Mazda CX-60 review

Introduction

It’s a fair bet that more footballers aspire to play for a top-flight team than a lower-league club – and like them, car maker Mazda wants to compete in the big leagues. So, will this Mazda CX-60 make it a top scorer?

Before we answer that, what exactly is the CX-60? Well, it's a big five-seat family SUV that’s bigger, more powerful and a bit more indulgent than the Mazda CX-5. It's available with a diesel mild-hybrid engine in two power outputs, or as a petrol plug-in hybrid (PHEV).

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2.5 e-SKYACTIV 17.8kWh Exclusive-Line SUV 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid Auto 4WD Euro 6 (327 ps)

Expected annual mileage	5000
Term months	60
Deposit months	12
Monthly payment	£483.03
Initial payment	£5,796.36

Step-by-step

Leasing works a bit like a long-term rental. You drive it, but you don’t own it.

• Choose your car, pick your terms and apply for lease credit online
• Pay monthly rental payments for your chosen term length
• Drive it, enjoy it, then give it back at the end

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• Full manufacturer’s warranty
• Road tax and roadside assistance included
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£5,796 initial payment, 60 month contract, 5000 miles p/a. Subject to status and conditions.

• Lower total monthly cost than PCP/HP
• No balloon payments
• Road tax included

The CX-60 PHEV is priced to tempt buyers away from the Toyota RAV4 PHEV but also seeks to tread on the toes of more expensive models, including plug-in hybrid versions of the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Lexus NX.

Mazda CX-60 video review

While the CX-60 has been around for a few years now, it's been given a slight update for 2025. Changes include a revised range of trim levels and mild tweaks to the suspension designed to improve the way it drives.

So is the Mazda CX-60 up there with the best family SUVs or do we recommend choosing one of its rivals instead? Read on for our ratings and verdict...

What’s new?

- November 2024: facelifted CX-60 announced, with UK sales slated for summer 2025
- October 2022: Mazda reveals forthcoming mild-hybrid diesel CX-60 model, with 3.3-litre engine and either 197bhp or 250bhp
- March 2022: all-new family SUV revealed, featuring Mazda’s first plug-in hybrid powertrain

Overview

The Mazda CX-60 combines strong performance with low running costs and a smart interior, but the ride is a bit thumpy and its handling isn’t neat enough to make amends. The entry-level diesel is our pick because it’s the comfiest version. We'd avoid the PHEV – there are several rivals with longer electric ranges and lower company car tax ratings.

Pros

• Smart, user-friendly interior
• Generous equipment
• Strong and economical diesel engines

Cons

• Wallowy handling and thumpy ride
• Some rivals offer more rear leg room
• Gearbox not as smooth as rivals

Trims available

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Homura

The sportier mid-range model adds larger 20in wheels, body-coloured wheelarches and a gloss-black front grille. Inside, it adds ambient lighting, electrically adjustable front seats that are heated and ventilated, and a 12-speaker Bose sound system.

Exclusive-Line

This entry-level version comes with 18in alloy wheels, heated leather seats, climate control, cruise control, a gesture-controlled powered tailgate, a head-up display, 12.3 touchscreen infotainment system, LED lights and front and rear parking sensors.

Takumi

Top-spec Takumi adds a chrome exterior window surround, with upgraded Nappa leather seats inside, plus wood trim and door linings.

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Performance & drive

What it's like to drive, and how quiet it is

The entry-level engine for the Mazda CX-60 is a turbocharged 197bhp 3.3-litre, six-cylinder diesel (e-Skyactiv D200). It’s our favourite choice, and offers plenty of low-down pull to get you up to motorway speeds with ease, with a 0-62mph time of 8.4 seconds.

There's also the 251bhp e-Skyactiv D254 version of the same diesel engine. Despite the extra power, it doesn’t feel as lively at low speeds as you might expect because there’s a slight pause when setting off from stationary. It’s only on the move when the CX-60 really gets into its stride.

As a result, the D254's 0-60mph time of 7.1 seconds is about the same as an Audi Q5 and BMW X3 despite them coming with slightly less powerful engines.

The real "speed demon" of the CX-60 range is the PHEV, which is powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and a 134bhp electric motor. Its total power output of 323bhp results in a swift 0-62mph time of 5.8 seconds.

Company car drivers will be more interested in the PHEV’s 17.8kWh useable capacity battery gives it an official electric-only range of 39 miles – although in our real-world testing it managed 30 miles. That falls short of the Lexus NX 450h+ (42 miles officially) and the BMW X3 30e (55 miles). The pricier Mercedes GLC 300e can travel up to 77 miles on a full charge.

If you want your CX-60 to have four-wheel drive you'll need either the PHEV or the higher powered D254 diesel engine. That does make it easier to drag a trailer or caravan off wet grass, but we can’t say we’ve ever struggled for traction in the two-wheel-drive version.

Performance is strong, but the rest of the driving experience lacks the polish of some family SUVs. The steering is the slowest to respond off-centre and doesn’t build up much weight beyond that, while plenty of body lean and lower levels of grip inspires less confidence than a Q5 or X3 down a country road.

When you start pushing on, the CX-60 soon loses its composure, swaying noticeably during harder cornering, and it can be unsettled by mid-corner bumps.

While the latest CX-60 comes with mildly tweaked suspension to help provide a softer ride than before, its conventional set-up feels less sophisticated than the adaptive suspension systems available on premium rivals.

As a result, speed bumps generate large thumps and the body wallows in a way that the Q5 and X3 avoid. You’re also more aware of road imperfections through the seat. The diesels (especially the lighter, entry-level one) are more supple than the PHEV, but it still struggles to isolate occupants effectively from potholes and expansion joints.

The CX-60 is not quite as hushed as a Q5 or X3 either, but it is effective at suppressing wind and road noise at speed, and quieter than a Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4. However, you’ll hear a bit of a thwack from the suspension as you go over bumps.

The CX-60's standard-fit eight-speed automatic gearbox could be smoother and the PHEV's electric motors whirr and whine so much you might think the engine is running.

The coasting function fitted to the diesels, which saves fuel by switching off the engine for short periods when cruising with your foot off the accelerator, can cause a clunk when the engine reawakens. That can also happen when the i-Stop start/stop system operates.

"Despite a firm ride, the CX-60's suspension doesn't control body movements as well as the Volvo XC60's. I find that a shame, because Mazda is capable of building cars that are brilliant to drive." – Will Nightingale, Reviews Editor

Interior

The interior layout, fit and finish

It's easy to find a comfy driving position in the Mazda CX-60, especially with the Driver Personalisation System that’s fitted on Homura models and upwards. The system uses facial recognition to automatically adjust the seat to your settings when you get in (handy if other people drive your car).

The seats are comfortable, although some might wish they provided a bit more side support to hold them in place better when cornering.

Forward visibility is great, with windscreen pillars that are easy to look around at junctions, while the CX-60's low dashboard gives you a clear view of where the bonnet ends. Rear visibility isn’t quite as promising, with the view over your shoulder hampered by thick rear pillars and a narrow rear screen.

At least parking is pretty easy, thanks to standard-fit front and rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera. A 360-degree camera is available as part of the Convenience and Driver Assistance Pack.

That pack also includes adaptive LED headlights that actively dim certain sections of the headlight cluster so you don't dazzle other road users. That said, all versions come with automatic high-beam assist as standard.

The 12.3in digital driver’s display is clear, with great colour contrast and sharp graphics, but it’s not particularly configurable. With a wide range of lay-outs, the digital driver’s display in the BMW X3 is more impressive.

At least the CX-60 has physical switches for the climate-control system, which are much easier to use when you're driving than those set-ups where you have to use the touchscreen (such as in the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Volvo XC60) or touch-sensitive controls. The Toyota RAV4 has even better chunky rotary controls.

Infotainment is a strong point. The 12.3in screen isn’t the biggest in the class, but, as with other Mazda car models, the CX-60 uses a physical rotary controller that makes it simple to navigate around while you're driving. The screen can be used as a touchscreen, but only when the car is stationary.

Visually, the graphics look quite basic but the straightforward menu system makes the infotainment system easy to find the function you want. It’s almost as good as the X3's system and is leagues ahead of the RAV4 and XC60.

The CX60 has two USB-C points in the front and rear to enable portable devices to be charged, and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone mirroring is included as standard. Higher trim levels get an upgraded, 10-speaker Bose stereo, but we didn't find it as punchy and immersive as other systems.

"I found that having to knock the gear selector to the side to engage Park took a little getting used to." – Stuart Milne, Digital Editor

Passenger & boot space

How it copes with people and clutter

The driver and front-seat passenger will have little to grumble about when it comes to space in the Mazda CX-60. There’s a generous amount of leg and head room for taller passengers, and there’s enough width between the seats to prevent elbows from bashing over the centre console.

Storage space includes a pair of cupholders, a roof-mounted sunglasses holder, long cubbies in the doors, a large glovebox and a tray for your phone. The cubby under the centre armrest is disappointingly shallow though.

The CX-60 doesn't offer a great deal more space in the back than the smaller Mazda CX-5 but there’s still plenty of room for two adults to get comfortable. There’s a bit more space than in a Volvo XC60, while a BMW X3 and Honda CR-V offer more leg room.

You can add an optional panoramic roof with any of the trim levels, and while it doesn’t encroach on head room too much, we reckon you're better off without it if you often carry tall occupants.

A third passenger in the middle seat will be fine for shorter journeys. Anyone near 6ft tall will have their head brushing against the ceiling (especially if a sunroof is fitted), but at least the central hump on the floor between their feet is much lower than those in a Audi Q5, BMW X3 or Volvo XC60.

The CX-60's rear-seat backrest offers a two-stage reclining function. Ultimately, it makes little difference, and it’s a pity the seats don’t slide back and forth like they do in a Q5 or CR-V (which also has a backrest that reclines further). Getting out of the back can be a bit tricky because part of the wheel arch obstructs the lower corner of the door opening. The X3 has a larger access area.

The boot space of the CX-60 is a uniform shape and offers 570 litres of storage with the rear seats up and 1,726 litres with them down. That’s plenty of room for luggage for a weekend trip away, and we managed to fit in eight carry-on suitcases, matching the XC60 and CR-V. The Q5 managed nine cases though.

You can’t have an adjustable height boot floor, but there’s no load lip to contend with and the opening is wide and square, making it easy to load items in. There are some thoughtful features, including a storage net on the side to stop smaller items rolling around, plus there’s a 12V power socket.

It's a bit more versatile when it comes to seat flexibility than a CR-V or XC60, with the backrest split 40/20/40 rather than 60/40, plus there are levers on the side to help fold them down remotely.

The CX-60 is not available with seven seats. If you need to transport that many people, take a look at the longer Mazda CX-80 or see our best seven-seaters page.

"The CX-60 offers a better balance of space than the CR-V or XC60. I've travelled five-up in all three cars, and the Mazda is clearly the most suitable." – Neil Winn, Deputy Reviews Editor

Buying & owning

Everyday costs, plus how reliable and safe it is

The diesel versions of the Mazda CX-60 are the most recommendable – and not just because they’re the cheapest. The entry-level e-Skyactiv D200 is cheaper than the Audi Q5, BMW X3 or Mercedes GLC by a big margin.

PCP finance rates are high though, and the CX-60 is predicted to lose its value more quickly than upmarket rivals, including the Q5 and X3.

Company car drivers getting a CX-60 will be best off with the PHEV version because it's in the lowest BIK tax band – although there are alternatives that attract less tax. They include the Lexus NX 450h+ and Mercedes GLC 300e. To pay the lowest rate you'll want an electric car.

Both CX-60 diesels should be economical, with the lower-powered e-Skyactiv D200 officially managing 56.5mpg (we've seen mid to high 40s in the real world). The more powerful four-wheel-drive version isn’t much worse, achieving a real-world figure of 52.8mpg on our test route, which is better than the Audi Q5 TDI (43.8mpg) and BMW X3 20d (50.2mpg) on the same day.

You’ll need to charge up the PHEV CX-60 regularly to get anywhere near its impressive-sounding 188mpg. In Hybrid mode, we'd expect around 40mpg in everyday driving.

Five trim levels are available, and even the cheapest, Exclusive-Line, comes with heated leather seats, climate control, cruise control, a heated steering wheel, a gesture-controlled powered tailgate, a head-up display and 18in alloy wheels. That long list makes Exclusive-Line our favourite trim.

If you fancy a little more kit, the sportier Homura model includes larger 20in wheels, ambient lighting, electrically adjustable front seats that are heated and ventilated, Napa leather upholstery and a 12-speaker Bose sound system. You also get a Driver Personalisation System.

Homura Plus adds wireless phone-charging, a sunroof and rear privacy glass.

Top-spec Takumi has a chrome exterior window surround, with upgraded Napa leather seats inside, plus wood trim and door linings.

Takumi Plus adds adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera.

Other than the £1,000 panoramic sunroof, optional extras are bundled into packs, including Comfort, Convenience and Driver Assistance.

The CX-60 proved to be the least reliable large SUV in the class in our 2024 What Car? Reliability Survey, finishing in last place out of 15 models. As a brand, Mazda fared a little better, finishing 16th out of 32 brands ranked. That places it above Audi but behind BMW, Lexus and Toyota.

Mazda's three-year, 60,000-mile warranty cover isn’t as generous as some rivals', with BMW offering unlimited mileage cover. You can extend it for a fee but it doesn’t compete with the seven-year warranty you get with the Kia Sorento.

The CX-60 scored five stars out of five for safety when Euro NCAP crash-tested it in 2022. The driver’s chest and knees could have been better protected by the airbags in a frontal impact, but it performed strongly in other tests.

All versions come with blind-spot monitoring – a feature often reserved for the options list of rivals. An optional Convenience and Driver assistance pack adds adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear emergency braking to stop you reversing into danger.

"The diesel CX-60 was more efficient than petrol-powered rivals from Honda and Volvo in our real-world fuel economy tests. I think that shows diesel is still a good option if your lifestyle suits it." – Darren Moss, Deputy Digital Editor

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