Mazda CX-60 review

Overview

CX-60 expanded Mazda's range with a larger SUV and a plug-in hybrid powertrain. This review selects the UK August 2022 Exclusive-Line PHEV on its standard 18-inch wheels. It is not the six-cylinder diesel, a higher trim or a later revised suspension specification. RoadMatch has not personally road-tested it. Official UK launch and grade documents support the facts, with independent long-term context and original ownership analysis added here. Its case combines useful space, substantial power and an appealing cabin brief. Early-car ride and drivetrain behaviour are important qualifications, while charging access determines whether the economy proposition works. The recommendation should reflect those actual attributes rather than assume premium ambition automatically produces the best sporting all-rounder.

Exterior and interior

The substantial body and long bonnet create a more imposing presence than Mazda's smaller crossovers. Check visibility, door clearance and whether its dimensions fit your normal parking routine. Exclusive-Line includes leather-facing seat trim and useful comfort equipment, but it is not the Nappa-trimmed Takumi or the Homura with its different presentation and wheels. Sit in the actual seats and assess adjustment, support and control reach before focusing on attractive materials. Inspect interior trim, screens and any accessories on a used example. A premium-feeling cabin can be a genuine preference rather than an extravagance, but the matcher must still consider ride quality, charging and practicality instead of giving its presentation unlimited influence over suitability.

Practicality

The manufacturer gives 570 litres VDA in five-seat mode to the belt line, including underfloor storage. That is the relevant upright-seat measure, not the much larger two-seat folded capacity. Try luggage, a buggy or dog equipment and inspect how cables use the available storage. The split rear bench can balance people and longer objects, but it cannot create extra passenger seats when folded. Check child-restraint installation and rear comfort with front seats in their normal positions. Demonstrate the hands-free powered tailgate, including clearance in your garage. A sizeable boot is useful, yet payload, towing approval and the condition of fitted accessories still need checking rather than be assumed from an SUV's robust-looking body.

Driving experience

The selected PHEV has a rear-drive-based architecture and meaningful combined power, but these facts do not guarantee that every early example delivers a polished sporty experience. Auto Express's long-term context provides a reason to assess drivetrain response and ride carefully, not a fault-rate claim about the whole fleet. Test low-speed transitions, shifts, braking and suspension over your usual surfaces. Ask which updates or campaign work have been completed and verify documentation instead of assuming every complaint is fixed by the latest software. A comfortable result for your household matters more than a Sport setting. Someone wanting a sharp premium sporting drive should compare actual behaviour with alternatives before the large power number dominates the shortlist.

Performance

Mazda rates the combined plug-in system at 327 PS, approximately 323 bhp, with a zero-to-62 mph claim of 5.8 seconds. The petrol engine and motor peaks are not simply added independently to create a larger total. The eight-speed automatic and AWD arrangement distinguish it from another Mazda or a conventional full hybrid. Assess smooth, consistent response at legal speeds and have unexplained jolts or warning messages investigated before purchase. Battery operating state and system behaviour are relevant to a plug-in ownership assessment. Strong pace can serve joining and overtaking, but power alone is not enough for a high sporting score where refinement, handling or predictable transitions do not satisfy the driver's priorities.

Fuel economy

The original UK launch quotes 188 mpg combined under the weighted WLTP plug-in method and an electric capability of up to 39 miles. These are charging-dependent laboratory claims, not a prediction for an uncharged vehicle on a long motorway journey. The launch's electric-distance conditions and the selected build need respecting rather than borrowing a newer model's test number. Our budget separates assumed electric and petrol miles explicitly. Establish a regular safe charging routine before using the hybrid's efficiency as a reason to buy. If the user cannot charge, the matcher should not treat this as equivalent to a full hybrid that needs no socket. Actual annual savings depend on journey lengths, tariff and how often the battery is replenished.

Reliability

Reliability confidence is limited and is not a measured failure probability. Request service invoices, diagnostic explanations and evidence of drivetrain or software updates, especially where an early owner reported poor low-speed behaviour. Demonstrate cold starting, charging, cabin heating and transitions between power sources. A battery-condition check is useful only when the method and limitations are stated. Inspect suspension, tyres, brakes and any collision-repair evidence, not just the hybrid display. Do not assume later suspension revisions mean an earlier car has automatically received identical hardware. Confirm any warranty and manufacturer campaign eligibility directly by VIN. An independent assessment and repair reserve remain sensible even where the seller describes recent update work as a complete cure.

Safety

The relevant authority assessment is Euro NCAP's 2022 CX-60 publication, which identifies a PHEV tested derivative. We link the authority material without reproducing ratings, scores or images, and keep the tested grade distinct from UK Exclusive-Line. The UK brochure separates standard equipment from optional Driver Assistance and Convenience packs; an advanced feature in the range is not guaranteed on this build. Inspect warning lights, restraints, child-seat fit and sensor repair evidence. Demonstrate assistance controls safely without deliberately creating dangerous scenarios. Current GOV.UK recalls and Mazda VIN campaign-completion records remain necessary. A sizeable SUV and recent safety assessment do not eliminate the need to resolve individual warnings or properly assess a previously damaged example.

Technology and features

Exclusive-Line's period UK table confirms wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated front seats, front/rear sensors, a reversing camera and ordinary cruise. Adaptive assistance and the more elaborate 360-degree view depend on optional packs and are not listed as universal standard features. Connect your own phone and test navigation, audio and calls while stationary. Demonstrate the rotary controller and climate functions to see whether they suit you. Connected services and original complimentary subscriptions may have changed by handover, so check current support and account transfer. Practical technology should follow the actual equipment table and installed build rather than a higher-grade photograph or an advert that assumes every launch option was fitted.

Running costs

The £24,500–£33,000 estimate dated 14 October 2026 is an editorial planning band, not a live valuation. For 8,000 miles, assume 5,000 petrol miles at 35 mpg and £1.50 per litre, plus 3,000 electric miles at 2.5 miles per kWh, ten per cent charging overhead and £0.25 per kWh. Energy is about £1,300. Add £600 as a registration-dependent tax allowance and £650–£1,400 for routine servicing, MOT and tyre/brake wear to budget roughly £2,600–£3,400. Insurance, depreciation, finance and major repairs are excluded. This split is a planning scenario, not measured efficiency. Check actual tax, personal insurance and charging tariffs; lack of regular charging changes the calculation materially.

Advantages and disadvantages