Mazda CX-60 review: premium mid-size SUV is keenly priced
Offering a quality cabin and generous levels of standard equipment, the Mazda CX-60 is a worthy contender in the premium, mid-size SUV class
The CX-60 is an impressive debut for Mazda in the premium SUV market. Its stylish exterior look and quality feel throughout the cabin mean it should appeal to buyers in this ultra-competitive sector, while its efficient plug-in hybrid powertrain and large, practical boot space should fit the bill for family life, too.
It’s a shame that the CX-60 doesn’t offer the same excellent driving dynamics that we’ve come to expect from a Mazda model, but it has a solid breadth of ability that enables it to compete with close rivals. The relevance of the diesel-powered versions remains questionable, but the CX-60 is keenly priced and deserves consideration.
About the Mazda CX-60
From the RX-7 and RX-8 sports cars powered by lightweight Wankel rotary engines, to the iconic MX-5 roadster and all-electric MX-30 small SUV, Mazda has become well known over the years for its innovative approach to design and engine technology.
The Japanese manufacturer has covered most of the automotive market with its models over the years, but it hasn’t ventured into the premium mid-size SUV market – until now. The Mazda CX-60 is tasked with taking on established players such as the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Mercedes GLC while, if that wasn’t enough of a mission, there is also competition in the form of the capable Lexus NX and Volvo XC60.
It’s a clever move, then, that Mazda has also chosen the CX-60 to be its first model powered by a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The CX-60 PHEV features a 2.5-litre petrol engine with Mazda’s E-Skyactiv technology, plus a 17.8kWh battery that powers an electric motor.
Able to travel up to 39 miles on all-electric power, the PHEV can help buyers to keep fuel costs down if they charge the car regularly, while company car drivers benefit from the hybrid’s lower Benefit-in-Kind tax rates due to its reduced CO2 emissions.
If you don’t fancy the plug-in hybrid, the CX-60 is also offered with a more traditional 3.3-litre, six-cylinder diesel engine. This setup does feature mild-hybrid assistance, but you don’t have to charge it. There’s a 197bhp rear-wheel drive version available, or a 250bhp variant with all-wheel drive. All three versions of the CX-60 use an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Standard equipment is generous, with the entry Exclusive-Line trim featuring enough kit to keep things feeling premium enough. However, we’d recommend upgrading to either the Homura or Takumi specifications, where the cosmetic enhancements and extra onboard tech really give the CX-60 a luxury boost. The plug-in hybrid range is priced from around £45,000, which represents a decent saving compared to its high-end SUV rivals, while top-spec models edge towards the £50,000 mark.
Engines, performance and drive
Mazda has introduced an all-new platform and engine range for the CX-60, while the mid-size SUV is the first of the Japanese manufacturer's models to feature a plug-in hybrid option.
The CX-60 PHEV uses a 2.5-litre petrol engine paired with an electric motor and 17.8kWh battery for a combined power output of 323bhp and a healthy 500Nm of torque. The CX-60 PHEV also benefits from all-wheel-drive, although Mazda states its layout is rear-biased – hinting at a sportier drive.
A suggestion of sportiness is all you get, however, because while the CX-60 handles well enough compared with some of its premium rivals, the plug-in model doesn’t offer the same driving dynamics we’ve come to expect from a Mazda. With a kerb weight of almost two tonnes, it feels a little compromised and isn’t that great to drive.
Positives include the plug-in hybrid’s decent straight-line performance, along with its accurate, well-weighted steering. However, if you venture out onto twistier B-roads you’ll find the CX-60’s chassis struggles to keep up with quicker steering inputs, while there is a noticeable amount of body roll.
The hybrid system itself isn’t the smoothest, either. The electric motor emits a distinct whine which is more apparent during in-town driving, although this is mainly because noise from the 2.5-litre petrol engine is so well suppressed.
The only alternative in the CX-60’s limited engine lineup is a 3.3-litre, six-cylinder diesel – an unlikely choice given greater demand for electrification these days. Nevertheless, there's a 197bhp, rear-wheel drive and a more powerful 250bhp all-wheel drive variant – both of which use an eight-speed automatic transmission, just like the CX-60 PHEV.
We tested the more potent 250bhp diesel model, and while it doesn’t feel astonishingly quick, it does gather speed at a respectable pace for such a bulky SUV. The engine sound is even surprisingly enjoyable during the process, too.
0-62mph acceleration and top speed
For a family SUV, the CX-60 provides a decent turn of pace, particularly in plug-in hybrid form. The PHEV manages 0-62mph in 5.8 seconds with a top speed of 124mph, while the 250bhp diesel version needs 7.4 seconds to hit 62mph from a standstill. The slowest sprinter in the CX-60 lineup is the 197bhp diesel which takes 8.4 seconds to travel from 0-62mph.
MPG, CO2 and running costs
Buyers have the option of two very different engines for the CX-60 – a 2.5-litre petrol plug-in hybrid and a 3.3-litre diesel unit with mild-hybrid technology. While the PHEV makes more sense in an increasingly electrified market, the big oil-burner is perhaps more of an oddity.
The 197bhp diesel is able to return an impressive 56.5mpg on the WLTP combined cycle, while the more powerful 250bhp version delivers 53.3mpg. However, CO2 emissions of 129 to 139g/km aren’t as noteworthy and won’t be of much interest to company car drivers.
Mazda claims the plug-in hybrid CX-60 can cover up to 39 miles on battery power alone, however we’ve been getting closer to 35 miles of range from our CX-60 PHEV long-term test car. Similarly, the Japanese carmaker says its first plug-in hybrid will return up to 188.3mpg, however our average fuel economy while living with the CX-60 PHEV has been between 40-50mpg.
We did see a more impressive 70mpg on one trip when the 2.1-tonne SUV was full of passengers and luggage, however that’s still a long way off Mazda’s claimed figures.
At least the CX-60 PHEV’s CO2 emissions of 33g/km equates to a very low 8 per cent Benefit-in-Kind tax rate at the moment, compared to 30-32 per cent for the diesels. Keeping the plug-in CX-60’s 17.8kWh battery topped up shouldn’t be too onerous a task, because recharging from 20 to 80 per cent takes just 1.5 hours from a typical 7kW home wallbox charger.
Insurance groups
While the CX-60’s fuel economy is impressive, insurance costs will be less so. The plug-in hybrid model sits in either group 38 or 39, depending on your chosen trim level, which means premiums will be expensive. The 197bhp diesel in Exclusive-Line trim is the cheapest version to insure as this sits in group 33.
Depreciation
The CX-60 plug-in hybrid is the strongest model in the range for holding onto its value. After a typical three-year/36,000-mile ownership period, the PHEV should retain around 46 per cent of its original showroom price, while the 3.3-litre diesel (in either 197bhp or 250bhp form) ranges from 35-39 per cent - with the top-spec Takumi versions faring the worst.
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Interior, design and technology
The CX-60 is positioned to take on premium mid-size SUV rivals, and at first glance, it shapes up pretty well. Mazda has followed its Kodo design philosophy with the CX-60 - an approach that has previously helped to create appealing-looking models such as the 3 hatchback and MX-30 electric small SUV.
However, it’s inside the cabin where the CX-60 really shines. The fit and finish is seriously impressive, while the high quality of the materials in use leaves you in no doubt that this is Mazda’s entrant into the luxury SUV market.
Standard equipment levels are good, too, although the finishing touches that come with the top Takumi trim make it a tempting upgrade and further underline the CX-60’s position as a premium SUV.
The entry Exclusive-Line model comes with 18-inch alloys, a 12.3-inch colour infotainment screen, heated seats, a heated steering wheel and leather upholstery, while moving up the range brings extras such as bigger 20-inch alloy wheels, a hands-free power tailgate, electrically-adjustable front seats, white Maple wood interior accents, Nappa leather seat trim and a 12-speaker Bose audio system.
Sat-nav, stereo and infotainment
Never one to follow trends, Mazda has elected not to use a touchscreen in the CX-60’s infotainment set-up. While we complain when some manufacturers take the tech too far, it also has its uses; selecting functions or entering navigation addresses while the car is stationary are strong points, for example, as is the ability to touch and drag on the screen to preview a route.
In contrast, entering a postcode on the click wheel is a bit of a faff, with some simple processes taking longer to complete than we’d like. However, the rotary controller does have its uses. Being able to feel the adjustments you’re making by rotating the dial means it’s possible to make some changes without taking your eyes off the road.
Alongside the main screen, the CX-60 also has digital instruments which are bright and customisable, presenting all of the necessary info clearly, while wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity is standard.
Practicality, comfort and boot space
Mazda has clearly put a lot of effort into ensuring that the CX-60 cabin is a comfortable place in which to spend time. Black leather upholstery is standard, while a heating function is included for the front seats and the steering wheel. Upgrade from the entry Exclusive-Line trim and you’ll benefit from electrically-adjustable front seats with a ventilation setting, heated outer rear seats and ambient lighting.
Family practicality hasn’t been forgotten, though, because the CX-60 provides a range of storage options such as a front centre console area with two cup holders, a good-sized glovebox, a roof-mounted sunglasses holder and seatback pockets. The boot also features a generous under-floor compartment, which means there’s extra space to store oddments (and charging cables, if you opt for the PHEV model).
Installing a child seat is relatively straightforward thanks to the CX-60 offering a raised seating position, large rear doors and Isofix clips that are easily accessible.
Size
The CX-60 is a mid-size SUV and at 4,745mm long and 1,890mm wide, it’s a shade bigger all-round than its Lexus NX and Audi Q5 rivals.
Leg room, head room & passenger space
Room upfront is fine, much as you’d expect in a mid-size SUV, while rear-seat passengers shouldn’t feel too shortchanged, either. There is plenty of foot space beneath the front seats, but the CX-60 can’t match the knee room offered by its Volvo XC60 rival, or the excellent headroom provided in the Lexus NX - a problem made worse by the high-set middle rear passenger seat.
Boot Space
With a 570-litre boot, the CX-60 offers a tremendous amount of luggage space, while the relatively low load lip is flush with the boot floor which makes loading/unloading bulkier items that little bit easier. Folding down the rear seats (using the release levers located in the boot) means you can unlock a sizeable 1,726 litres of carrying capacity.
Towing
All versions of the CX-60 have a maximum towing limit of up to 2,500kg, which should be enough for most day-to-day needs.
Reliability and safety
Mazda has a strong reputation for building reliable cars, and the results from our 2023 Driver Power customer satisfaction survey seem to back this up. The Japanese manufacturer finished in seventh place out of 32 brands in our best car manufacturer rankings.
The CX-60 didn’t make it onto our list of the best cars to own, but its CX-5 SUV sibling made it to ninth position on the 75-car list, with buyers praising the car’s reliability and value for money.
A five-star Euro NCAP safety rating is also reassuring, with the CX-60 receiving some excellent individual scores: 88 per cent for adult occupants, 91 per cent for child passengers and 89 per cent for pedestrian safety.
Along with a full suite of airbags, standard active safety technology includes Lane-keep Assist and Blind-Spot Monitoring systems, along with a Driver Attention Alert, Traffic Sign Recognition and Intelligent Speed Assist which works to help keep drivers from unintentionally exceeding the speed limit.
Warranty
Mazda offers a standard three-year warranty for the CX-60 (limited to 60,000 miles), while the plug-in hybrid battery is covered by the manufacturer for eight years.
Servicing
Buyers have the option of purchasing a Mazda Service Plan via a one-off payment, or by monthly instalments. The manufacturer advises maximum service intervals of 12,500 miles or every 12 months, whichever comes first.
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