Review - 2023 Mazda CX-60

The CX-60 range showcases a brand new design language, updated interior designs and clever new features, as well as a brand new range of hybrid-only powertrains which is headlined by a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) range-topper.

The CX-60 sits above the sales-conquering CX-5 within Mazda’s lineup, positioned as a more premium and modern offering, though these updates have come at a price premium over the CX-5.

Just how good is the all-new Mazda CX-60? Let’s take a closer look to find out.

Starting Price: $59,800

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Mazda CX-60 (G40E EVOLVE HYBRID) Specifications

For more details and other variants, check Mazda CX-60 car page.

How Much Does It Cost?

The Mazda CX-60 lineup kicks off from $59,800 for the entry-level CX-60 Evolve I6 Petrol, while the Evolve I6 Diesel is priced at $61,800 and the Evolve with Mazda’s plug-in hybrid (PHEV) engine is priced at $74,154.

Stepping up to Mazda’s CX-60 GT brings the price up to $67,800 for the petrol and up to $69,800 for the diesel, and up to $80,492 for the CX-60 GT PHEV.

Finally, Mazda’s range-topping CX-60 Azami variants are priced at $74,154 and $75,00 for the petrol and diesel, respectively, while the range-topping CX-60 Azami PHEV is priced at $87,252.

Keep in mind that these prices are subject to change and do not include on-road costs.

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What Features Does the Mazda CX-60 Have?

Mazda’s entry-level CX-60 Evolve comes riding on a set of 18-inch alloys, and receives LED headlights, keyless entry & start, dual-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control, a rear-view camera with front and rear parking sensors, powered boot lift, black cloth upholstery with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear lever, head-up display, wireless smartphone charging, 10.25-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto and an eight-speaker sound system; the Evolve PHEV picks up a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster over the standard 7.0-inch unit.

Stepping up to the CX-60 GT adds a set of 20-inch alloys, updated LED headlights, rear combination LED lights, a black honeycomb grille, hands-free boot lift, a panoramic sunroof, black leather upholstery with a heated steering wheel, heated front and rear seats, upgraded 12.3-inch infotainment system and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, as well as an upgraded 12-speaker Bose sound system.

Finally, Mazda’s range-topping CX-60 Azami range bundles in a set of 20-inch machined alloys, adaptive LED headlights, body-coloured mirrors, black Nappa leather upholstery, a surround-view camera, LED ambient lighting, frameless rear-view mirror, front cross-traffic alerts and an upgraded cruising and traffic support safety suite.

Range Features:

• 18-inch alloys

• LED headlights

• Keyless entry & start

• Adaptive cruise control

• Powered boot lift

• Cloth upholstery with leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear lever

• Head-up display

• 10.25-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto

• 20-inch alloys (GT)

• Panoramic Sunroof (GT) 

• Leather upholstery with heated front and rear seats (GT)

• 12.3-inch infotainment system & digital instrument cluster (GT)

• 20-inch alloys (Azami)

• Nappa leather upholstery with LED ambient lighting (Azami)

• Surround-view camera (Azami)

Mazda CX-60 Colours

Mazda’s CX-60 range is available in a choice of seven colours, including Platinum Quartz, Sonic Silver, Soul Red Crystal, Machine Grey, Deep Crystal Blue and Jet Black.

Is the Mazda CX-60 Comfortable to Drive?

With three choices of powertrains on offer, the driving experience on offer in the CX-60 family depends on which variant you’re opting for.

The base model is powered by a 3.3-litre turbocharged inline-six petrol engine with mild hybrid tech producing 209kW of power and 450Nm of torque, which offers a 0-100km/h sprint in 6.9 seconds.

Opting for Mazda’s CX-60 in diesel form installs a 3.3-litre turbo-diesel inline-six with the same 48V mild-hybrid system producing 187kW of power and 500Nm of torque, which has a slightly slower 0-100km/h time of 7.3 seconds.

The flagship CX-60 comes in the form of the plug-in hybrid, which pairs a 2.5-litre four-cylinder with an 100kW electric motor producing a very impressive 241kW of power and 500Nm of torque, making it Mazda’s most powerful car to hit the road.

The PHEV offers a spritely 0-100km/h time of 5.9 seconds, and has an all-electric driving range of 76km with a fully-charged battery on the ADR test cycle from its sizable 17.8kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

All CX-60 variants pick up a new eight-speed automatic transmission and a rear-biased all-wheel drive system that makes the platform feel agile on its feet and surprisingly dynamic for a family-friendly SUV.

Mazda’s SUV range is famous for its user-friendly nature, and this very much extends to the latest CX-60 range which is far more engaging to drive than Mazda’s previous SUV packages, while remaining exceptionally comfortable and stable at speed.

Around town, the CX-60 is incredibly user-friendly thanks to its lightweight steering rack and clever safety tech that keeps an eye on things you often can’t see, with the suspension package feeling great around town and offering enough stability on rougher B-roads.

In terms of pulling power, six-cylinder petrol and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants have braked towing capacities of 2500kg, which drops to 2000kg in the D50e diesel.

As a complete package, the CX-60 is impressive and gains from all the expertise and know-how Mazda has gained from its previous SUV creations, serving as a very promising sign of what’s to come from its next-generation family-friendly SUVs.

Is it Fuel Efficient?

Fuel efficiency was a key goal for Mazda in the development of the CX-60, and the primary driver of Mazda releasing a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant of the CX-60.

The base CX-60 six-cylinder petrol with its 48V mild hybrid tech returns combined cycle figures of 7.4L per 100km, while the diesel claims seriously impressive fuel efficiency figures of 4.9L per 100km.

Opting for the CX-60 in plug-in hybrid (PHEV) form drops the fuel economy figures to just 2.1L per 100km, though these figures require a full charge for the onboard 17.8kWh battery pack.

Is it Practical and Spacious?

Mazda’s updates for the CX-60 extend further than skin deep, with a redesigned and high-tech cabin making a very welcomed appearance, even in the most affordable base model.

Up front, the driver and passenger have a heap of visibility thanks to the large windows that make the package much more approachable around town, while the cabin itself looks familiar to Mazda, though receives a handful of clever new designs.

For example, the CX-60’s centre console is far bulkier than we’ve seen in a Mazda SUV, which allows for even more storage inside the centre-split armrest, storage trays behind the gear lever and a pair of cup holders under a folding cover.

While the base model receives black cloth upholstery, you still gain a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear lever which add to the premium nature of the CX-60’s cabin, which even in the entry-level Evolve, feels extremely refined and well-appointed.

Step further up into the range and Mazda adds Nappa leather upholstery and fabric for the dashboard which results in one of the most attractive interiors we’ve seen in the segment.

In terms of space in the second row, the CX-60’s rear seats are extremely generous when it comes to rear legroom, even for tall adults, though it is slightly lacking on headroom for adults due to that stylish sloping roofline design.

Having said that, the CX-60’s rear cabin is extremely comfortable, with passengers gaining a set of air vents, USB ports and even an AC outlet to charge laptops and power banks, making for a well-equipped second row for long road trips.

The CX-60 also receives two ISOFIX anchors in the second row, while the boot measures in at 477L, expanding to 1726L with the rear seats folded down to help accommodate large cargo and sports equipment.

All up, the CX-60’s cabin offers no compromises when it comes to family-friendly motoring, and as a complete package, upholds Mazda’s reputation as one of the finest designers of clever and attractive interiors in the game.

Is it Safe?

At the time of writing, the Mazda CX-60 is yet to receive an official ANCAP safety rating, though it has received a five-star rating from Euro NCAP, where it scored 88% for adult protection, 91% for child protection, 89% for vulnerable road user protection and 76% for safety assist.

It’s more than likely the CX-60 will receive ANCAP’s five-star safety rating when it is tested, considering the generous amount of safety equipment included as standard, even on the base model.

This list includes front and rear autonomous emergency braking with cyclist and pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, forward obstruction warnings, vehicle exit warnings, rear cross-traffic alerts, lane-keep assistance, a rear-view camera with front and rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control and driver attention monitoring.

The CX-60 Azami variants pick up a surround-view monitor and cruising and traffic support.

Our Verdict: Mazda CX-60 Worth it?

While the CX-60 commands a decent premium over Mazda’s other SUVs, it takes a confident step in the right direction and ticks all of the important boxes that SUV buyers continue to demand.

Inside, the design is both attractive and practical for growing families, while the platform itself is remarkably dynamic for a family SUV that will keep the driver engaged and entertained.

Perhaps more importantly, Mazda’s move to an all-hybrid powertrain range has been particularly impressive, with each engine offering healthy power and torque figures in line with fuel economy improvements.

As a result, the CX-60 is a difficult SUV to fault, and for that reason, is well deserving of a spot atop your shortlist if you’re looking for a midsize SUV package with a heap of substance.

On that note, if you’re in the market for a new car, you can get a free quote and see how much OnlineAuto can save you on your next car, or call us on 1300 719 925.

Five Specs You Need to Know

1. Five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty; eight-year warranty for PHEV’s battery

2. PHEV offers 76km of all-electric driving and 2.1L/100km economy figures

3. No official ANCAP safety rating, yet; 5-star Euro NCAP rating

4. Eight-speed automatic with a rear-biased, all-wheel drive system

5. 2500kg braked towing capacity drops to 2000kg in D50e diesel

Pros

• Well-equipped base model

• Fun and dynamic platform induces smiles

• Extremely attractive and practical interior designs

• Powerful plug-in hybrid flagship with outstanding fuel economy

Cons

• No official ANCAP rating, yet

• Firmer ride on certain country B-roads

OnlineAuto Rating 8.5/10

Mazda CX-60 Competition