The Australian SUV market has been growing at lightning speed, and brands are constantly refining their offerings to stand out. Mazda, a brand long associated with style, reliability, and value, is stepping into a more premium arena with the arrival of the 2025 Mazda CX-60. Positioned as a flagship SUV above the CX-5 and below the larger CX-90, the CX-60 introduces something Mazda hasn’t traditionally led with—premium luxury combined with hybrid efficiency.
For years, Mazda has flirted with luxury through its Kodo design language and upscale interiors, but the CX-60 takes this ambition to the next level. More than just another SUV, it represents a statement: Mazda is ready to compete not only with Toyota and Hyundai, but also with European contenders like BMW, Audi, and Volvo in the midsize SUV space.
This review dives deep into everything the 2025 Mazda CX-60 brings to Australia—its design, features, hybrid technology, driving performance, practicality, and whether it delivers the “premium” promise.
Exterior Design – Mazda’s Kodo Philosophy Evolved
The CX-60 carries forward Mazda’s acclaimed “Kodo: Soul of Motion” design philosophy, but it evolves into something bolder and more refined. The SUV has a commanding stance, with proportions leaning toward luxury rather than mainstream utility.
The front fascia is dominated by a wide grille flanked by adaptive LED headlights with a sharper, more aggressive outline compared to the CX-5. A sculpted bonnet, strong character lines running along the side, and a sleek coupe-like roofline give the CX-60 a presence that feels both athletic and elegant.
At the rear, slim LED taillights stretch horizontally across the boot, while dual exhaust outlets (even in hybrid models) hint at performance. Alloy wheels start from 19 inches and go up to 21 inches on higher trims, enhancing its premium appeal.
Mazda offers a wide colour palette including its iconic Soul Red Crystal Metallic, Machine Grey, and Rhodium White, each highlighting the SUV’s contours with striking depth.
Interior Luxury – A New Level for Mazda
Step inside the Mazda CX-60, and it becomes immediately clear that this isn’t just another mainstream SUV. Mazda has gone all in on luxury cues, using high-quality materials and minimalist design to create an environment that rivals European SUVs.
Depending on trim, you’ll find Nappa leather upholstery, real wood accents, suede inserts, and fine stitching inspired by Japanese craftsmanship. Mazda has drawn from its heritage, incorporating design elements influenced by traditional Japanese aesthetics—subtle, calming, and detailed.
The cabin layout prioritises driver-centric ergonomics with a clean dashboard, a large infotainment screen, and a digital instrument cluster. Ambient lighting, soft-touch surfaces, and premium switchgear elevate the tactile feel across the cabin.
Space is generous, with supportive front seats offering heating, ventilation, and memory functions. Rear passengers benefit from ample legroom and reclining seats, while the panoramic sunroof adds a sense of openness.
Technology & Infotainment
Mazda has equipped the CX-60 with one of its most advanced technology suites to date. The centrepiece is a widescreen 12.3-inch infotainment display with Mazda Connect, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 12.3-inch digital driver’s cluster and optional head-up display provide customisable driving information.
For audiophiles, higher trims feature a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system, delivering crystal-clear acoustics throughout the cabin. Multiple USB-C ports, wireless charging, and a 360-degree camera system ensure convenience matches connectivity.
The SUV also integrates the latest version of Mazda’s Human-Machine Interface (HMI), with intuitive controls that balance touch, physical dials, and voice recognition—catering to drivers who prefer tactile control without overreliance on touchscreens.
Powertrain & Hybrid Efficiency
The 2025 Mazda CX-60 enters the Australian market with a strong focus on electrification. Two main hybrid options are expected:
- Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV): A 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine paired with an electric motor and lithium-ion battery, producing over 240kW of combined power. This setup allows pure electric driving for shorter commutes (around 50–60 km EV range), making it ideal for urban use while still offering long-distance petrol flexibility.
- Mild Hybrid Inline-Six: For drivers who prefer traditional power but want added efficiency, Mazda offers a 3.0-litre inline-six petrol engine with 48-volt mild hybrid assistance. This combination delivers smooth, refined performance with impressive torque.
Both powertrains are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Mazda’s i-Activ all-wheel-drive system, ensuring confidence in all conditions.
Fuel efficiency is one of the CX-60’s highlights. The PHEV can achieve fuel figures under 3.0L/100km (when EV mode is maximised), while the mild-hybrid petrol variant balances power and economy for longer highway trips.
Driving Dynamics – Mazda DNA Intact
Mazda has always prided itself on delivering a “Zoom-Zoom” driving experience, even in larger vehicles. The CX-60 is no exception. Built on Mazda’s new rear-wheel-drive platform, the SUV has balanced proportions and handling dynamics that feel closer to European SUVs than its Japanese rivals.
Steering feedback is precise, body roll is well-controlled thanks to advanced suspension tuning, and the SUV feels planted in corners despite its size. Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control Plus subtly adjusts engine torque and braking to keep the vehicle stable during sharp manoeuvres.
In hybrid form, the CX-60 delivers instant torque for brisk acceleration, while regenerative braking ensures smooth energy recovery. The inline-six version adds a layer of refinement, offering effortless cruising with power on tap for overtaking.
Whether in the city, on the highway, or tackling winding mountain roads, the CX-60 strikes a balance between comfort and sportiness rarely found in midsize SUVs.
Safety & Driver Assistance
As expected in a modern premium SUV, the CX-60 comes loaded with advanced safety and driver assistance technologies. Highlights include:
- Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go
- Lane-keep assist and lane-departure warning
- Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
- Autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection
- Traffic sign recognition
- Driver attention monitoring
- 360-degree parking camera with front and rear sensors
The SUV is engineered to earn top ANCAP safety ratings, making it a reassuring choice for Australian families.
Practicality & Everyday Usability
Practicality is where SUVs prove their worth, and the Mazda CX-60 doesn’t disappoint. The rear seats fold flat to expand boot space beyond 1,700 litres, while the standard boot offers around 570 litres—plenty for family road trips or weekly shopping runs.
The SUV’s towing capacity is another strength, with the PHEV rated at around 2,500kg braked, while the inline-six version stretches closer to 2,800kg. This makes the CX-60 not just stylish, but also functional for boat owners, caravanners, or tradespeople needing real capability.
Additional features like a powered tailgate, roof rails, and versatile cabin storage compartments enhance everyday usability.
Competitors in Australia
The 2025 Mazda CX-60 enters a competitive field of midsize SUVs. Key rivals include:
- Toyota RAV4 Hybrid – Affordable and efficient, but less premium.
- Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid – Spacious and tech-packed, though less refined in luxury cues.
- Kia Sorento Hybrid – Practical and feature-rich, with strong family appeal.
- Volvo XC60 Recharge (PHEV) – A direct competitor, but at a higher price point.
- BMW X3 & Audi Q5 – Prestigious German rivals offering performance and premium finishes.
Mazda positions the CX-60 strategically between mainstream and luxury brands, offering near-luxury quality at a more accessible price point.
Pricing & Value Proposition
While exact pricing for Australia is expected to start above the Mazda CX-5, the CX-60 will likely undercut European rivals by a significant margin. Entry-level trims could start around $60,000, with high-spec PHEV models approaching $80,000.
Given its blend of hybrid efficiency, premium interiors, and Mazda reliability, the CX-60 makes a strong case as a value-rich alternative to German luxury SUVs without compromising on quality.
Who Should Buy the Mazda CX-60?
The Mazda CX-60 appeals to:
- Families who want a premium SUV with hybrid efficiency.
- Drivers looking for a stylish, comfortable daily vehicle with advanced tech.
- Buyers torn between mainstream Japanese brands and European luxury SUVs.
- Long-distance travellers needing towing capacity and refinement.
It’s less suited for those seeking the most affordable hybrid SUV or buyers who prioritise seven-seat configurations (the CX-90 handles that role).
Final Verdict
The 2025 Mazda CX-60 represents a bold step for Mazda in Australia. It blends Japanese craftsmanship with hybrid innovation, delivering a package that feels premium without losing Mazda’s reputation for reliability and driving pleasure.
With its refined design, luxurious interior, advanced technology, efficient hybrid powertrains, and competitive pricing, the CX-60 is a genuine alternative to both mainstream and luxury SUVs.
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