Mazda Cx 60
Used Car Review

Overview

Looking for a premium family SUV that combines Japanese craftsmanship with European sophistication? The Mazda CX-60 might be exactly what you need. This stylish mid-size SUV represents Mazda’s ambitious push into the premium market, offering a compelling blend of striking design, refined interior quality, and innovative powertrain options. It’s perfect for families who want something more distinctive than the usual German offerings.

From the first glance, the CX-60 makes a bold statement. Its dramatic proportions and flowing lines give it genuine road presence that sets it apart from rivals like the BMW X3 or Mercedes GLC. The interior feels genuinely upmarket too, with beautiful materials and a driver-focused layout that reflects Mazda’s attention to detail. You get the sense that every surface has been carefully considered.

The CX-60 aims to deliver a more engaging driving experience than typical family SUVs. Its balanced chassis and responsive steering make even mundane journeys feel more involving, while the hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains offer impressive efficiency. While it commands a premium price over more mainstream alternatives, you’re getting a genuinely different proposition. It’s a car that proves you don’t need a German badge to enjoy premium quality and refinement in your daily driving.

What's the Mazda CX-60 Like to Drive?

The Mazda CX-60 offers a sophisticated range of powertrain options designed for refinement and efficiency rather than outright speed. The entry-level 3.3-litre straight-six diesel produces around 200 horsepower and delivers smooth, torquey performance that’s ideal for family duties and longer journeys. For those wanting more power, the plug-in hybrid version combines a 2.5-litre petrol engine with electric motors to produce 327 horsepower, offering genuine pace with 0-60 mph in around 5.8 seconds.

What impresses most about the CX-60 is its composed and refined driving character. The steering is well-weighted and accurate, giving you confidence on twisty country roads while remaining light enough for city manoeuvres. The suspension setup strikes an excellent balance between comfort and control. It absorbs most road imperfections smoothly, yet the SUV remains composed through corners with minimal body roll. The eight-speed automatic gearbox operates smoothly, contributing to the overall sense of refinement that makes every journey feel effortless.

How Comfortable Is the Mazda CX-60?

Step inside the CX-60 and you’re immediately struck by the premium ambience. The cabin design is both elegant and functional, with high-quality materials throughout including soft-touch plastics, genuine wood trim, and beautifully finished metal details. The dashboard layout is refreshingly uncluttered, with physical controls for key functions alongside a crisp 12.3-inch infotainment screen. The front seats are superbly comfortable and supportive, with plenty of adjustment to help you find the perfect driving position.

Refinement levels are impressive, with excellent sound insulation keeping road and wind noise at bay. This creates a serene environment that’s perfect for longer journeys or daily commutes. The rear seats offer generous space for adults, while the elevated driving position provides excellent visibility all around. Standard equipment is comprehensive, including wireless smartphone integration, premium audio system, and advanced safety features. Higher trim levels add luxuries like heated and ventilated seats, premium leather upholstery, and ambient lighting that further enhance the upmarket feel.

The Mazda CX-60 succeeds brilliantly at bringing genuine premium quality and distinctive style to the competitive mid-size SUV segment. Its beautiful interior, refined driving experience, and innovative powertrain options make it a compelling alternative to the usual German suspects. The plug-in hybrid system is particularly impressive, offering both performance and efficiency for those who can charge regularly. The trade-offs are a higher price than some competitors and perhaps not quite the badge prestige of BMW or Mercedes. The infotainment system, while functional, isn’t quite as slick as the best German systems. However, these are minor concerns for a car that delivers so much character and quality. If you appreciate distinctive design, genuine craftsmanship, and want something that stands out from the SUV crowd, the CX-60 is an excellent choice. It proves that premium quality doesn’t require a German postcode.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Mazda CX-60?

The CX-60’s running costs are competitive for a premium SUV, particularly if you choose the plug-in hybrid variant. The PHEV model can achieve over 180 mpg on the official cycle when driven with regular charging, translating to very low fuel costs for typical daily driving. Even the diesel version returns respectable economy figures in the mid-30s MPG range. Insurance costs are reasonable for the class, though they’ll be higher than for mainstream alternatives.

The initial purchase price reflects the CX-60’s premium positioning, starting from around £46,000 and rising to over £55,000 for top-spec models. While this is significant investment, you’re getting genuine premium quality and technology. Car finance options help make the monthly costs more manageable, and Mazda’s reputation for reliability should help keep long-term ownership costs reasonable. The PHEV models also benefit from lower company car tax rates, making them particularly attractive for business users looking for a premium family SUV.

Is the Mazda CX-60 Practical for Everyday Use?

The CX-60 proves surprisingly practical for a stylish SUV. The 570-litre boot is generous for the class, easily accommodating family luggage, shopping, or sports equipment. The rear seats fold in a 40:20:40 split, creating a flexible loading area when you need to carry longer items. Inside the cabin, there’s good storage throughout, with decent-sized door pockets, cup holders, and a useful centre console compartment for everyday items.

Where the CX-60 particularly excels is in rear passenger space. The long wheelbase translates to genuine room for adult passengers, making it genuinely suitable for families or anyone who regularly carries rear-seat passengers. The elevated seating position provides excellent visibility for all occupants. Compared to some used Mazda cars, the CX-60 represents a significant step up in space and refinement. Its practical dimensions make it ideal for families who want something more special than the typical German premium SUVs, without sacrificing everyday usability.

The Mazda CX-60 establishes itself as a genuine contender in the premium SUV market through exceptional build quality, distinctive styling, and thoughtful engineering. It combines Mazda’s renowned attention to detail with modern hybrid technology to create a family SUV that feels genuinely special to own and drive. The interior quality rivals anything from Germany, while the driving experience offers more engagement than most competitors.

You choose the CX-60 because you want a premium SUV that doesn’t follow the crowd. Its sophisticated design, refined powertrain options, and genuine quality make it perfect for discerning families who appreciate craftsmanship and style. Whether you opt for the efficient diesel or the innovative PHEV, you’re getting a car that makes every journey feel more special. For those seeking cars under £50,000 with genuine premium appeal, the CX-60 should be high on your shortlist.