Mazda CX-60 Review: Luxury SUV Pros, Cons & Driving Experience

content: The Mazda CX-60's Grand Entrance

When Mazda unveiled the CX-60 as their first premium SUV, it promised a revolution. After analyzing this thorough test drive footage, I believe it delivers breathtaking design and engineering ambition – but with notable compromises. The gasoline variant's 3.3L turbocharged inline-6 engine produces 280 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque, wrapped in what might be Mazda's most handsome exterior yet. Yet as our video host discovered during Metro Manila testing, its dual-clutch transmission struggles in stop-and-go traffic. This creates a fascinating tension between sports-sedan exhilaration and daily-driver practicality that demands careful consideration.

Key Specifications and Pricing

Philippine buyers face two choices:

• Gasoline Model: ₱2,790,000 with 3.3L inline-6 mild hybrid
• Diesel Model: ₱2,890,000 (detailed in Mazda's official walkaround)

Important distinction: Unlike global plug-in hybrids, Philippine HS models use a 48V mild-hybrid system. This means brief electric assistance rather than extended EV-only range. The powertrain pairs with an 8-speed automatic and Mazda's i-Activ AWD featuring kinematic posture control – braking the inside rear wheel during cornering to reduce body roll.

Design Excellence with Quirks

Mazda's "less is more" philosophy shines in the CX-60's exterior. The broad-shouldered front grille with vertical slats (gasoline exclusive) flows into elegant LED lighting that actually glows – a detail upgrade over previous models. Stormtrooper White accentuates its muscular haunches and 20-inch wheels shod in 255/50 tires.

However, three design choices raise eyebrows:

1. Faux exhaust tips undermine the premium vibe of an inline-6 powerhouse
2. Bulbous rear doors lack the front-end's sculptural discipline
3. Cargo space shrinks from 570L to about 500L with the Bose subwoofer

The power tailgate reveals a practical flat loading floor and 40/20/40 split-folding seats. Ground clearance sits at 175mm – sufficient for most urban obstacles.

Interior: Near-Luxury Experience

Step inside and the CX-60 justifies its price tag. Black Nappa leather seats with contrast stitching, aluminum trim, and minimal piano black surfaces create an authentic premium ambiance. Mazda's driver-centric philosophy manifests in:

• Ergonomic harmony: Armrests, commander knob, and dash height aligned to reduce fatigue
• Advanced personalization: Facial recognition adjusts seats, steering wheel, HUD, and mirrors based on height
• Best-in-class Bose audio delivering exceptional clarity

Practical limitations emerge in the rear:

• Panoramic roof prevents claustrophobia
• Legroom is adequate but not class-leading
• Tall passengers may find headroom snug

Technology highlights include a 12.3-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay (wired Android Auto), 10.4-inch head-up display, and a clever 360° camera with "see-through" visualization.

Driving Dynamics: Two Personalities

The Good: Open Road Dominance

On highways and mountain roads, the CX-60 approaches greatness:

• Engine performance pulls with silky urgency – a displacement advantage over turbo-fours
• Rear-biased AWD delivers tenacious grip through corners
• Stiffer suspension pays dividends in controlled body motions
  As our tester observed: "This thing pulls more than Bruce Wayne at a singles bar."

The Bad: Urban Compromises

City driving reveals significant drawbacks:

• Fuel efficiency averages 6-7 km/L in heavy traffic (16.7 km/L highway)
• Transmission hesitation: The clutch-based gearbox "fishes" for gears during acceleration
• Low-speed surging: Throttle tip-in can cause abrupt lurching
• Audible thud during 40 km/h coast-to-acceleration transitions

This isn't minor quibbling – it fundamentally changes the ownership experience. As the video host bluntly stated: "It's very un-Mazda."

Verdict: Potential Unfulfilled

The CX-60 represents Mazda's boldest play for luxury relevance. Its sublime exterior, exquisite interior, and thrilling powertrain deserve applause. Yet the transmission calibration undermines its premium aspirations in daily use.

Three critical considerations for buyers:

1. Prioritize test drives in heavy traffic to assess transmission tolerance
2. Cross-shop diesel variant – its torque curve may better suit the gearbox
3. Evaluate alternatives like Toyota RAV4 Hybrid if fuel efficiency is paramount

Mazda has all the ingredients for greatness here. With software updates to refine low-speed behavior, the CX-60 could challenge German rivals. Until then, it remains a fascinating, flawed masterpiece.

Prospective Buyer Checklist:

1. Schedule extended city and highway test drives
2. Measure rear seat space against family needs
3. Calculate real-world fuel costs for your commute
4. Inspect cargo area with typical gear (strollers, golf bags etc.)
5. Test infotainment and driver aids at night

Recommended Expert Resources:

• Automotive Engineering Fundamentals by Richard Stone (understand transmission trade-offs)
• Philippine-based owner forums for real-world reliability data
• Professional calibration tools like VCDS for future updates

Final Thought: Does the CX-60's driving exhilaration outweigh its urban compromises? Share your deal-breakers below!