Our test vehicle, hailing from Mazda’s Hōfu plant in Japan, has a starting price of €47,390. This SUV has much going for it, but does it check all the boxes? Let’s find out.
Fun Factor: 9
The Mazda CX-60 delivers an unexpected amount of fun, especially for a diesel SUV. With its beefy 3.3L turbo diesel engine, you’ve got 197 horsepower and a hefty 332 lb-ft of torque at your disposal. And yes, it’s rear-wheel drive, so you get that satisfying feeling of being pushed rather than pulled. The 8-speed automatic transmission handles power delivery smoothly, and with a 48V mild hybrid system chipping in, it’s more fuel-efficient than you’d expect for something this size. We clocked 216 km/h on the Autobahn (sorry, Mazda, your official 212 km/h is cute but inaccurate). With sharp handling and that rear-wheel-drive setup, driving on twisty roads is a joy. The CX-60 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 CX-60 shines as a family hauler. Whether it’s road trips or grocery runs, the CX-60 is built with families in mind. There’s ample legroom in the back for adults and child seats fit without a fuss, so there is no awkward seatbelt wrestling! The rear cargo space is also generous, allowing for strollers, luggage, and the occasional bulk purchase from IKEA. All in all, it’s family-friendly without feeling like you’re driving a minivan.
Fuel-Friendly: 9
Mazda’s engineers deserve a pat on the back for squeezing out every drop of efficiency from that 3.3L diesel. Whether in the city or on the highway, the CX-60 stays impressively fuel-friendly. We appreciated its ability to “sail” along with the engine off, making long road trips easier on your wallet. You’ll make fewer pit stops at the pump, which is always a win, especially when you’re road-tripping across Italy, Austria, and Germany like we did. Our road trip's average fuel economy was 6.4L/100km, which includes driving on the Autobahn at Autobahn speeds. On the Hwy, we often were able to achieve better fuel economy, often as low as 4.9L/100km on long stretches of road, which is just wild.
HWY-Warrior: 9
The CX-60 feels right at home on the highway. We took it through a European tour—Italy, Austria, Germany (yes, Autobahn!), and Switzerland’s famous Furka Pass. The diesel engine has enough grunt to power through steep roads and easily pass slower vehicles. You’ll love its stability and comfort, even at higher speeds. As a fantastic bonus, the CX-60’s heads-up display projects all the crucial info, including traffic signs, navigation, and speed, right onto the windshield. It’s like having your own personal co-pilot who doesn’t annoy you with too many questions.
Karaoke-Friendly: 7
Now, this is where things get a bit “meh.” The infotainment system is easy to navigate, but the sound system is more “good enough” than “wow.” It’ll handle a family sing-along just fine, but if you’re an audiophile, you might notice that the bass lacks punch. Let’s say it won’t make you feel like you’re front row at a concert, but it gets the job done for road trip tunes.
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-60’s size means parking can be a challenge in tight urban spots; unless you’re great at parallel parking, this might not be the best choice for city-dwelling parents.
City Cruising: 5
Let’s be honest: the CX-60 is not a city car. The diesel engine and large frame are more 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. But for weekend getaways? This SUV is perfect.
Final Thoughts
The Mazda CX-60 3.3L diesel rear-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 car that can handle long trips, this one is hard to beat. Mazda, if you’re listening, please bring this to North America! We need it as a CX-5 replacement. You know we’d love it. We’ve already started the conversation; now it’s your turn.
Pros of Buying:
Excellent fuel efficiency for a diesel SUV
Fun and engaging rear-wheel-drive dynamics
Spacious, family-friendly interior with generous cargo capacity
Cons of Buying:
Not the best choice for city dwellers
Sound system could be better for the price
The larger size makes parking a challenge in tight spots.
Should You Buy It?
If you’re looking for a fun-to-drive, fuel-efficient, and family-ready SUV that excels on long road trips, the Mazda CX-60 is worth considering. Just ensure you’re not spending too much time in city traffic because that’s where it feels a bit out of its element and where you should get the PHEV instead.
Mazda has lent us this vehicle for two weeks as a press vehicle. We have no affiliation with Mazda Canada & Germany. The above reflects our personal opinion of the cars referred to above.
