Rugged means it's an off-roader like a Jeep.” | It's built for snow, gravel and forest roads, not rock crawling. For Oregon's mountains and trailheads, that's usually what people need. |
2026 Mazda CX-50 FAQ
Tap any question to see the answer.
How much does the 2026 Mazda CX-50 cost? |
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Should I get the CX-50 gas, Turbo or Hybrid? |
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Which 2026 CX-50 trim do I need? |
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Should I buy the Mazda CX-50 or the CX-5? |
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Does the CX-50 Turbo need premium gas? |
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What gas mileage does the 2026 CX-50 get? |
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Is the CX-50 Hybrid worth the extra cost? |
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How much can the Mazda CX-50 tow? |
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Is the Mazda CX-50 good in snow and off-road? |
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What is the CX-50 Meridian Edition? |
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Does the 2026 CX-50 fit car seats? |
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How much cargo space does the CX-50 have? |
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Where is the Mazda CX-50 built? |
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Is the 2026 Mazda CX-50 safe? |
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Does the CX-50 have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto? |
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What warranty comes with the 2026 Mazda CX-50? |
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How often does the CX-50 need maintenance? |
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What happens on a test drive at Herzog-Meier Mazda? |
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How long does a trade-in appraisal take? |
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Sources
Specifications, pricing and features on this page come from these sources. Information is subject to change; confirm details with our sales team.
· Mazda USA Newsroom: 2026 CX-50 pricing and packaging
· Mazda USA Newsroom: 2026 CX-50 specifications
· IIHS: 2026 TOP SAFETY PICK+ ratings
Ask us anything about the CX-50.
Whether you're weighing the Hybrid against the Turbo, planning to tow, or fitting car seats, the Herzog-Meier Mazda team will give you a straight answer, with no pressure.
| Sales (833) 868-4612 | Service & Parts (888) 295-0640 | Visit 14105 SW Tualatin Valley Hwy Beaverton, OR 97005 |
Pricing, specifications and features are from Mazda North American Operations for the 2026 model year and are subject to change. MSRP excludes $1,595 destination and handling, taxes, title, license and dealer fees; dealer sets actual price. Fuel economy figures are EPA estimates; actual mileage will vary. Fuel-cost examples use the stated assumptions and are for comparison only. Turbo output of 256 hp/320 lb-ft requires 93-octane fuel. Towing requires proper equipment; 3,500-lb rating requires Mazda genuine towing accessories. IIHS award applies to vehicles built after specific dates; see iihs.org. Driver-assistance features do not replace safe driving.