The Mazda CX-60 is one of the clearest expressions of Mazda’s premium ambitions: a midsize SUV with rear-wheel-drive-based engineering, restrained design, a notably upscale cabin, and handling that asks the driver to stay engaged. In a market full of crossovers designed to isolate occupants from the road, that is a genuinely different proposition.
Our position is straightforward: the CX-60 is a credible premium-SUV alternative for buyers who care more about driving feel and interior quality than having the softest ride or the largest possible second row. It is not the automatic choice for every family, and it should not be bought simply because it looks luxurious. But shoppers who find many premium SUVs overly bland may discover that the CX-60 offers something increasingly rare: character backed by serious engineering.
There is one major practical qualification for U.S. readers. The CX-60 has not been broadly offered in the United States, so availability, specifications, powertrains, trim structures, pricing, servicing, and warranty coverage depend heavily on market. American shoppers should treat this Mazda CX-60 review as an assessment of the vehicle’s design and driving proposition, not as a substitute for confirming local availability or comparing a U.S.-market Mazda directly.
A Premium SUV That Does Not Pretend to Be German
The conventional advice is that a premium SUV must imitate the established German formula: aggressively technical styling, vast option lists, large displays, and ever-increasing power. Mazda takes a more disciplined route with the CX-60. Its styling is clean, substantial, and deliberately understated. The long-hood proportions and rear-wheel-drive-based layout give it a more traditional premium-SUV stance than a typical front-drive crossover, but the design does not rely on excessive chrome, artificial vents, or visual clutter.
That restraint carries into the cabin. The CX-60’s interior is one of its strongest arguments. Mazda has developed a recognizable approach to premium design based on horizontal surfaces, thoughtful material choices, physical controls for frequently used functions, and a driver-oriented layout. Depending on trim and market, upholstery and decorative materials vary, but the overall impression is more mature and more cohesive than the cabins in many similarly positioned SUVs.
This matters because perceived quality is not just about soft-touch plastic. It is about whether the steering wheel, switches, seating position, dashboard, console, and trim work together as a complete environment. The CX-60 generally feels designed rather than decorated. That can make it more appealing than crossovers that offer dramatic screens and ambient lighting but lack tactile satisfaction in everyday use.
Still, buyers should resist equating a premium-looking cabin with unquestionable premium ownership. The established luxury brands often have deeper dealer networks, more extensive personalization programs, and, in some markets, stronger resale familiarity. The CX-60’s advantage is not that it automatically beats every BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Lexus, or Volvo competitor in every measure. Its advantage is that it delivers a distinctive, high-quality atmosphere without treating technology and ornament as substitutes for good design.
The Driver-First Character Is Real
The most important point in this Mazda CX-60 review is that the SUV’s driver-first positioning is more than advertising language. The chassis and steering aim to provide a connected, confident experience, and the rear-wheel-drive-based architecture gives Mazda a stronger foundation than the front-drive layouts common in this class.
The CX-60 turns with more purpose than many comfort-focused family SUVs. It feels more willing to follow steering inputs cleanly and more composed when a road becomes twisty. That does not mean it is a sports car, and buyers should not expect the effortless athleticism of a dedicated performance model. But it does mean the CX-60 can make a routine drive more engaging, particularly for owners who appreciate a vehicle that communicates what the tires and suspension are doing.
This is where Mazda’s approach deserves credit. Too many crossovers chase an artificial sense of sportiness through heavy steering, oversized wheels, or harsh suspension tuning. The CX-60 instead attempts to create a more natural connection between driver and vehicle. The steering and body control are intended to feel deliberate rather than theatrical.
The trade-off is ride comfort. A vehicle tuned to feel more tied down and responsive will not necessarily glide over broken pavement as effectively as the softest luxury alternatives. Road surface quality, wheel size, tire choice, load, and trim can all influence the result, but shoppers who place isolation above all else should not assume the CX-60 will be their ideal answer. A relaxed Lexus-style ride, or the softer settings available in certain comfort-oriented premium SUVs, may be preferable for long commutes on poor roads.
That is not a flaw to be dismissed, but it is a decision buyers must make honestly. A crossover cannot be both exceptionally controlled in corners and completely detached from imperfect pavement without compromise. The CX-60 chooses engagement more often than float. For the right owner, that is its defining strength. For the wrong owner, it will become a daily irritation.
Powertrains: Choose the Use Case, Not the Headline
CX-60 powertrain options differ by region, but the model has been associated with a range of electrified and combustion choices, including plug-in hybrid and six-cylinder offerings in certain markets. That variety is attractive, yet it also makes broad claims about “the best” CX-60 configuration unhelpful. The best choice depends on how the SUV will actually be driven.
A plug-in hybrid can be a smart fit for a household with dependable charging and frequent short trips. When regularly charged, it can reduce gasoline use during everyday driving while retaining the flexibility of an engine for longer journeys. But the phrase “plug-in hybrid” should not automatically end the buying conversation. If charging is inconvenient, inconsistent, or unavailable at home and work, the benefit becomes much smaller. Carrying a battery without regularly using its electric capability can undermine the efficiency case.
Buyers also need to look beyond headline output. A powertrain may feel strong in a brief test drive yet prove less satisfying if its transmission calibration, transitions between electric and gasoline operation, or low-speed behavior do not match the driver’s expectations. The CX-60 has attracted discussion in various markets for having a character that can feel firm or deliberate rather than silky in every situation. That is why a meaningful test drive should include city traffic, low-speed maneuvering, uneven pavement, hills, and highway merging—not just a smooth, short dealership route.
Six-cylinder versions, where offered, are especially aligned with the CX-60’s premium mission. A longitudinal six-cylinder engine is an unusual choice in this part of the SUV market and supports the vehicle’s more traditional, driver-focused architecture. For buyers who value smooth, effortless cruising and a more special mechanical character, it can be a compelling reason to consider the Mazda over a generic turbocharged four-cylinder alternative. On the other hand, drivers whose priorities are low operating costs, urban commuting, or simplified ownership may not see enough benefit to justify the added complexity or fuel use that can accompany a larger engine.
The sensible recommendation is to select the powertrain based on charging access, annual mileage, regular trip length, and the type of driving that matters most. Do not buy a plug-in hybrid merely for the badge, and do not buy a more powerful engine merely because it sounds premium. The CX-60 rewards thoughtful specification more than impulsive upgrading.
Cabin Comfort and Practicality: Good, Not Class-Defining
The CX-60 is an SUV, so practicality matters. Its cabin should satisfy many couples, small families, and empty nesters who want a more useful vehicle than a sedan without stepping up to a very large SUV. The cargo area and rear seating are broadly competitive for its class, but shoppers should be careful not to confuse “adequate” with “best in segment.”
Some rivals prioritize rear-seat generosity, wide-opening doors, flexible storage, and maximum cargo volume more aggressively. If the vehicle will regularly carry tall adults in the second row, rear-facing child seats, bulky sports equipment, or several passengers on long road trips, measurements matter more than general impressions. Take the actual child seat, stroller, golf bag, or travel luggage to the showroom if possible. This is better advice than relying on a brochure or assuming that a midsize SUV will automatically meet every family requirement.
The CX-60’s strengths lie more in how the front cabin feels than in extracting every last inch of usable space. The driver’s seating position, control placement, and overall ergonomics support its driver-centered identity. For many owners, that will matter more every day than a modest advantage in maximum cargo capacity. But families who treat the second row and cargo bay as the vehicle’s main workplace should compare it directly with roomier alternatives.
Technology Without the Screen-First Gimmicks
Mazda’s approach to infotainment is often less screen-centric than that of some competitors. This can be polarizing. Drivers accustomed to tapping through large touchscreens may initially find Mazda’s controller-based interface less familiar. Yet there is a strong case for it: a physical controller can be easier to use while moving because it reduces the need to reach forward and take attention away from the road.
The broader lesson is that more screen is not automatically better technology. Large displays can look impressive in a showroom, but menus, touch targets, glare, fingerprints, and distracting interfaces can make them tiresome in daily use. The CX-60’s cabin philosophy favors controlled interaction over visual spectacle, which fits the rest of the vehicle well.
That said, buyers should verify the exact equipment in the vehicle they are considering. Driver-assistance features, smartphone connectivity, navigation, audio systems, camera functions, and display configurations can vary by market and trim. It is reasonable to expect modern safety and convenience systems in a premium-positioned SUV, but it is unwise to assume a feature is standard because it appears in a review from another country.
How the CX-60 Compares With Premium Rivals
Against established premium SUVs, the CX-60 makes the most sense as an alternative for buyers who are tired of buying by badge alone. A BMW X3-type competitor may offer a broader performance range and a more familiar luxury-brand ecosystem. An Audi Q5-type rival may appeal to shoppers who value a polished, technology-forward environment. A Mercedes-Benz GLC-type competitor may be better suited to those seeking a more traditionally cushioned, prestige-led experience. Lexus and Volvo alternatives can be stronger choices for buyers who prioritize comfort, calmness, safety-focused design, or a particular ownership reputation.
But none of those vehicles automatically makes the Mazda irrelevant. The CX-60 has a coherent identity. It offers a premium-feeling interior, handsome exterior design, a more mechanical and engaging driving attitude, and engineering choices that distinguish it from the many crossovers built around the same front-drive template.
The strongest comparison may not even be with luxury badges. The CX-60 can appeal to shoppers considering well-equipped mainstream SUVs who are willing to trade a little space or softness for a more polished cabin and more involving road manners. In that context, it makes a particularly persuasive case because it feels like a deliberate step upward rather than a conventional family crossover with extra trim.