2023 Mazda CX-60 Review

Mazda knows how to create an eye-catching vehicle, but entering the competitive large SUV segment is no easy task. Balancing attractive design with ample headroom, legroom in all rows, and cargo space presents a challenge. However, Mazda rises to the occasion with the Mazda CX-60, delivering an aesthetic that surpasses expectations. The elegant Soul Red Crystal Metallic paint accentuates the Mazda CX-60’s curves and complements Mazda’s meticulous bodywork. The 20-inch alloy wheels further enhance its appearance.

The front of the CX-60 exudes charm, thanks to Mazda’s tasteful incorporation of chrome, seamlessly connecting the grille with its LED headlights. It achieves a distinctive look without resorting to overly exaggerated designs seen in some competitors. However, the rear end may divide opinions, as the sloping glass meets the boot door at a slightly awkward angle, resulting in a somewhat misshapen appearance for the CX-60’s rear.

Step inside, and the CX-60’s interior leaves no room for complaints. Mazda’s dedication to refined cabin design and finish is evident, outshining even more expensive luxury vehicles. The CX-60 effortlessly upholds this standard.

Admittedly, this review of ours is based on the 2.5l Dynamic package, which brings the price of this particular CX-60 to R739 800. The more expensive trim level, set at R844 500, offers more flashy materials and tech. Nevertheless, Mazda maintains a clean and intuitive layout across all trims, addressing common criticisms of past Mazda interiors.

The interior of the CX-60 is spacious. The Black leather upholstery looks and feels luxurious, a standard feature on all trims.

Mazda’s attention to detail extends to the CX-60’s interior, regardless of trim level. The dashboard, featuring textured chrome along the center, exudes beauty and sophistication. However, caution is warranted to prevent sticky fingers from soiling it. The HVAC system’s switchgear, with its organ toggle-style temperature controls, adds a unique touch, and the leather clad steering wheel provides the perfect grip.

Although the center console trim has a metal-woodgrain effect, it is made of plastic. However, the quality of the materials and Mazda’s robust switchgear create a sense of solidity. The CX-60 offers an abundance of physical controls, even with the presence of a large display atop the dashboard. The size of the display is 12 inches. A rotary controller and shortcut cluster near the transmission shifter provide additional convenience. An inconvenience worth pointing out is that the screen is not touchscreen. Why?

While the screen supports direct interaction in wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto mode (standard on all trims), Mazda’s interface primarily emphasizes the jog-dial control, prioritizing safety considerations according to the automaker.

Under the hood, Mazda offers one powertrain option for the CX-60, with a choice of either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive depending on the trim. The lineup includes two variants of a new inline-six, longitudinally-oriented engine. The details of the engineering might be best skipped for now.

Both the Dynamic and Individual trims feature a 2.5-litre inline-six engine delivering 141 kW of power and 261 Nm of torque. Both variants employ an eight-speed automatic transmission developed in-house, providing rather disappointing and less than enthusiastic gear-changes. Fuel consumption remained at a steady 10l per 100km during our time with it.

Regarding active safety technology, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts and adaptive cruise control are standard across the CX-60 lineup. Automatic emergency braking, lane departure warnings, and lane-keep assistance also come as standard features. The “Cruising and Traffic Support” system, despite its plain name, adds hands-on lane centering for highway driving, offering a smooth experience.

Standard features include a power liftgate, three-zone climate control, rear privacy glass, and heated side mirrors. Higher trims introduce a 360-degree camera.

In summary, the 2023 CX-60 embodies Mazda’s long-standing charm in its largest vehicle yet. With its disengaged dynamics, handsome design, and a cabin that exceeds expectations in terms of quality and features, the CX-60 manages to overcome its few shortcomings. While rivals may excel in certain aspects, Mazda’s approach makes its sizable SUV truly special and worthy of consideration.

Rivals to the Mazda CX-60 are cars such as the Volkswagen Tiguan, Toyota Rav4, Nissan X-Trail, BMW X3, Volvo XC60 and Audi Q5.

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Posted By

Papi Mabele

Papi Mabele has a marketing background, he is a digital marketing expert with extensive experience in launching and building global brands in the emerging markets. Papi is also an avid tech writer, enthusiast and all round tech junkie. As a freelance writer and analyst he has been numerously published in Popular Mechanics (SA), GQ South Africa, Premier Magazine, Driven Magazine, Bloem News, Courant, The Weekly, Enthooze Magazine and PiE magazine amongst others.