Mazda CX-60: The Rear-Drive Plug-In Hybrid SUV Explained

The Mazda CX-60 is a mid-size crossover that Mazda introduced on a new rear- and all-wheel drive platform with a longitudinal engine. It was the first Mazda to offer a plug-in hybrid, and it has been sold in Europe, Japan, Australia and a growing list of other markets since 2022.

What is the Mazda CX-60?

The CX-60 is a two-row crossover SUV that uses rear-biased, full-time all-wheel drive. Mazda markets this system as i-Activ AWD, and it is standard in most markets. The car is larger than the CX-5 and smaller than the CX-9, and Mazda positions it upmarket towards premium segment vehicles.

Its size puts it alongside two other Mazda models. It is comparable in size to the CX-50, and it is wider but shorter in length than the CX-8.

A rear-drive crossover with a plug-in hybrid option, built to bring Mazda upmarket and sold across a long list of markets.

Why did Mazda build the CX-60 on a new platform?

Mazda built the CX-60 as the first vehicle on its Large Product Group platform, which uses a rear- and all-wheel drive layout with a longitudinal engine. Mazda revealed the model on 8 March 2022 as part of that group, and the switch to a rear-wheel drive based layout is the reason the company gives for positioning the car upmarket.

The layout also determines the suspension. The front uses a double wishbone setup, and the rear has an independent multi-link arrangement. Australian executive Vinesh Bhindi described the car as a step change for the brand.

Where was the CX-60 built?

Mass production began with a ceremony in late April 2022 at Mazda Hofu Plant No. 2 in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan. Mazda also said that production for the European market started on 15 March.

What is inside the CX-60's cabin?

The driver's area has three displays: a full TFT LCD instrument cluster, a window head-up display and a 12.3-inch Mazda Connect centre screen. The centre screen has no touchscreen function and is operated through a command control knob on the console.

The car also has Kinematic Posture Control, which applies the brakes gently to the inside rear wheel when the car corners. The aim is to limit body roll and keep the car settled through bends.

What does Driver Personalisation do?

Driver Personalisation is a three-part system. A camera reads the position of the driver's eyes to estimate height, then the seat, steering wheel, head-up display and side mirrors are adjusted automatically. Facial recognition works out who is driving and restores stored settings for audio and air conditioning.

The third function is ingress and egress assistance. The steering wheel and seat slide out of the way when the driver gets in or out, and the system can store settings for up to six people, plus guests.

Which engines does the CX-60 offer?

The CX-60 has used several powertrains: a 2.5-litre Skyactiv-G petrol, a 2.5-litre e-Skyactiv plug-in hybrid, a 3.3-litre diesel mild hybrid and a 3.3-litre petrol mild hybrid. Some markets also received a 3.3-litre turbocharged Skyactiv-G petrol, announced in October 2022.

Two newly developed straight-six units arrived later. The 3.3-litre e-Skyactiv D diesel and the 3.0-litre e-Skyactiv X petrol both use a 48 V mild hybrid system, and the petrol unit uses Spark Controlled Compression Ignition technology. Every model is paired with an eight-speed automatic.

How does the plug-in hybrid work?

The plug-in hybrid pairs the 2.5-litre Skyactiv-G engine with an electric motor and a 17.8 kWh lithium-ion battery. Combined output is 241 kW (323 hp; 328 PS), with 500 N-m (51.0 kg-m; 369 lb-ft) of torque, and Mazda claims 5.8 seconds to 100 km/h.

Mazda rates the electric-only range at 60 km (37 mi), with a top speed of 140 km/h (87 mph) in electric mode. The battery can be filled from empty in four hours on a normal 220 V socket, and the model carries a towing capacity of 2,500 kg (5,512 lb).

How economical is the diesel?

The diesel uses Distribution Controlled Partially Premixed Compression Ignition, and Mazda says its thermal efficiency is over 40 per cent. Under WLTC testing the fuel economy is rated up to 19.8 km/l (47 mpg-US; 5.1 l/100 km).

Mazda says the six-cylinder diesel is among the cleanest diesel engines in the world. The combustion chamber is egg-shaped, and it splits the premixed air-fuel mixture into two regions inside the piston bowl. The intention is cleaner combustion at every engine speed, along with better fuel efficiency.

What does the mild hybrid system add?

M Hybrid Boost is Mazda's 48 V mild hybrid system. It has a 0.33 kWh lithium-ion battery and a motor/generator built into the transmission, rated at 153 N-m (15.6 kg-m; 113 lb-ft) and 12 kW (16 hp; 16 PS).

The motor supports the engine at low loads and low speeds, which improves efficiency on short journeys. The battery is recharged by the engine or by regenerative braking, and any surplus energy powers the car's electrical equipment.

The eight-speed automatic has a multi-plate clutch and an integrated motor/generator that replaces the hydraulic converter as the input clutch. Mazda made that choice to keep the cornering behaviour of a rear-wheel drive system, and the transmission was positioned to narrow the tunnel, which leaves more knee room beside the centre console.

Which markets sell the CX-60?

Buyers can find the CX-60 in Europe, Japan, Australia and a range of other countries. The North American version is the CX-70, a close relative of the CX-90 that lacks the third row. Launch dates vary widely, from Japanese details in April 2022 to a Vietnamese launch on 20 June 2026.

In Asia, Cambodia launched the car in May 2023 with the 2.5-litre petrol and rear-wheel drive, Indonesia followed on 26 July 2023, and the Philippines arrived in June 2023. Singapore's launch came through Eurokars on 21 July 2023, and Taiwan launched on 31 October 2023 with four variants.

Malaysia previewed the car at the 2024 Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show in December 2024, opened pre-orders in June 2025 and launched it on 3 September 2025. Chile followed in June 2023 with three trim levels.

In Europe the car was available from April 2022 with the plug-in hybrid only. Diesel options were added in July 2022, and the range was sold in four trims: Prime, Exclusive, Takumi and Homura. South Africa launched on 5 May 2023, New Zealand launched alongside the CX-90 in September 2023.

What is the CX-60 like in Australia?

Australian pricing was announced in November 2022, and sales began in June 2023. Three trims were offered at launch: Evolve, GT and Azami. Each grade had three powertrains, and all-wheel drive came standard on every variant.

The plug-in hybrid accounted for about 40% of pre-orders, while the petrol and diesel mild hybrids made up the rest in a ratio of 2:1, or 40% and 20%. Targeted monthly sales were set at 500 units.

A May 2025 update added the Pure and Touring trims and made the Vision Technology package standard on Evolve and above. Mazda also responded to complaints about ride quality and transmission. In August 2025 a 2.5-litre petrol with rear-wheel drive joined the Pure, Evolve and Touring trims.

How safe is the CX-60?

The CX-60 received a five-star rating from Euro NCAP after testing in 2022. Five stars is the top rating in that programme, and it gives buyers an independent benchmark when they compare the car with rivals.

Because the rating dates from 2022, buyers comparing newer cars should check whether a later assessment exists before deciding. A rating from one testing body is only part of a safety comparison.

What did reviewers make of the CX-60?

Reviewers compared the CX-60 with the BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Audi Q5 and Lexus NX. CarExpert said it straddles the mainstream and premium mid-size SUV segments, and Top Gear said Mazda pitches it directly at the X3 while noting its lower price.

Praise centred on the plug-in hybrid's efficiency. Criticism focused on dynamics and stability compared with the X3, and CarExpert said the firm suspension did not soak up road imperfections well. Top Gear concluded that the car lacks a sense of detailed development.

What are the key specifications?