The Mazda CX-60 PHEV was introduced in Europe in 2022, featuring Mazda’s first plug-in hybrid powertrain. While Mazda has refrained from extending its availability to the U.S. and Canada, a few days ago in Zurich, we got to spend some time around the vehicle to understand how it differs from the CX-70 and CX-90.
Design
Up front, there’s a large radiator grille with vertical slats finished in gloss black, and a premium-looking chrome surround. The headlamp cluster is small and houses projector LED units with integrated LED DRLs. There’s an air intake below and faux intake inserts on the sides of the bumper.
On the sides, the Mazda CX-60 features round wheel arches, curvy mirrors, a chrome window surround, and a rectangular PHEV badge on the side of the front fenders. The roofline smoothly slopes down and finishes on the forward-leaning upper tailgate section at the rear.
At the rear, the CX-60 gets wraparound LED taillamps, a sharply raked windscreen, and quad exhaust tips. It also has a skid plate to make it look muscular, and this display unit comes with a large roof box.
Interior
The dashboard and the door trim are wrapped in high-quality materials. The brand has embodied pure Japanese craftsmanship, with concepts like Ma, ‘the calm and dignified beauty of empty space’ and Kaichou, which stands for the ‘harmony that comes from mixing different materials and textures.’
Unlike most modern cars, the CX-60 has plenty of physical buttons in the cabin. The base variants include wireless Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, dual-zone climate control, and navigation, all operated through the 12-inch central touchscreen.
The digital instrument cluster displays information about the hybrid powertrain, EV range, and more. That said, there are many more premium features on offer, including a heads-up display, 360-degree camera, steering and seat heating, ambient lighting, and more.
Experience in the Mazda CX-60 PHEV
The doors open wide, and the step-in height is perfect, so getting in and out is easy. Once seated, I immediately noticed the cabin’s solid build and premium feel. The front seats are very comfortable, with excellent back and under-thigh support, and the armrest feels substantial.
Even with the panoramic glass roof, I had good headroom at six feet tall. The steering feels sturdy, and the materials, from the metallic trim to the piano-style HVAC keys, give it a near-luxury touch. The puddle lamp that projects “CX-60” onto the ground at night is a nice detail.
Visibility is great, helped by the mirror placement on the doors, which opens up a gap between the A-pillar and the mirror housing. The windshield is large, and the side glass lets in plenty of light, adding to the open feel.
Getting into the rear is just as easy, and once inside, I found the seats supportive. Knee and legroom are just about enough for my height, the seatback reclines a bit, and the height-adjustable headrest offers a little bit more flexibility for someone who’s my height.
Headroom is adequate, and the quarter glass panels bring in extra light. The outboard seats are heated, and there are USB ports and a 150-watt AC outlet for powering small devices. The middle seat is not very usable because it’s not a flat floor, but for two adults, the CX-60’s rear feels comfortable.
Specifications
The Mazda CX-60 PHEV is powered by the Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder petrol engine that works with a 100 kW (134.1 hp) electric motor and a 17.3 kWh battery. Total output is 327 hp and 500 Nm (368.7 lb-ft), enough to hustle the SUV from 0-62 mph in 5.8 seconds. The electric range in mixed environments is 39 miles (62.7 km).
The CX-60 is primarily rear-wheel-drive, but it’s also equipped with Mazda’s i-Activ AWD system, which uses the electric motor to power the front wheels when the system detects loss of grip.
Pricing
The CX-60 Plug-in hybrid is priced starting at GBP 46,940 (USD 61,751) in the British market. The European-spec SUV entered production at Mazda’s Hofu Plant No.2 on March 15, 2022. The Zoom-Zoom brand is expected to continue targeting the CX-60 at Europe and Japan, and the company is unlikely to launch it in the United States.
Also Read: Next-gen Mazda CX-5: 7 Changes we expect in the Hybrid SUV
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
