Mazda enters the larger section of the mid-sized SUV segment with this very premium-feeling CX-60. Jonathan Crouch drives it and looks at the updated version.

Ten Second Review

The Mazda CX-60 aims to establish Mazda in the premium part of the upper mid-sized SUV segment. In this, it'll be aided by sharp driving dynamics, a refreshing different and rather classy cabin and the option of a PHEV powertrain with a 39 mile driving range. This revised version has improved ride quality too. As before, this Mazda's more affordable than obvious rivals, better equipped - and really rather different.

Background

Mazda thinks differently - and continues to do so with this car, CX-60. This SUV was launched in late 2022, initially in Plug-in Hybrid form and later in a mild hybrid diesel guise too. Today, it slots into the Mazda SUV range just below the seven-seat CX-80. Both cars share the same snappily-titled 'Skyactiv Multi-Solution Scalable Architecture' platform. It's a chassis that made possible the introduction of a PHEV powertrain - the company's very first. Fast forward to late 2024 and Mazda introduced the first round of CX-60 model updates, the package mainly centred on improving the rear suspension to enhance ride quality, which on the original cars was rather brittle. The end result has created a car that's still worth a long hard look if you're looking for something a little different as an alternative to SUVs in the premium Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Mercedes GLC segment.

Driving Experience

Mazda has correctly identified that, with a couple of exceptions, upper mid-sized SUVs are generally pretty uninspiring to drive. So enormous efforts have been made here to deliver something a bit more engaging. Or at least as engaging as a two-tonne crossover is ever going to be. As part of this update, Mazda has revised the rear suspension, softening off the rear coil springs and tightening the rear dampers with the aim of softening the ride without compromising body control. Subtle changes have also been made to the stability and traction systems. Otherwise, it's as you were. This CX-60's stiff 'Skyactiv Multi-Solution Scalable Architecture' platform helps greatly with drive dynamicse. Plus to that sophisticated chassis, the engineers have built in the clever corner-stabilising system from the MX-5 sports car - Mazda calls it 'Kinetic Posture Control'. It all sounds quite promising. There are no engine changes as part of this update, all of them, in typical Mazda style, bucking the industry trend for low capacity sizing and turbocharged tech. All are linked to an 8-speed auto gearbox, which ditches the usual torque converter in favour of a multi-plate clutch and an integrated electric motor/generator. Most customers will want the four cylinder Plug-in Hybrid model we tried, which mates a 2.5-litre petrol engine to a 175PS electric motor powered by a 17.8kWh battery which, when fully charged, offers an EV driving range of up to 39 miles. The system output (distributed to all four wheels via an on-demand AWD system) is 327PS, the highest of any Mazda yet made and enough to get you to 62mph in just 5.8s. It's also enough to give some credence to the brand's claim that this car puts the 'Sport' back into SUV and though slightly vague steering prevents it from claiming overall class honours in that regard, the CX-60 comes close. If you don't want your CX-60 to be a PHEV, one other non plug-in engine is available, a 3.3-litre e-Skyactiv D diesel we've also tried, available in rear-driven (200PS) as well as AWD (254PS) forms. It's a large capacity six cylinder unit of the mild hybrid kind.

Design and Build

You'd certainly recognise this as a Mazda - which might not necessarily be a good thing for this car's premium aspirations, particularly as it might be mistaken for the company's mid-sized CX-5 SUV at first glance. It's actually quite a lot bigger than one of those, measuring 4,745mm long, 1,890mm wide and 1,675mm high. The styling is heavily influenced by the brand's 2017 'Vision Coupe' concept, but features a flatter treatment for the front end and, obviously since it's a crossover, quite a different profile silhouette. Inside, Mazda's usual 'Jinba Ittai' ('horse and rider') driver-focused design philosophy prevails, but here it's been upgraded with higher quality materials and greater attention to detail. Pricier trim levels get you niceties like a facial recognition feature that uses a camera to adjust seat and steering wheel position based on the driver's physique. What we like most about Mazda cabins though, are the exemplary ergonomics, enhanced here by the way that the new slim 8-speed auto gearbox has minimised transmission tunnel width, allowing for near-ideal pedal and seat placement. If you're able to stretch to the top-spec version, your eye will be drawn to the cool white nappa leather upholstery, the pale maple wood trim and an unusual hand-stitched fabric dashboard covering, apparently inspired by 'Musubu', the art of Japanese binding. Across the range, the screen tech isn't as in-your-face as it usually is with expensive new models in this day and age, mainly because the 12.3-inch centre display is long and narrow and the virtual gauges on the instrument monitor (also 12.3-inches wide) look quite realistic. Cabin storage is reasonably provided for and Mazda's put in a great deal of effort to make forward visibility better than it usually is on a larger SUV of this kind. As usual for the class, there's comfortable space for two adults in the back and room at a squash for three. And a decent-sized boot that isn't too impeded by the battery pack on the Plug-in version. With all the engines, it's 477-litres in size (570-litres including the under-floor compartment); fold the rear bench and you can extend capacity to 1,726-litres. If you need third row seating, you'll need to ask your dealer about the forthcoming 7-seat CX-80 version of this car.

Market and Model

The CX-60 PHEV variant is offered in the UK in three well specified trim grades: 'Exclusive-Line' (priced from around £45,500), 'Homura' (priced from around £48,000) and 'Takumi' (priced from around £49,500). If you'd prefer the 3.3-litre mild hybrid diesel model, prices start from around £45,000 for the 200PS model with base 'Exclusive-Line' trim and rear wheel drive. You can also have a CX-60 diesel with the same 'Exclusive-Line' trim and AWD, plus a higher-output 254PS engine, priced from around £48,000 - or from just under £55,000 in top 'Takumi' trim. Across the range, customer choice is further enhanced with the ability to add two option packs - the 'Convenience Pack' and the 'Driver Assistance Pack', with a further 'Comfort Pack' available with base 'Exclusive-Line' trim. There's the additional option to specify a Panoramic roof on 'Homura' and 'Takumi' models. To give you some class perspective, rival Lexus NX 450+ and BMW X3 xDrive30e models start at around £50,000. You get more equipment with the CX-60 too. The mid-range 'Homura' variant most UK customers are expected to want has been improved as part of this update with black Nappa leather upholstery, plus matte finishes for the dash and door cards, an extra dash insert and black fabric for the roof lining and pillars. As before, 'Homura'-spec is visually distinguished from the base 'Exclusive-Line' version by body coloured wheel arch mouldings and a dark plated signature wing grille surround, plus gloss black mirrors and honeycomb grille treatment, while 20-inch black alloy wheels finish the exterior look. Inside, the 'Homura' grade features seat heating for the outer rear seats and ambient lighting, plus it's equipped with the Mazda Driver Personalisation System that will recognise the occupant of the driver's seat via facial recognition and automatically adjust the surroundings. Top 'Takumi'-spec gets you 20-inch black machined alloy wheels and body-coloured mirrors, combined with chrome plated signature wing grille treatment and side window surrounds, while the gloss black bar type radiator grille design is another feature unique to this flagship grade.

Cost of Ownership

The CO2 efficiency figures for the PHEV version are rated between 33 and 32g/km, which entitles owners to a low 12% Benefit-in-Kind tax banding. That means a lower monthly tax liability too of course, rated for base 'Exclusive' trim at £88 for 20% tax payers and £176 for 40% tax payers. The combined cycle fuel figure - 201.8mpg - is as real world-irrelevant as it is with any other PHEV. Indeed, if you don't regularly plug the thing in, you'll just be driving about in quite a heavy petrol-powered SUV, which isn't a very frugal thing at all. But if you make use of the 39 mile all-electric driving range, then you can expect this car to be about as frugal as a good SUV diesel in this class. And of course, it'll be a lot cheaper to tax, as we said earlier. Charging time from a 7.2kW garage wallbox (20-80%) should be about one and a half hours. There's no option to get a three-phase 11kW charger or a DC charger. As for the diesel, well the 200PS engine returns a WLTP average fuel consumption of 55.4mpg, with CO2 emissions of 131g/km in rear-wheel drive 'Exclusive-Line' guise. While the AWD 254PS diesel model's average fuel consumption is 52.3mpg, with CO2 emissions from 139g/km. We should additionally mention the warranty, the usual unremarkable Mazda three year / 60,000 mile package. You can manage maintenance with a useful 'My Mazda App', which can give you reminders about servicing and through which you can book your car in at your local dealership and access a digitally-stored record of your model's service history.

Summary

Whether customers in this segment will view the Mazda badge on this model as being properly 'premium', it's difficult to say. As far as we're concerned, the car itself certainly is, in every way that really matters. The cabin's beautifully finished and refreshingly different from anything else in the segment. And Mazda's put some effort into making this CX-60 more engaging to drive than most of its rivals, most notably with its 'Kinetic Posture Control' system. On top of all of this, it'll count significantly in this Mazda's favour that it's considerably more affordable than its more established premium segment mid-sized SUV rivals, particularly in the PHEV form that most customers here will want. It'll be a pity if all of this worthy effort is shipwrecked on the rocks of badge snobbery. The CX-60 deserves better. Over to you.

Body Glass

Rear wiper

Front wiper de-icer

Electric front/rear windows with one touch auto up/down

Rain sensing front wipers with adjustable sensitivity and speed

Brakes

Traction control

DSC - Dynamic Stability Control

Hill launch assist

Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

Electronic parking brake with auto disengage function and auto hold function

Front smart city brake support

Hill decent control

Chassis/Suspension

Mi-Drive (Normal, Sport, Off-road, Towing and EV mode)

Communication

E-call with GPS

Integrated bluetooth

Wireless apple car play/android Auto

Driver Aids

Cruise control

Power assisted steering

Front and rear parking sensors

Emergency stop signalling system

Blind spot assist

Adjustable speed limiter

Blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert

Intelligent speed assist

Distance alert system

Driver attention alert system

Lane keep assist system (LAS) with Lane departure warning system (LDWS)

Exit warning function

Reversing camera with static guide lines

Power start/stop button

Kinematic posture control

Traffic sign recognition enhanced with mandated excessive speed warning

Driver Convenience

Power liftgate

Power lift gate with handsfree function

Driver Information

Trip computer

Multimedia Commander

Speed alert

12.3" TFT Colour display

Emergency lane keeping with blind spot assist

Low washer fluid warning light

Windscreen projected colour active driving display

12.3" Colour entertainment centre display with mazda connect infotainment

Mazda hybrid navigation system with european mapping

Driving Mirrors

Auto dimming driver's door mirror

Body coloured door mirrors

Frameless auto dimming interior rear view mirror

Electrically adjustable, heated auto power folding door mirrors

Embellishment Trims

Mesh metal film centre console panel

Engine

Internal Combustion Engine Sound Emulator

Entertainment

Steering wheel mounted audio/bluetooth controls

AM / FM / DAB radio with 8 speakers

USB-C inputs (x2 front and x2 rear)

Exterior Body Features

Body colour roof spoiler

Body coloured bumpers

B-pillar and C-pillar garnishes in gloss black finish

Rear side wing doors

Silver decoration panel

Piano black window surrounds

Roof pillars and roof lining finished in lighter colour to soften the overall look

Chrome front side garish

Gloss black bar type front grille with bright finish signature wing

Satin black lower bumper, wheel arch and side mouldings

Exterior Lights

Headlight washers

Automatic headlight levelling

Coming/leaving home lighting function

Signature LED daytime running lights

Dusk sensing headlights

LED headlamps

LED rear signature combination lamps

High beam control

Front kodo turn signal

LED 3rd brake light

Dark plated headlight lense

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Dual zone climate control air conditioning with rear air vents

Remote pre-heating/cooling

Interior Features

Leather upholstery

Roof mounted sunglasses holder

Cargo net

Leather wrapped gear shift knob

12v power outlet - front

Karakuri tonneau cover

12V socket in boot

Folding rear centre armrest with two cup holders

Front centre storage with two cupholders

Chrome interior trim accents with steering wheel centre bezel, surround of engine start / stop button and glove box handle

Driver, front passenger and two rear door pockets

Driver and front passenger two rear grab handles with rear coat hooks

Manual telescopic and tilt adjustment steering wheel

Paddle shift

Heated leather wrapped steering wheel

Practical and spacious front centre armrest storage

Door panel trim vinyl leather with armrest

Featuring black vinyl leather dashboard trim with titanium coloured accents

Roof lining (ceiling and pillars) - Grey

Interior Lights

Glovebox illumination

LED illumination luggage compartment

Front down lamp with front and rear foot lamps

Front and rear signature illumination

Safety

Manual rear child locks

Front side airbags

Front and rear curtain airbags

Drivers knee airbag

Active bonnet

Front passenger airbag cut-off switch

Tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS)

Seatbelt reminder for driver/front passenger and rear seats

3 point ELR front seat belts x2 with pretensioners

3 point ELR rear seat belts

Front dual stage driver and single stage front passenger airbags

Seats

Front headrests

3 height adjustable rear headrests

Driver/passenger front seatback pockets

3 seat bench in 2nd row

ISOFIX child seat anchorage points attached on outer rear seats

Front passengers seat manual slide, recline and height adjustment

Heated front seats with 3 stage setting

Driver seat manual slide, recline, height and seat tilt adjust

Single front passenger seat

Remote fold down rear seats

40/20/40 split folding rear seats with quick levers in the boot

Rear seat recline function for rear passenger comfort

Security

Smart keyless entry

Thatcham accredited alarm and immobiliser

Remote central locking with deadlocking and automatic door lock when driving

Vanity Mirrors

Driver and front passenger visors with covered vanity mirror and driver ticket holder

Wheels - Alloy

18" Grey metallic alloy wheels

Wheels - Spare

Emergency tyre repair kit

Emissions - ICE

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 138

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 142

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 138

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

Particles: N

HC+NOx: N

Engine and Drive Train

Transmission: AUTO

Gears: 8 SPEED

CC: 3283

Cylinders: 6

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 94.2

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 86

Number of Valves: 24

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: COMMON RAIL

Catalytic Convertor: No

Compression Ratio: 15.2:1

Fuel Consumption - ICE

WLTP - MPG - High - TEH: 60.1

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEL: 45.6

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEH: 44.1

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEL: 56.5

WLTP - MPG - High - TEL: 62.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 5.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 5.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEH: 5.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEL: 5.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEH: 4.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEL: 4.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEH: 5.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEL: 5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEH: 6.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEL: 6.2

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 51.4

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 53.3

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEH: 47.9

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEL: 48.7

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEH: 54.3

General

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 91

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 88

Based On ID: N

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12

Service Interval Mileage: 12500

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 38A

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 89

NCAP Safety Assist %: 76

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

Badge Power: 254

Badge Engine CC: 3.3

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

AdBlue: No

Generation Mark: 1

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

Special Edition: 0

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Special Order: 0

Coin Description: D254

Coin Series: Exclusive Line

Performance

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - PS: No

Engine Power - BHP: 254

Top Speed: 136

Engine Power - KW: 187

Engine Power - RPM: 3750

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 406

Engine Torque - NM: 550

Engine Torque - RPM: 1500

0 to 62 mph (secs): 7.4

Engine Torque - MKG: 56

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Rear: 235/60 R18

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 18" ALLOY

Wheel Style: Grey

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Tyre Size Front: 235/60 R18

Vehicle Dimensions

Wheelbase: 2870

Width: 1890

Length: 4745

Width (including mirrors): 2134

Height: 1675

Weight and Capacities

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 58

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 2500

Max. Loading Weight: 646

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 570

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2516

No. of Seats: 5

Max. Roof Load: 100

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1726

Minimum Kerbweight: 1870

Exterior Body Features

Metallic paint

Mica paint

Special metallic paint

Premium metallic paint

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Sonic silver

Metallic - Platinum quartz

Metallic - Zircon sand

Paint - Mica

Mica - Jet black

Mica - Deep crystal blue

Paint - Solid

Solid - Arctic white

Paint - Special

Special metallic - Soul red crystal

Premium metallic - Machine grey

Premium metallic - Rhodium white

Trim - Leather

Leather - Black