The Mazda CX-60 marks the brand’s serious entry into the midsize SUV space with a clear intention: to compete not just with mainstream rivals, but with premium players too. Sitting above the CX-5 in Mazda’s lineup, the CX-60 leans heavily into upmarket design, high-quality materials, and sophisticated powertrains. From its long bonnet to its plush cabin, everything about it signals Mazda’s ambition to move closer to the territory of luxury European brands.
That said, the CX-60 is not without compromise. While it shines in performance, handling, and interior feel, certain factors—like the firm ride and infotainment quirks—might make some buyers think twice depending on what they value most in a family SUV.
With its confident styling, driver-focused dynamics, and a strong technology package, the Mazda CX-60 aims to deliver a near-luxury experience while still staying true to Mazda’s core philosophy of engaging, engineered-to-drive cars.
Key Highlights
- Upscale cabin with impressive materials and build quality
- Strong performance from inline-six and plug-in hybrid powertrains
- Striking exterior design with recognisable Mazda character
- Comprehensive safety and driver-assistance features
- Firm ride quality and a less intuitive infotainment interface
Engine and Performance
Under the hood, the Mazda CX-60 offers a range of serious powertrains, including a smooth inline-six engine and an efficient plug-in hybrid (PHEV) option. The inline-six is tuned for refined power delivery, offering quick acceleration and effortless highway cruising. It feels composed, confident, and powerful when you put your foot down.
The plug-in hybrid variant, on the other hand, is geared more towards efficiency and quiet operation. It can run on electric power for short distances, making it ideal for city commutes and stop-start traffic, while the petrol engine steps in seamlessly for longer drives. The transition between electric and engine power is well-managed and doesn’t feel clumsy or jerky.
Mazda’s reputation for enjoyable driving dynamics is very much alive in the CX-60. Steering is precise and nicely weighted, body roll is well controlled, and the rear-wheel-drive-based platform gives the SUV a balanced, almost sporty character. Acceleration feels responsive and linear, even when you ask for more power suddenly.
The trade-off for this athletic character is ride comfort. With its firm suspension tuning—especially when paired with larger alloy wheels—the CX-60 can feel a bit stiff over broken roads and rough patches. It’s not uncomfortable, but it’s certainly on the sportier, firmer side of the spectrum.
Design and Exterior
Visually, the Mazda CX-60 is designed to make a statement. Mazda has taken its Kodo design language and given it a more premium twist. The large, sculpted front grille, sleek LED headlamps, and clean, flowing body lines all work together to give the SUV a sophisticated, confident look.
The long bonnet and stretched proportions clearly hint at its rear-wheel-drive architecture, making it look more upmarket than many front-wheel-drive-based rivals. Chrome detailing, tasteful trim elements, and stylish alloy wheel designs all contribute to a more luxurious presence on the road.
From every angle, the CX-60 looks modern and deliberate—not overdone, yet far from plain. It’s the kind of design that will appeal to buyers who want something a bit more elegant than the typical aggressive SUV styling.
Interior and Comfort
Step inside the CX-60, and the push toward a premium image becomes obvious. The cabin is finished with soft-touch surfaces, leather upholstery (on higher trims), and available real wood or other high-end trims. The minimalist dashboard design keeps things clean and sophisticated, while the overall fit and finish feel genuinely high quality.
The front seats are supportive and well-shaped for long journeys, offering a good balance of cushioning and firmness. The driving position is commanding, with generous visibility and a well-laid-out cockpit that feels driver-centric without alienating passengers.
Rear-seat occupants also get respectable legroom and headroom, making the CX-60 a practical family car. Seatbacks can be reclined slightly for added comfort, and the flat floor area helps with overall passenger space. Road and wind noise are well suppressed, giving the cabin a quiet, refined feel at cruising speeds.
Boot space is practical and competitive for the segment, with a wide opening and a usable shape that makes it convenient for luggage, shopping, or family trips. Folding rear seats further enhance cargo flexibility.
On the downside, the center console area may feel a bit tight for some users, and the physical layout of controls around the rotary dial can feel busy until you get used to it. Also, those who prefer a fully touch-based infotainment experience may find Mazda’s more traditional, dial-driven interface a little old-school.
Technology and Features
Mazda has equipped the CX-60 with an impressive list of tech and safety features, especially in the higher trims. Key highlights include:
- A digital instrument cluster and available head-up display
- Mazda Connect infotainment system with integrated navigation
- Smartphone connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wireless on certain variants)
- Advanced driver-assistance features such as lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert
- A 360-degree surround-view camera system for easier parking and maneuvering
The system itself is generally responsive and reliable, but the interface leans heavily on the rotary controller rather than full touchscreen operation. While this approach is designed to reduce driver distraction, it can feel less intuitive for users accustomed to tapping and swiping on a screen, especially when parked.
Compared to rivals that offer big, tablet-like touchscreens with fully touch-based menus, the CX-60’s system may seem a step behind in terms of modern interaction, even though the underlying tech is solid.
Ride Quality and Handling
The Mazda CX-60 is tuned for drivers who care about how their SUV feels on the road. The rear-wheel-drive-based setup, well-calibrated steering, and controlled body motions all contribute to a more engaging driving experience than many other midsize SUVs.
On twisty roads, the CX-60 feels composed and confident. It doesn’t lean excessively in corners, and the steering gives you a reasonable sense of what the front wheels are doing. The result is an SUV that feels more car-like and connected, rather than soft and floaty.
The trade-off is that the suspension doesn’t smooth out every bump with the plushness you might expect from a comfort-focused SUV. On rough urban roads, speed breakers, or potholes, the firmness becomes noticeable. Drivers who prioritize a cushy, floating ride over sporty handling might find this setup a bit too stiff, especially at lower speeds.
Efficiency and Everyday Usability
For buyers who want to save on fuel without sacrificing power, the plug-in hybrid CX-60 is particularly attractive. It can travel short distances on electric power alone—ideal for daily commutes, school runs, and local errands. In this mode, the SUV is nearly silent and produces zero tailpipe emissions.
When the petrol engine and electric motor work together, the hybrid powertrain offers strong performance while still keeping fuel usage in check. The system transitions smoothly between power sources, making it easy to live with day to day.
The inline-six petrol engine, meanwhile, is more about performance and refinement. Even so, Mazda’s efficient engine technologies help keep fuel consumption competitive for its class, especially during steady highway cruising.
In terms of practicality, the CX-60 does well. There are plenty of storage spaces around the cabin, the rear seats fold down to expand the boot area, and the wide-opening doors make it easier for passengers to get in and out or for loading bulky items.
Price and Variants
The Mazda CX-60 is priced above typical mainstream SUVs but still undercuts many fully-fledged luxury brands. This places it in an interesting “in-between” zone—ideal for buyers who want a more premium feel without paying a full luxury price.
Typical variants include:
- Base model – Well-equipped with essential comfort, safety, and tech features
- Mid-range Comfort/Luxury trim – Adds higher-quality materials, more convenience features, and upgraded tech
- Top-tier Premium or Signature trim – Focuses on maximum comfort, advanced features, and the finest interior finishes
- Plug-in Hybrid variant – Combines efficiency with strong performance and adds hybrid-specific features
Each step up the range brings additional equipment, better materials, and sometimes more powerful or advanced powertrain options.
Final Verdict
The Mazda CX-60 is a clear statement of intent from Mazda. It’s stylish, powerful, and impressively well-built, with a cabin that feels genuinely premium and a driving experience that will satisfy those who appreciate good handling and strong performance.
Its biggest strengths lie in:
- High-quality interior craftsmanship
- Strong and refined powertrains
- Confident, engaging handling
- Distinctive and upmarket exterior design
On the flip side, the firm ride and the more traditional infotainment interface may not suit everyone. Buyers who want a super-soft, comfort-first suspension or a large, fully touch-based screen might find better matches elsewhere.
Overall, the Mazda CX-60 successfully bridges the gap between mainstream and luxury SUVs. For drivers who want a midsize SUV that feels special to sit in and rewarding to drive—without completely diving into luxury-brand pricing—the CX-60 is a very compelling option.