No CX-60 For The U.S: A Missed Opportunity For Mazda

This is the 2023 Mazda CX-60, the Japanese automaker’s most important vehicle in a decade. Why? Well, it builds on the immensely popular CX-5, and now for the very first time, Mazda has produced a plug-in hybrid with the CX-60. Believe it or not, the combined power output from the PHEV system makes this humble crossover, the most powerful Mazda in history.

While it won’t be coming to the United States, the CX-60 debuts the brand’s intent to take on the mid-size luxury SUV segment in other markets. It does however give us a good idea of what to expect from the upcoming CX-70, heading our way. This crop of upcoming Mazda SUVs should serve as an alternative to premium German rivals, that currently dominate this space.

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The crossover segment is fiercely competitive and in order to distinguish itself, Mazda had to do something different. They chose to play on their strengths by offering up something that the brand is famous for; a phenomenal drive. Choosing the path of driver engagement, Mazda aims to put the “sport” back in SUV. And they may be on the right path.

As a result, the CX-60 has an all-new platform called the Skyactiv Multi-Solution Scalable Architecture that’s compatible with a longitudinal engine and rear-wheel-drive layout. Mazda plans on utilizing this platform in the future on upcoming models, including the upcoming CX-70 and CX-90. The Skyavtiv Multi-Solution Scalable Architecture is a modern workhorse that allows hybrid tech to perform alongside internal combustion units.

Not only is the Japanese automaker taking a leap with new systems and architecture, but the power initiative has made bounds in its own respect. Introducing Mazda’s foray into modern hybrid automobiles, the 2023 CX-60 features a powerful hybrid powertrain that can both make your eyes water and save money at the pump. The first hybrid entry in Mazda’s line-up is also the most powerful among any model, past or present, by the iconic automaker.

UPDATE: 2024/03/03 at 15:00

Just like the mid-size CX-70 and CX-90 mid-size SUVs that debuted in 2023 and 2204, the CX-60 is Mazda’s two-row mid-size crossover that is part of the Japanese automaker’s Large Product platform that is offered across the pond and in several other global markets. While this model won’t be making it Stateside, it was the first model based on this platform to break cover, and we have given this guide a comprehensive update to reflect what’s offered with this Mazda SUV.

This guide provides comprehensive information provided by the manufacturer. TopSpeed sourced additional data for reliability (from J.D. Power), EPA gas mileage (Fueleconomy.gov), and safety ratings (EuroNcap, IIHS). We evaluated five different metrics when determining a rating for each model. You can
read our Methodology page
for more information about how our rating system works.

What’s New For 2023?

Up until now, compared to the rest of the industry, Mazda hadn’t really embraced electrification. But that’s starting to change. Mazda eased it in with models like the MX-30 and the Mazda-2 hybrid, but the CX-60 represents a significant shift in the Japanese brand’s strategy to begin the transition to complete electrification of its line-up by 2030 and this Mazda Hybrid sure does set the tone on where the brand wants to go.

It is part of Mazda’s SUV lineup expansion that will destroy its luxury competitors. It also includes models like the CX-70, CX-80, and CX90, due over the coming two years. The CX-70 with two rows and CX-90 with three rows (set to replace the CX-9) will cater to North American markets. Expect more Mazda Hybrid models to follow suit.

In a bid to improve the dynamics of the CX-60, Mazda has also worked on fine-tuning the chassis, which now blends comfort with driving pleasure, emphasizing Jinba Ittai – a feeling of oneness between the car and driver.

With the additional weight of the battery pack, this was a given. However, don’t expect it to be as nimble as the CX-5. The CX-60 has a bigger footprint. However, it should provide a superior drive when compared to the competition.

2023 Highlights

• Boasts the most powerful engine ever in a Mazda vehicle
• Also, it has the first hybrid powertrain by Mazda
• Premium luxury cabin features and tech border on the opulent
• Various color coats allow the CX-60 to further distinguish itself from other crossovers
• Utilizes Mazda’s latest platform to squeeze every bit of fun out of the powertrain and drivetrain

Exterior Design

The Mazda CX-60’s styling is familiar yet different. You can clearly see the Mazda influence and the front fascia might remind you of the CX-5, albeit with a bit more chrome. But the proportions are clearly odd. The long hood and extra length convey its rear-wheel-drive intent and, as a result, it doesn’t look like your typical crossover that packs a transverse engine.

Further, the lack of character lines and the extra length on the car’s sides are clearly influenced by the Japanese philosophy of “less is more”. The contrast between the new CX-60’s high beltline and the sloping roofline towards the rear showcases this nicely. With a wide grille integrated into the new LED headlights as standard, the front appearance is unmistakably Mazda. The tail lights, meanwhile, are similar to those on the CX-5.

The base-exclusive line features plastic body cladding and flat plastic trim around the windows and 18″ rims. The mid-spec Homura takes a sportier approach with a blacked-out honeycomb grille and larger 20-inch rims along with body-colored cladding. The top-of-the-line Takumi trim offers a signature bar-type structure on the grille with chrome wing mirrors and 20-inch machined alloy wheels. These changes do make it appear like the most premium Mazda to date.

Exterior Colors

As for exterior colors, only the base Arctic White shade comes as standard. The remaining colors are all optional extras, with the Soul Red Crystal being the most expensive of the bunch.

Available Exterior Color Coats

• Arctic White (Standard)
• Deep Crystal Blue
• Jet Black
• Platinum Quartz
• Sonic Silver
• Machine Grey
• Rhodium White
• Soul Red Crystal

Exterior Dimensions

(Source: Mazda)

Engine Specifications And Performance

Currently, there are only three trims available for the 2023 CX-60:

• Exclusive line
• Homura
• Takumi hybrid

Regardless of the trim you choose, the CX-60 features the all-new naturally aspirated e-Skyactive 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The gas engine produces 192 horsepower. It’s paired with a 100 kW electric motor that produces 136 horsepower. Combined, the powertrain has an output of 323 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, making the CX-60, the most powerful production Mazda, ever.

Power goes to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox, which you can also control using the paddle shifters. A 17.8 kWh lithium-ion battery powers the electric motor, and it allows the CX-60 to go up to 40 miles in electric mode. This battery supports up to 7.2 kW and you should be able to charge it in about 4 hours.

Accompanying the show-stopping hybrid powerhouse are two upcoming alternative power sources. The 2023 Mazda CX-60 will offer an available 3.3-liter gas or 3.3-liter diesel inline-six engine option for those who aren’t yet ready to take the hybrid plunge. Both non-PHEV options feature a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that assists with cruising speed transition and stop-and-go lag.

Performance Specifications

(Source: Mazda)

Towing Capabilities And Payload Capacity

The towing capability of the 2023 CX-60 is about what you’d expect from a luxury crossover. Maybe even a bit better. Compared to some full-size competition, the CX-60 falls short of impressive. An available towing package will allow it to haul up to 5,500 pounds under the correct settings, which include the Mi-Drive tow mode. That’s enough to tow a set of jet skis to the lake or haul a few 2-by-4s home from the home improvement store.

(Source: Mazda)

Off-Road Capability

The CX-60 isn’t generally built for pure off-road shenanigans. However, there is an off-road driving mode that interacts with the AWD and brakes to provide extra traction when in uneven terrain. That said, it wouldn’t be wise to challenge a Jeep or Bronco anywhere other than the road; maybe not even there.

The classy and sophisticated nature of the CX-60 doesn’t entirely give one the urge to drive it off-road, especially considering the suspension and tuning are tuned toward comfort and smooth driving, rather than articulate off-road adventuring. This means the going may be a bit stiff and head-rattling if you do decide to trek beyond the pavement. Moving on to driving modes, you have five to choose from the standard Mi-Drive Mazda system.

2023 CX-60 Driving Modes

• Normal
• Sport
• Off-Road
• Towing
• EV Mode

Interior Technology And Comfort

Best Interior Features Of The 2023 Mazda CX-60

• Premium Nappa leather upholstery
• Real wood and premium accent material gives the feeling of true upscale quality
• Ample interior volume
• Premium technology, including sound system and facial recognition capability
• Extensive safety and assist suite

Cars like the Mazda CX-5 always had an edge in terms of interior design and build quality when compared to the likes of the Honda CRV, the Toyota Rav4, and the Nissan Rogue. But with the Mazda CX-60, the brand now faces a tough task in competing with high-end German SUVs.

To showcase its upscale aspirations, Mazda has seriously upped the ante on the inside. Fine materials such as maple wood, metal, and premium Japanese fabrics on the dashboard, complete with a Nappa leather interior with contrast stitching on the top-spec Takumi trim. There are a few tactile buttons on the dashboard, and the cabin emphasizes sleek lines.

Technology

Clearly, one area where the CX-60 shines is with rear-seat legroom, thanks to its longer wheelbase over the CX-5. What should make it feel even roomier is the optional sunroof, which should flood enough natural light into the cabin. The CX-60 is pretty featured-packed. Right from the base trim, you get heated front seats and heated steering, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto mobile phone compatibility.

Other standard features include a head-up display, a 12.3-inch screen for the infotainment system, and an equally large driver’s display. The Homura trim includes stuff like ambient lighting, ventilated front and rear seats, and a premium 12-speaker Bose surround sound system.

Another noteworthy tech feature is a facial recognition feature that makes use of a camera. It identifies your eye level and body size and automatically adjusts the seat, steering wheel, external mirrors, and flat-screen display (Homura and Takumi trims) accordingly. This is a highly futuristic step for a brand known for mainstream compliance. However, when we consider Mazda’s push toward a more luxurious offering, it comes as no surprise that the latest CX-60 includes cutting-edge features.

Interior Dimensions

(Source: Mazda)

Safety And Reliability

The frame and structure of the 2023 CX-60 are inherently stable, putting ultimate control in the hands of the driver. The latest in Mazda’s platform architecture proves to be a solid and versatile underpinning, which pairs well with the CX-60’s comfort-oriented suspension and selectable drive modes.

Not to mention a nifty feature Mazda likes to call Kinematic Posture Control, which interacts with the brakes when cornering to limit body roll and enhances upright control when ducking into -and leaping out of- tight turns. These features work in concert to provide the CX-60 with incredible balance and confidence, which ultimately leads to safe, and fun, driving.

Driver Assistance Features

The list of safety and driver-assist features is pretty exhaustive, as you’d expect for a vehicle in this class. Apart from the airbags and ABS which come as standard, the CX-60 also packs blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, hill descent control, and more. Below are some noteworthy additions to the safety suite.

• Hill Launch Assist
• 360° view
• Turn-by-turn assistance
• Pedestrian detection
• Intelligent adaptive cruise control
• Reverse vehicle approach warning

Euro NCAP Crash Testing

NHTSA and IIHS Safety Ratings are not available at this time. However, foreign governments, some of which already have the CX-60, have conducted research of their own regarding the CX-60’s safety. Their results may well hint at what we can expect from U.S. testing standards. Though no solid crash tests from American testing agencies are available, the CX-60’s brand mates have been steadily racking up IIHS Top Safety Picks. This is also a good sign from the Japanese automaker, as they seem to have hit their stride in terms of vehicle build and construction.

Euro NCAP Safety Rating

(Source: EuroNcap)

Warranties

Mazda offers a pretty basic warranty, which doesn’t include complimentary maintenance. However, a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty and 24/7 roadside assistance for three years is a nice consolation.

(Source: Mazda)

2023 Mazda CX-60 Versus Its Competitors

Mazda had no problem overtaking their usual competition. However, when in the luxury arena, brands including BMW, Lexus, and Land Rover are names to take very seriously. Suffice to say Mazda took notes when studying the enemy, for lack of better phrasing, and made the most of an economically-minded luxury experience with the CX-60. That said, the BMW X3 still serves as a poster child for sporty SUVs, while across the board the Lexus RX challenges Mazda’s outlook on Japanese luxury.

How The Mazda CX-60 Compares To The 2023 BMW X3

• 	2023 Mazda CX-60	2023 BMW X3
  Model	2023 Mazda CX-60	X3
  Engine	2.5-L I-4 with AC motor	2.0L turbo four/3.0L turbo inline-six
  Transmission	8-Speed automatic	8-Speed Automatic
  Torque	369 Pound-Feet (combined)	258-369 LB-FT
  Driveline	AWD	FWD/AWD
  Range	30 miles	26 Combined MPG
  MSRP	49,090 – 52,890 euros	$46,395

Mazda may not always be in the same conversation as BMW, but for the sake of competition, we’ll slice apples and oranges. The BMW X3 is a solid example of a sports SUV. Heck, the X3 is a solid example of a luxury SUV as well, considering all the premium fittings inside and out. The interior immediately screams premium quality and design with earth-toned faux leather and neat stitching that makes the beautiful simplicity of the layout pop. Accented areas feature faux wood and aluminum tastefully placed throughout the cabin in the form of knobs and switches for entertainment and comfort settings.

Though the Mazda CX-60’s interior is premium white leather of high grade, the small details surrounding the cabin’s “high points” don’t quite complete the appearance. That’s not to say the CX-60 is lackluster, just that BMW’s refinement cannot be understated in a conversation about quality and luxury-grade vehicles. When it comes to performance, the BMW stands in a league of its own, as there are a few SUVs that can go 0-60 MPH in 4.1 seconds.

Another area where the BMW outshines the Mazda is in the suspension arena, whereas the BMW’s adaptive suspension far outplays the Mazda’s stiffer double-wishbone front and multi-link rear setup. It all comes down to the price. While I’ve spent time praising BMW for its quality, that quality will come at a very premium price.

How The 2023 Mazda CX-60 Compares To The 2023 Lexus RX

• 	2023 Mazda CX-60	2023 Lexus RX
  Model	2023 Mazda CX-60	RX
  Engine	2.5-L I-4 with AC motor	2.4 L / 2.5 L In-Line 4
  Transmission	8-Speed automatic	ECVT / 6-Speed Auto / 8 Speed Auto
  Torque	369 Pound-Feet (combined)	233 – 406 LB-FT
  Driveline	AWD	FWD / AWD / Direct4 AWD
  MSRP	49,090 – 52,890 euros	$48,550 – $62,750

The Mazda CX-60 and Lexus RX are more closely related in terms of luxuries and offerings. However, the Lexus RX offers a long list of various trims and optional packages, which can appear confusing… because it is. The standard front-wheel Lexus RX is built toward a relaxing and soft ride with little emphasis, if any, on the fun-to-drive aspect the BMW and Mazda bring to the table, though it does offer the option of AWD. This isn’t to discount the RX as a particularly slow SUV, as the F Sport Performance model can reach 60 MPH from 0 in 5.5 seconds. That’s .03 seconds quicker than the Mazda; it also costs more than the Mazda.

The reluctance of the suspension’s willingness to tackle tougher driving conditions is apparent in both vehicles’ road manners, though the Mazda handles the terrain a bit better. This is no doubt thanks to Mazda’s history in performance and street-tuning, plus they’re really utilizing the new platform to enhance the CX-60’s overall road manners. Which includes the aforementioned Kinematic Posture Control (KPC) and AWD. All around, the Lexus is a sure-fire luxury SUV that will deliver on its claims, but the Mazda adds a little spice to the luxury segment that, honestly, is a breath of fresh air.

How Much Does A 2023 Mazda CX-60 Cost?

The CX-60 goes on sale in Europe, the U.K., and Australia. As the name implies, the CX-60 sits above the CX-50, already on sale here. Given the versatility of the new platform, plus Mazda’s intent to eventually add a couple of new straight-six engines which include a new 3.3-liter gasoline and a 3.3-liter diesel. Both these engines will come with a 48-volt hybrid system and rear-wheel drive.

(Source: Mazda)

Fuel Economy

Being a hybrid-only lineup, the CX-60 boasts exceptional fuel economy. Though no official EPA figures are available at this time, Car And Driver‘s road test granted them 37 city, 34 highway, and 36 combined MPG when driving the 2.5-liter e-Skyactiv PHEV. They were also able to squeeze out 63 MPGe, for those curious as to the electric figures.

(Source: Mazda)

Is It Worth Buying The 2023 Mazda CX-60?

The 2023 Mazda CX-60 is most definitely a compelling buy, as it boasts premium, near luxury-level trimmings and functions. However, being the automaker’s first hybrid offering, some may be weary to test out Mazda’s hybrid theory. That said, Mazda is notoriously reliable and well-built, so the choice lies with the buyer’s brand preference. Some may choose the CX-60 simply because they’ve owned Mazdas in the past and trust the brand.

The powerful hybrid is a key selling point, as many see a slow, buzzing car when they picture a hybrid. Considering how sluggish modern SUVs can be, a hybrid SUV is a double whammy in terms of negative press. However, Mazda putting driver engagement and experience near the top of the CX-60’s priorities allows it to make a name for itself not only as a hybrid or an SUV but a sporty full-size addition to the trustworthy Mazda line-up.

FAQ

Q: Is the US getting Mazda CX-60?

The Mazda CX-60 is a new plug-in hybrid SUV that won’t be offered in the U.S. market. It also showcases Mazda’s intent to go upmarket.

Q: Where is the Mazda CX-60 built?

The Mazda CX-60 is currently built in Japan at the automaker’s Hofu facility.

Q: Is the Mazda CX-60 an electric car?

The Mazda CX-60 is not an electric car. It is a plug-in hybrid vehicle, which pairs a 100 kW electric motor with a 2.5-liter four cylinder gas engine for a combined power output of 323 horsepower. The CX-60 does offer an all-electric range of 39 miles.

Q: Is the Mazda CX-60 a 7 seater?

The Mazda CX-60 is a five seater premium mid-size SUV designed to take on models like the Mercedes-GLC, BMW X3 and the Audi Q5.

Q: Is the Mazda CX-60 a 4×4?

With a focus on driving dynamics, the CX-60 PHEV is either offered with rear wheel drive or all-wheel drive.