Mazda CX-60

Because the criticism was on the powertrain and chassis, the exterior was hardly changed for model year 2025. The CX-60 remains a large SUV with the distinctive Mazda design, combining organic shapes and modern technology (the so-called "Kodo"-design).

New colours and textures have been used in the interior and the test car in Takumi trim looks very nice as a result. Mazda strives to offer more than an average brand, but does not yet call itself a "premium" brand. The CX-60 is proof of that: the design, choice of materials and build quality are above average, but not opulent or lavish. Space in the front is good, that in the rear is moderate for a car of this size.

Equipment

As usual in this segment, displays can be found both behind the steering wheel and centrally on the dashboard. However, Mazda has its own take on their operation. Mazda argues that touching a screen in a moving car is not safe. Therefore, many functions have to be controlled by a push/turn button, and as far as Autozine is concerned, this is so cumbersome that it is more distracting than a brief touch of the screen.

The infotainment system is downright conservative in design, with minimal online features. This is good for privacy, but means that up-to-date traffic information, for example, is not available. Therefore, in practice, ones own phone with Apple CarPlay / Android Auto is still preferable. The sound of the so-called "premium audio system" from Bose is woolly, with it clearly audible how sounds are distributed across multiple speakers (treble from above, low and mid from the doors) and this does not help the stereo image.

Because of all the natural disasters in Japan (earthquakes, volcanic eruptions), Japanese are naturally obsessed with safety. This is reflected not only in the CX-60's operating, but also in its active safety features. Sound signals alert the driver to every mistake and carelessness, and even a gong sounds at every detected road sign. Switching off the well-intentioned assistants is cumbersome, and even then some functions invariably continue to warn.

A feature much appreciated is automatic seat adjustment. The driver simply specifies his/her height and the CX-60 automatically sets the seats and steering wheel to the ideal position for someone of that length. In doing so, Mazda again opts for safety with a large distance from the steering wheel for optimal airbag operation. The CX-60 can recognise the driver by face, so the seats are automatically adjusted to the correct position after a driver change. Very convenient!

Driving characteristics

Sitting behind the steering wheel, the CX-60 feels big and this is due to the high seating position, the view of the large bonnet, the wide centre tunnel and the huge space inside the cabin. The response to the steering wheel, which always requires some resistance to be overcome, also contributes to the big feeling.

At first, the CX-60 was criticised for swaying after bumps and on uneven road surfaces. Therefore, Mazda recalibrated the front suspension and replaced the rear suspension completely. The difference is obvious, as the suspension has become significantly firmer, with the added benefit of improved communication between driver and mechanics. After a corner or threshold, the bodywork is therefore quickly balanced again, but Mazda has almost gone to the other extreme in doing so.

Plug-in hybrid

Mazda supplies the CX-60 with a plug-in hybrid engine (PHEV for plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) and it too is unlike anything else. Many brands opt for a petrol engine on the front wheels and an electric motor on the rear wheels for this type of car. This provides all-wheel drive and eliminates the need for costly clutches and a front-to-rear drive shaft. Mazda instead opts for a petrol and electric motor under the bonnet, followed by a gearbox (without torque converter) and finally axles to all four wheels. This way, the designers believe they have more control over the drive train.

From now on, power for the electric motor comes from a battery with a capacity of 17.8 kWh, making the range in all-electric mode theoretically 64 km. This allows more frequent and longer electric driving for greater comfort and lower consumption. During the test drive on a simple track in adverse weather conditions, the electric range was 45 km.

For the 2025 model year, the software controlling the motors and gearbox has been revised. In electric mode, it is still noticeable when shifting gears and it is noticeable when which motor is providing propulsion. However, the interplay is now smoother.

The two engines combine for a power output of 327 hp / 500 Nm, but the Japanese manufacturer does everything possible to protect the driver from himself as much as possible. Therefore, the power is built up very gradually and the CX-60 is still a calm car in the city and on country roads. On the motorway, where the engine is already revved up, on the contrary, lots of extra power is available on demand and the sprint power is impressive. At high revs, the petrol engine is clearly audible. On the contrary, noises from the tyres and driving wind are minimal. In the end, it is therefore comfortable travelling with the CX-60.

The CX-60 hardly recovers any energy when releasing the throttle as the Japanese manufacturer again determines what is good for the customer. In some cases, braking sharply on the engine (to recover energy) could indeed be uncomfortable. Therefore, the CX-60 recovers plenty of energy when braking, but hardly any when coasting. Despite this limited energy recovery, the test car recorded a fuel consumption of just 4.4 litres per 100 km with almost empty battery (the electric motor could only assist, but not take over the drive).

The CX-60 is meant to be a true SUV and therefore also has an "off-road" mode. With this, the test car managed well for the photo shoot in light, but very boggy terrain.

Conclusion

The Mazda CX-60 has been updated for the 2025 model year. In the retake, the handling has become more dynamic and the feeling between the driver and the mechanics has been improved<.

The plug-in hybrid powertrain functions properly, but still the competition manages to get better performance, more refinement and even lower consumption out of such technology. This is partly because of the choices Mazda makes, as the Japanese manufacturer goes to great lengths to protect the driver from itself. It is as if Mazda is quite willing to offer 327 hp / 500 Nm, but would rather not have the driver actually use it.

What makes the CX-60 unique is its concept. Larger than a mid-size SUV and smaller than a large SUV, the CX-60 serves a very distinct target group. Thereby, the technology and equipment are those of a volume brand, but the build quality is actually of premium quality.