Summary
The Mazda CX-60 is a mid-sized SUV/crossover and the Japanese manufacturer’s first plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model, which first arrived on UK roads in Summer 2022.
The top-spec PHEV version is the only powertrain available at launch, with mild-hybrid petrol and diesel engine choices joining the range at a later date.
The CX-60 is also Mazda’s first foray into the upmarket SUV class, and for the Top Gear team, it falls just short of the lofty standards of its German competitors. “It’s a shame the powertrain isn’t more sorted and the handling not quite on par with premium rivals like the BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC and Audi Q5.”
Mike Duff of Autocar poses further questions about the car’s rear passenger space, commenting that adults will “feel squashed” while sitting in the back, and What Car? adds that premium alternatives are quieter on the road.
It is “far from perfect”, Parker‘s Richard Kilpatrick explains, but the CX-60 does offer a well-equipped and “beautifully trimmed” interior and “excellent cruising ability” for considerably cheaper than the likes of the BMW X3. Dave Humphreys of The Sunday Times also points out that this Mazda “has a longer battery range than many of the other PHEVs it competes against” too.
As of September 2024, the Mazda CX-60 currently holds a New Car Expert Rating of A with a score of 71%.
CX-60 highlights
- High-quality interior
- Competitive PHEV battery range
- Well-equipped as standard
CX-60 lowlights
- Rather noisy engines
- Alternatives have more rear cabin space
- Other PHEVs are more efficient
Key specifications
Body style: Medium SUV
Engines: petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid
Price: From £43,950 on-road
Launched: Summer 2022
Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
The Car Expert
Model reviewed: 2.5-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid Exclusive-Line
Score: 8.3 / 10
“The Mazda CX-60 is not only Mazda’s biggest and most powerful car but it’s best yet, the PHEV drivetrain offering performance to go with the comfort and quality of build.” (Andrew Charman)
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Auto Express
Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The extra power and all-wheel drive capability of the diesel Mazda CX-60 in this form is welcome, while the wonderfully anachronistic inline-six under the bonnet is as likeable as ever, and should prove frugal. The top-of-the-line Takumi trim is an expensive proposition, however, and the at-times choppy ride remains a bone of contention.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Offering a quality cabin and generous levels of standard equipment, the Mazda CX-60 is a worthy contender in the premium, mid-size SUV class.” (Paul Adam)
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Model reviewed: 2.5-litre petrol-electric plug-in hybrid AWD Takumi
Score: 8 / 10
“Mazda’s first fully-fledged premium SUV is a solid effort. The cabin delivers a unique feel and plenty of quality in top-spec Takumi trim, which is also good value compared with established premium rivals.” (Sean Carson)
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Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
” A good level of standard equipment makes the Mazda relatively good value for money, too, and it’s pretty roomy inside. The driving experience is mostly refined, though it isn’t as sporty to drive as the power output might suggest. Nevertheless, the CX-60 is an interesting new consideration for private and company car buyers alike.”
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Autocar
Model reviewed: E-Skyactiv D 3.3 RWD Exclusive-Line
Score: 7 / 10
“Mazda has made the peculiar decision to develop an all-new diesel engine and launch it in a market that is moving away from the fuel towards EVs and plug-in hybrids. It needs to make a statement with the CX-60’s fuel economy, and there is no doubt that it is very economical.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 3.3 e-Skyactiv D AWD
Score: 7 / 10
“With such an ambitious, unusual powertrain, you wouldn’t expect the car’s ride and handling balance to undermine it, but this is the case. Equally, if you like the idea of a handsome, spacious, uncommon SUV that’s quietly rewarding on the right road and will easily get 50mpg, the CX-60 is still worth exploring.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 3.3-litre diesel automatic Exclusive-Line
Score: 7 / 10
“In many ways, Mazda still clearly has a bit to learn about making really convincing, premium-level passenger cars. But in one respect – a 3.3-litre six-pot diesel engine that feels ideal for towing and long-distance driving, and can return 50mpg easily – it’s now got a selling point that plenty of us, could surely find a use for.” (Matt Saunders)
Read review
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“While space up front of the Mazda CX-60 is good, with a decent range of positional adjustment, room in the back is far tighter. Full-sized adults are going to feel squashed back there if front-seat occupants are making the most of their space.” (Mike Duff)
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Business Car
Model reviewed: 3.3 e-Skyactiv D MHEV (2023)
Score: 7 / 10
“The CX-60 diesel’s efficiency impresses, but we think its BIK figure and the general stigmatisation towards diesel power for company vehicles will make this Mazda a tough sell in the UK.” (Martyn Collins)
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Model reviewed: 2.5-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid Homura
Score: 8 / 10
“Overall, the Mazda CX-60 impresses. It’s high quality, well-equipped, offers a keen drive and is cheaper to buy and run than premium rivals. Plus, strong residual values mean this Mazda performs well on a cost-per-mile basis.” (Martyn Collins)
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Car
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“We admire how Mazda is sticking to its guns – larger, naturally-aspirated engines are its route to improved efficiency – but somehow it doesn’t completely gel in the way its more polished premium rivals do.”
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.2 / 10
“The Mazda CX-60 is the brand’s first plug-in hybrid, and is an interesting alternative to premium PHEVs from BMW and Audi.” (Miles Goodson)
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Driving Electric
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Mazda’s first plug-in hybrid features a high-quality cabin and plenty of standard kit to match German rivals, although less expensive alternatives from Hyundai and Kia are more efficient.”
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Electrifying.com
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
““I can’t believe Mazda’s engineers couldn’t find some way to get an extra mile of electric range in order to slip under the BIK barriers. At 12% it’s just not competitive – Range Rover PHEV drivers will pay less in tax every year than the CX-60 driver.” (Ginny Buckley)
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Evo
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“Where the Mazda does trail its rivals is overall refinement. Tyre roar is fairly pronounced, and when running at motorway speeds in EV mode there’s nowhere for it to hide without the white noise of a combustion engine to distract you.” (Jordan Katsianis)
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Heycar
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The CX-60 faces a challenge in tempting buyers away from the Audi Q5 and Mercedes GLC but its superb interior, competitive price and the plug-in hybrid’s generous electric range make it a very appealing choice.”
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Honest John
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The new Mazda CX-60 is one of the most interesting SUVs to hit the market in recent years. Its posh interior is just as impressive as much more expensive alternatives, while its hybrid powertrain means it ought to be cheap to run. Standard equipment levels are good although it does lack a little polish in terms of refinement.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7.6 / 10
“Lined up against similarly-priced rivals, it suddenly feels more competitive, with the hugely competent Toyota RAV-4 or Peugeot 3008 outclassed by the new Mazda. Overall it’s likeable, but far from perfect.”
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The Scotsman
Model reviewed: 3.3-litre diesel automatic
Score: 7 / 10
“The all-wheel-drive Mazda CX-60 is a premium package with an engaging drive and a great engine, but it’s not without its problems.”
Author: Steven Chisholm
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The Sun
Model reviewed: Range overview
“That’s hot hatch fast and it feels it from behind the wheel. Together with its accurate steering, snappy auto ‘box, grippy all-wheel-drive and ability to stay nicely upright in bends, the CX-60 is a hoot to drive.”
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The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The CX-60 is worthy of flagship status and showcases how Mazda is on top of its game regarding design and interior quality. Standard equipment levels are generous and, perhaps most importantly, it has a longer battery range than many of the other PHEVs it competes against.”
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: 2.5-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid Homura
Score: 6 / 10
“There are problems with the way the Mazda CX-60 drives, which is a shame because in other ways it’s very likeable. It’s good value – indeed, none of its rivals can match its combination of price, power and fuel efficiency. While the interior lacks sparkle, it’s functional, practical and very easy to get along with. If only Mazda had dialled out that pitching, bouncing character of the suspension, this would be a very recommendable car.” (Alex Robbins)
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Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Mazda CX-60 has the hallmarks of being another likeable Mazda, thanks to its very well-appointed and logical cabin, a huge amount of standard kit and reasonable driving dynamics. But while the plug-in hybrid delivers an undeniable turn of speed, it’s a shame the powertrain isn’t more sorted.”
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What Car?
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“The Mazda CX-60 is a well-priced large SUV that’s fun to drive and offers low running costs with a plush interior. The battery range and company car tax costs don’t quite match the best in its class, though, and the firm ride won’t suit everyone. There are quieter and more spacious rivals out there.”
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Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: October 2022
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 88%
Child protection: 91%
Vulnerable road users: 89%
Safety assist: 76%
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of September 2024, the Mazda CX-60 has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
No reliability rating
The Mazda CX-60 is a fairly new model, so we don’t have enough reliability data on the CX-60 to generate a reliability rating.
The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively for us using warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy. As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the CX-60, we’ll publish the score here.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
Fuel consumption | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
Diesel models | 55 mpg | B | 54 – 57 mpg | B – B |
Plug-in hybrid models | 188 mpg | A | 188 – 188 mpg | A – A |
CO₂ output | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
Diesel models | 136 g/km | B | 129 – 139 g/km | A – B |
Plug-in hybrid models | 33 g/km | A | 33 – 33 g/km | A – A |
Battery range | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
Plug-in hybrid models | 39 miles | D | 39 – 39 miles | D – D |
Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
All models | 42 | D | 38 – 50 | C – F |
Service and maintenance | Cost | Score |
Year 1 | £312 | C |
Year 2 | £762 | C |
Year 3 | £1,200 | C |
Year 4 | £1,431 | C |
Year 5 | £1,918 | C |
Overall | £5,623 | C |
The Mazda CX-60 is an affordable car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
Fuel economy is among the best in its class – Diesel models offer around 55mpg, while top-spec plug-in hybrid models can reportedly muster around 188mpg. The plug-in hybrid models look amazing on paper, but this is largely thanks to ridiculous EU/UK government lab tests that are completely inadequate for plug-in hybrids. There is no way you will ever travel for 188 miles on a single gallon (4.5 litres) of fuel and some electricity…
While the CX-60’s insurance premiums are a bit higher than the market average, the SUV’s service and maintenance costs are pretty average.
Awards
2023
- Fleet World Awards – Best Fleet Large SUV
- UK News Motoring Awards – Best Large SUV
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Mazda CX-60, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Alfa Romeo Stelvio | Audi Q5 | BMW X4 | DS 7 Crossback | Genesis GV70 | Jaguar F-Pace | Kia Sorento | Land Rover Discovery Sport | Lexus NX | Mercedes-Benz GLC | Porsche Macan | Range Rover Velar | Toyota RAV4 | Volkswagen Tiguan | Volvo XC60
More information
More news, reviews and information about the Mazda CX-60 at The Car Expert
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