Our test vehicle, assembled at Mazda's Hōfu plant in Japan, has a starting price of €56,250 in Germany. This SUV has much going for it, but does it check all the boxes? Let's find out.
The Mazda CX-80 is the Swiss Army knife of SUVs: versatile, stylish, and ready for any adventure. Built upon the same platform as the CX-60, it offers a choice of powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid, ensuring a flavour for every palate. While Europe and Japan get the CX-80, North America enjoys the wider-bodied CX-90. In Australia and parts of Asia, the CX-80 serves as a compact alternative to the CX-90, and in markets where the CX-8 has taken a bow, the CX-80 steps in as its worthy successor. It's Mazda's way of saying, "We've got the perfect SUV for you, wherever you are unless you're in North America, where we'll give you the bigger sibling instead."
Fun Factor: 9
The Mazda CX-80 delivers unexpected fun, especially for a diesel SUV. With its beefy 3.3L turbo diesel engine, you've got 254 horsepower and a hefty 406 lb-ft of torque at your disposal. And yes, it's all-wheel drive, so you get that satisfying feeling of being pushed and pulled simultaneously. The 8-speed automatic transmission delivers power smoothly except at low speeds, where it may need some tweaking, which may be the only weak point of the vehicle. With a 48V mild hybrid system chipping in, it's more fuel-efficient than expected for its size. We clocked 225 km/h on the Autobahn (sorry, Mazda, your official 219 km/h is inaccurate). With the sharp handling and AWD setup, driving on twisty roads is a joy. The CX-80 feels planted and responsive, with the chassis providing that famous "Jinba-Ittai" oneness between car and driver. Accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h takes just 8.4 seconds, so it's quick for a diesel, but not "spill your coffee" quick.
Can It Family: 9
The Mazda CX-80 shines as a family-friendly SUV, seamlessly combining practicality with a touch of sophistication. Designed with family needs in mind, it excels in tackling daily errands or embarking on road trips. The spacious second row offers generous legroom, ensuring comfort for adults and children. Installing child seats is a breeze with easily accessible ISOFIX anchor points. Access to the third row is effortless, thanks to rear doors that open nearly 90 degrees, and entry and exit are straightforward. Cargo space is another strength of the CX-80, easily accommodating strollers, luggage, and spontaneous bulk purchases. However, deploying the third-row seats reduces the available cargo capacity, making it better suited for shorter trips with extra passengers. The third row works well as "emergency seating" for kids during carpool runs but isn't ideal for adults. Mazda also packs the CX-80 with thoughtful features to enhance family trips. The second row includes multiple drink holders, USB-C ports, reading lights, climate controls, directional air vents, a fold-down armrest, and retractable sunblinds, which are a hit with kids. The third row is equally equipped, offering drink holders, USB-C ports, and air vents to ensure every passenger stays comfortable.
The Mazda CX-80 is a spacious, comfortable SUV that avoids the "minivan" stigma, offering practicality and elegance for family travel. While the third row is a handy bonus, it's best suited for shorter trips or smaller passengers.
Fuel-Friendly: 9
Mazda's engineers deserve a pat on the back for squeezing out every efficiency drop from that 3.3L diesel. Whether in the city or on the highway, the CX-80 stays impressively fuel-friendly. We appreciated its ability to "sail" along with the engine off, making long road trips easier on your wallet. Our road trip's average fuel economy was 7.6L/100km over 3,440 km, including driving on the Autobahn. On the highway, we often achieved a better fuel economy, frequently as low as 5.7L/100km on long stretches, which is just wild. For context, that's better than some hybrids we've tested.
HWY-Warrior: 10
The Mazda CX-80 is the undisputed monarch of the motorway. On our European escapade through Austria, Germany (embracing the Autobahn's limitless allure), and France's picturesque Strasbourg and Colmar, the CX-80's diesel engine showcased its prowess. With ample torque, it effortlessly conquered steep inclines and breezed past slower traffic while maintaining a composed demeanour. The vehicle's stability and comfort at elevated speeds are commendable. The CX-80's head-up display projects essential information such as traffic signs, navigation cues, and speed directly onto the windshield. It's akin to having a co-pilot who provides all the necessary details. In terms of handling, the CX-80 turns sharply and decisively, although the steering wheel feels disconnected. There's a bit of roll as you turn into corners, but the suspension quickly smooths things out. Large roundabouts can feel a little tense as the car fights the laws of nature, but overall, it's impressive. The CX-80 is a steadfast companion for highway journeys, blending performance, comfort, and intuitive technology to enhance the driving experience.
Karaoke-Friendly: 8
The Mazda CX-80's infotainment system is similar to a reliable friend, always available when needed. It uses a central dial and buttons, which is a good choice for those who prefer physical buttons over touchscreens. The 12.3-inch display is simple and easy to navigate, though it doesn't allow touchscreen control while driving, which may feel restrictive. But fear not! If you've connected a smartphone, you'll get Apple CarPlay touchscreen support on the go, making it easier to tap through playlists and maps. The sound system in the CX-80 is a 12-speaker Bose. It delivers crisp and balanced audio, perfect for family sing-alongs or background music. It's not "concert hall" quality, but it certainly gets the job done when it's time to crank up your playlist. In short, the Mazda CX-80's infotainment and sound systems balance ease of use and functionality, making them great for family vacations and everyday driving without bells and whistles.
Baby-Friendly: 8
Parents, you're in luck! Installing car seats is a breeze, thanks to the easily accessible rear seat latches. The ride is smooth enough to keep babies (and toddlers) dozing during longer drives. However, the CX-80's size means parking can be challenging in tight urban spots unless you're great at parallel parking.
City Cruising: 6
Let's be honest: the CX-80 is not a city car. The diesel engine and large frame are better suited for wide-open highways than cramped urban streets. While it's manageable in the city, you'll feel its bulk when trying to maneuver in traffic or squeeze into a tight parking space in Europe. If most of your driving is urban, you might want to consider something more compact, like the CX-60 we reviewed earlier. But for weekend getaways? This SUV is perfect.
Final Thoughts
The Mazda CX-80 3.3L diesel all-wheel drive is a solid all-around SUV with plenty of fun-to-drive factors, family practicality, and long-distance cruising ability. It excels on the highway, loves open roads, and offers excellent fuel economy for its size. If you're an enthusiast who enjoys driving and needs a family hauler that can handle long trips, this one is hard to beat.
Pros of Buying:
Excellent fuel efficiency for a diesel SUV
Fun and engaging all-wheel-drive dynamics
Spacious, family-friendly interior with generous cargo capacity
The Inline 6 just put this vehicle in a different league.
Cons of Buying:
Not the best choice for city dwellers
The sound system is just okay
Transmission at low speeds feels jerky.
Should You Buy It?
If you're searching for a family-friendly SUV that strikes a harmonious balance between technology and practicality—without bombarding you with a maze of features—the Mazda CX-80 is a commendable contender. While it may not dazzle with cutting-edge infotainment or a booming sound system, it delivers the essentials with user-friendly controls and a reliable audio setup, making it well-suited for daily commutes and family road trips. It's the SUV equivalent of a reliable, well-tailored suit—it won't turn heads at a fashion show, but it'll get the job done with style, especially in the Melting Copper paint.
Disclaimer:
Mazda has lent us this vehicle for one week as a press vehicle. We have no affiliation with Mazda Europe. The above reflects our personal opinion of the cars referred to above.
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