Mazda CX 60

Crafted in Japan, tuned for Britain

Mazda’s CX‑60 represents one of the boldest shifts in the brand’s modern history. Positioned above the mainstream CX‑5 and sitting alongside the larger CX‑80, this is Mazda stepping confidently into premium territory – and doing so with a distinctly Japanese perspective rather than simply chasing the Germans. Last year, the CX‑60 receives subtle interior upgrades and meaningful chassis revisions, sharpening an already convincing large SUV package.

Design & Presence

There’s no mistaking the CX‑60 for anything other than a premium SUV. Its long bonnet, rear‑wheel‑drive proportions and deeply sculpted flanks mark a clear departure from Mazda’s previous crossovers. The Kodo design language feels more mature here, blending elegance with muscular intent. At 4,745mm long and nearly 1.9 metres wide, it has real road presence without feeling unwieldy on local roads.

Interior & Quality

Step inside and the CX‑60 immediately distances itself from mainstream rivals. Mazda’s “Crafted in Japan” philosophy is more than marketing fluff here – materials, textures and detailing feel genuinely special. Homura models gain new black Nappa leather seats, a darker headlining, and revised trim finishes, giving the cabin a more focused, sporting feel.

Top‑spec Takumi and Takumi Plus models remain highlights, with real maple wood, Japanese textiles and intricate stitching inspired by traditional Musubu binding techniques. Few rivals at this price point offer such a distinctive atmosphere.

Technology is strong across the range: a 12.3‑inch central display, head‑up display, digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto all feature, while higher trims benefit from a superb 12‑speaker Bose audio system.

Space & Practicality

Despite its premium positioning, the CX‑60 remains a family‑friendly proposition. A 570‑litre boot beats many premium rivals, expanding to 1,726 litres with the seats folded. Rear passenger space is generous thanks to the long wheelbase, and the 40:20:40 folding seats add flexibility for long loads.

Engines & Performance

Mazda resists the downsizing trend with one of the most interesting engine line‑ups in the class. The headline act is the 2.5‑litre PHEV, pairing a petrol engine with a 129kW electric motor for a total output of 327ps and 500Nm – officially the most powerful road car Mazda has ever built. It sprints to 60mph in 5.8 seconds and offers up to 39 miles of electric‑only range, making it appealing for company car drivers.

Diesel buyers are well served too, with a charismatic 3.3‑litre inline‑six offered in 200ps and 254ps forms. Using Mazda’s innovative DCPCI combustion technology and mild‑hybrid assistance, it combines strong real‑world economy with refined performance – a rarity in today’s SUV market.

Ride & Handling

Early CX‑60 models divided opinion for their firm suspension, but Mazda has listened. The rear suspension receives softer springs, firmer dampers and recalibrated stability systems. The result is a noticeably more settled ride over broken B‑roads, without losing the car’s impressive body control.

The rear‑wheel‑drive platform shines through in corners, delivering balance and steering feel that few SUVs can match at this size. It’s no sports car, but it feels engaged and confidence‑inspiring, particularly compared with more isolated premium rivals.

Safety & Technology

Safety credentials are excellent, with a five‑star Euro NCAP rating and a comprehensive suite of i‑Activsense driver assistance systems. Highlights include Advanced Smart City Brake Support, blind‑spot monitoring, lane‑keeping assist and – on Plus models – a clever See‑Through View 360‑degree camera system that makes tight parking far less stressful.

Pricing & Range

The 2025 Mazda CX‑60 is competitively priced against premium rivals, undercutting equivalents from Audi, BMW and Mercedes while offering generous standard equipment.

On‑the‑road prices:

• CX‑60 Exclusive‑Line PHEV – from £46,945
• CX‑60 Homura – from £50,095
• CX‑60 Takumi – from £51,045
• CX‑60 Homura Plus / Takumi Plus – rising to £53,000+ depending on specification

Diesel models are priced similarly, with the 254ps AWD variants sitting at the top of the range.

Verdict

The 2025 Mazda CX‑60 doesn’t try to mimic Germany’s premium SUVs – and that’s precisely why it works so well. It blends distinctive design, meticulous interior craftsmanship and an unusually interesting engine line‑up with genuine usability and strong value. The latest chassis updates address early criticisms, making this the most polished CX‑60 yet.

For buyers wanting something premium but different, the CX‑60 stands out as one of the most characterful large SUVs on sale in the UK today. And for me, especially in 6-cylinder diesel guise.