Mazda CX-60: The all-new

Mazda is redesigning the CX-60 with a new chassis and more features. This driving report with the Japanese SUV reveals what the facelift brings.

It's rather strange: Mazda gives the CX-60 a facelift, and nobody notices . A first look around the updated midsize SUV reveals absolutely no changes. The designers haven't touched the lights or the bumpers. Perhaps a few additional trim pieces or accents on the body? No such luck. From the outside, the facelifted model is virtually identical to its predecessor, down to the smallest detail.

Profound changes

Thanks to the new chassis, the Japanese car now handles much more smoothly. Photo: © Mazda

Under the hood, however, much more has changed, as the model update was more extensive. The Japanese manufacturer responded to customer criticism and revised the chassis . Buyers had complained that the 2022 model suffered from an unbalanced ride. On rough surfaces, the car rebounded far too sharply and too quickly. The pronounced pitching motion of the body also caused discomfort for passengers in the Mazda CX-60.

Therefore, Mazda extensively modified the entire chassis. At the front axle, the double wishbones received a new axle geometry along with stiffer shock absorbers. The multi-link rear axle was also fitted with stiffer dampers, while the springs were given a softer characteristic. Furthermore, the driver assistance systems and the steering software were calibrated to the new chassis modifications.

Much more harmonious than its predecessor

The engines remain unchanged. Two six-cylinder diesels and a plug-in hybrid remain. Photo: © Mazda

The extensive modifications are proving effective. On our long test drive, the CX-60 now exhibits smoother handling and is more stable under hard driving conditions. The steering is also more precise and provides the driver with good feedback, while the suspension rolls more comfortably over long undulations in the road. Only transverse joints felt somewhat stiff in our test vehicle, which was equipped with 20-inch wheels . Overall, however, the impression is entirely positive. The CX-60 drives very harmoniously and has matured into a comfortable long-distance car.

The diesel engine also contributes to the positive impression. The 3,3-liter inline six-cylinder engine continues to deliver 254 hp in the top version , boasts ample power reserves, and is eager to rev. Moreover, the sonorous-sounding diesel engine displays excellent manners. It shines with its smooth running, while the eight-speed automatic transmission shifts gears smoothly even under hard acceleration. This transmission, along with all-wheel drive , is standard equipment. The starting price for the familiar top-of-the-line diesel is €46.933 (all prices net). The base diesel, still available, produces 200 hp and, at €42.731, is approximately €4.200 cheaper, but it lacks the all-wheel-drive option. It is only available with rear-wheel drive.

Plug-in hybrid as an alternative and new top versions

High-quality materials and impeccable craftsmanship characterize the interior. Photo: © Mazda

In contrast, the €46.933 CX-60 plug-in hybrid also comes standard with all-wheel drive . Its system output is 327 hp, and its electric range is stated as up to 64 kilometers . This is a quite realistic figure, as the plug-in hybrid managed around 60 kilometers on electric power alone during the initial test drive. However, the official fuel consumption figure of just 1,4 liters of premium gasoline on average doesn't reflect reality, as is the case with all vehicles of this type. Therefore, in practice, you should expect around six liters per 100 kilometers, which is still acceptable for an SUV weighing around two tons. The 2,5-liter gasoline engine runs quite smoothly; only during spirited driving does the four-cylinder occasionally sound somewhat rough and gruff.

With the facelift, Mazda has also expanded its range of trim levels. The familiar Prime Line and Exclusive Line versions, as well as the upscale Homura and Takumi variants, are now joined by the two top-of-the-line trim levels, Homura Plus and Takumi Plus. The two Plus models include a panoramic glass sunroof, a Bose surround sound system, an inductive smartphone charging cradle, 360-degree camera surveillance, and a power-operated, sensor-controlled tailgate. The price advantage compared to ordering the extras individually is €336.

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