Introduction: Mazda Takes Its Premium Dream Seriously
Mazda CX-60 has always been that automaker that quietly punches above its weight. While everyone else shouted about horsepower and luxury, Mazda simply delivered beautifully designed cars that felt special to drive. And now, they’re stepping deeper into the premium SUV market with the Mazda CX-60, an ambitious mid-size SUV built to challenge well-known European rivals.
| Category | Key Highlights of the Mazda CX-60 |
|---|---|
| Engine | Powerful inline powertrains with strong torque and smooth delivery |
| Interior | Premium materials, wide dashboard, solid craftsmanship |
| Technology | Large infotainment screen, driver-assist suite, clean UI |
| Ride & Handling | Sharp steering, stable chassis, sporty road manners |
This isn’t just another family SUV. Mazda wants the CX-60 to be seen as a genuinely premium product—a machine that blends strong performance, sleek styling, great craftsmanship, and smart technology into one impressive package. But of course, no SUV is perfect, and the CX-60 brings along a few surprises, both good and not-so-good, that buyers should know about.
Exterior Design: Elegant, Mature, and Confident
Park the Mazda CX-60 in any parking lot and it stands out immediately—not because it screams for attention, but because it carries itself with a calm, mature presence. Mazda’s Kodo design language has always been about elegance through simplicity, and the CX-60 pushes that philosophy further.
The front grille is wide and sculpted, with sharp LED headlights that blend smoothly into the body. The long hood gives the SUV a rear-wheel-drive stance even when viewed from a distance. Mazda wanted this SUV to look premium without adding unnecessary flash, and they’ve succeeded. The side profile is clean and powerful with a slightly muscular shoulder line flowing toward the back.
At the rear, the design stays consistent—minimalist, modern, and tasteful. Slim taillamps, a tidy bumper, and a tight, athletic stance give the CX-60 a refined European feel. This SUV looks more expensive than it actually is, and that’s a major win for Mazda.
Engine and Performance: Surprising Muscle Under the Hood
One of the biggest highlights of the Mazda CX-60 is its available powertrains. Mazda has gone bold. Instead of downsized turbo engines, the company offers larger, more refined inline power units that deliver strong torque and smooth acceleration. Whether you pick the petrol, diesel, or plug-in hybrid, the CX-60 feels energetic and capable in real-world driving.
The acceleration is smooth, and the throttle response is sharp for an SUV this size. You feel a surge of usable power whether you’re crawling through city traffic or pushing on a fast highway. Mazda’s engineering team clearly tuned the CX-60 to feel athletic, not sluggish.
The eight-speed automatic transmission is new and has both strengths and quirks. In most situations, shifts are clean and well-timed. But occasionally, especially in low-speed driving, gear changes can feel slightly indecisive. Not a deal-breaker, but something buyers will notice.
Still, the overall power delivery feels premium. There’s genuine confidence underneath the hood, and the CX-60 pulls strongly without strain.
Handling and Ride: Sharp Steering, Firm Road Feel
Mazda has always been known for creating cars that feel alive, and the CX-60 stays true to that identity. The steering is sharp and communicative, giving you a sense of connection with the road. Many drivers will find it surprisingly sporty for an SUV of this size.
The chassis is stiff and well-balanced. On twisty roads, the Mazda CX-60 feels planted and stable. The rear-wheel-drive platform gives it a dynamic character that you simply don’t get in many crossovers. If you enjoy driving, you will instantly appreciate the CX-60’s handling.
But here’s the surprise: the ride quality can feel firmer than expected. Over smooth highways, the SUV glides effortlessly. On rougher roads, however, the suspension can send a bit more feedback than some buyers may want, especially those expecting buttery-soft comfort from a premium SUV. It’s not uncomfortable, but it leans more toward sportiness than pure luxury softness.
For some buyers, this is a plus. For others, it may take time to get used to.
Interior Quality: Mazda’s Most Premium Cabin Yet
Step inside the Mazda CX-60, and you instantly understand Mazda’s premium ambitions. The cabin is one of the best in the segment, even when compared to much higher-priced competitors. The materials feel genuinely upscale. Soft leather, brushed metal accents, real stitching, and elegant wood trims come together beautifully.
The dashboard layout is wide and horizontal, giving the cabin a sense of space. Mazda has kept buttons where they matter most, avoiding the trap of burying everything in the touchscreen. Even the climate controls are simple, clean, and functional.
The seats deserve special praise—they’re supportive, well-cushioned, and comfortable for long journeys. Mazda’s use of high-quality foam and ergonomic shaping makes the CX-60 feel tailor-made for relaxed driving.
Rear passengers get good legroom and headroom, and the cargo space is generous and practical. Whether you’re running weekend errands or going on long road trips, the CX-60 interior feels like a genuinely premium environment.
Technology and Infotainment: Clean, Smart, and Easy to Use
Mazda hasn’t gone overboard with gimmicky tech features in the CX-60. Instead, everything feels thoughtfully integrated. The large infotainment display is bright and crisp. Mazda continues to use its rotary controller instead of making the screen fully touch-based while driving, which eliminates fingerprint smudges and distraction.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available, and wireless options work smoothly. The digital instrument cluster is sharp and customizable, showing maps, driving assist info, and performance details with clarity.
Driver-assist features include adaptive cruise control, lane assist, blind-spot detection, and advanced collision prevention. In daily driving, these features work quietly in the background without being overly intrusive.
The audio system is strong, especially in the higher trims where the premium speaker setup transforms the cabin into a mini-theatre.
Overall, the tech experience in the Mazda CX-60 is a strong mix of modern convenience and simple usability—exactly what most drivers want.
Practicality: Built for Everyday Life
Buyers often choose mid-size SUVs because they want practicality, and the Mazda CX-60 delivers exactly that. The doors open wide, the seats fold easily, and the cargo area has useful storage pockets. Whether you’re carrying luggage, groceries, strollers, or sports gear, the CX-60 adapts without fuss.
The cabin has enough small compartments for your everyday items—wallets, sunglasses, water bottles, chargers, all fit neatly. The visibility from the driver’s seat is excellent thanks to smart mirror placement and a low dashboard profile.
Mazda has also worked on improving cabin insulation, and it shows. Wind noise and road noise are impressively low, even at higher speeds.
Fuel Efficiency and Running Costs: Great Real-World Numbers
Mazda’s larger engines might sound thirsty on paper, but they’re surprisingly efficient in real-world driving. The plug-in hybrid variant, especially, offers very low fuel usage for daily commuting. Even the petrol and diesel options deliver strong mileage when driven smoothly.
The aerodynamic design helps reduce drag, while the smart gearbox tuning keeps the engine in the most efficient zones. For long-term owners, this means lower running costs compared to many competitors.
Mazda has also designed the CX-60 for easy maintenance, which helps reduce service expenses over time.
Comfort and Long-Distance Cruising: Smooth, Quiet, and Premium
On long trips, the Mazda CX-60 feels calm and composed. The seats remain comfortable even after hours of driving. The refined engine note, smooth gearbox, and quiet cabin create a relaxing environment.
The firm suspension mentioned earlier becomes less noticeable on highways, where the CX-60 feels steady and planted. Families will appreciate the spacious back seat, while drivers will enjoy the confident handling and strong acceleration.
If you’re planning cross-country journeys, the CX-60 will not disappoint.
Notable Shortcomings: Where Mazda Still Needs to Improve
No SUV is perfect, and the Mazda CX-60 has its share of drawbacks. The suspension’s firmness may not be ideal for people who prefer a soft luxury ride. The gearbox, although smooth most of the time, can feel slightly hesitant at low speeds.
Some of the premium options can make the price creep up, bringing it close to entry-level luxury SUVs. And while the infotainment system is clean and sharp, some buyers may still prefer a full touchscreen experience.
These aren’t deal-breakers, but they’re worth keeping in mind before making your decision.
Final Verdict: A Premium SUV That Feels Special
The Mazda CX-60 stands as one of the most impressive SUVs Mazda has ever built. It’s premium without being pretentious. It’s powerful without being wasteful. It’s stylish without being loud. It’s comfortable without being boring.
Mazda has created an SUV that truly feels special. If you want a premium experience without paying German luxury prices, the CX-60 deserves a spot at the top of your list.
Sharp handling, strong performance, premium materials, and smart technology—all packed into one surprisingly well-priced SUV. It has flaws, but none big enough to overshadow everything it gets right.
Mazda aimed high with the CX-60, and it shows.
FAQs About the Mazda CX-60
Is the Mazda CX-60 a luxury SUV?
While not officially a luxury brand, the Mazda CX-60 delivers premium materials, strong tech, and impressive performance that place it very close to luxury competitors.
How does the Mazda CX-60 drive?
It drives with sharp steering, strong acceleration, and a sporty feel, although the suspension leans on the firmer side.
Is the Mazda CX-60 fuel-efficient?
Yes. Its powertrains, especially the plug-in hybrid version, offer excellent real-world fuel efficiency.
Is the interior of the Mazda CX-60 premium?
Absolutely. The cabin features soft-touch materials, a wide layout, comfortable seats, and clean design, giving it a premium feel.
Who should buy the Mazda CX-60?
Anyone who wants a stylish, powerful, premium-feeling SUV with great handling and strong value without paying a luxury-brand price.