Mazda CX-60 2023 Review

The compact SUV market has become increasingly competitive in recent years, with consumers demanding both practicality in terms of space and higher expectations for design quality and driving experience. As Mazda's first SUV built on a rear-wheel-drive platform, the Mazda CX-60 has attracted attention since its launch with a combination of "luxurious texture + handling DNA." This time, we have obtained a test drive vehicle of the 2023 CX-60 to verify whether its positioning in the Malaysian market is accurate and whether its design and performance truly meet the needs of users.

The exterior design of the CX-60 continues Mazda's Kodo 2.0 design language, but its larger dimensions give it a more imposing presence. The front features a shield-shaped grille complemented by silver chrome trim and matrix LED headlights. The daytime running lights have a slender "spoon" shape, offering high recognition. The side profile boasts smooth lines running from the front fender to the rear, with a clear waistline. The 20-inch multi-spoke wheels (on higher trims) further enhance the visual center of gravity. At the rear, the slim LED taillights echo the front design. The central part of the rear gate is adorned with the Mazda lettering, while the dual-exhaust layout (on the petrol version) underneath adds to the sporty feel. The overall design maintains Mazda's recognizable family traits while giving a more composed impression compared to the CX-5.

Stepping inside, the interior quality of the CX-60 is noticeably superior to that of other compact SUVs in its class. The center console features an asymmetrical design tilted about 7 degrees toward the driver's seat for easier operation. As for materials, the areas within reach are mostly covered in soft leather and wood grain trim. The air conditioning vents and the area around the gear lever are further accentuated with silver metal trims, highlighting its luxury. In terms of core configurations, the 12.3-inch fully digital instrument panel and 12.3-inch center display form a dual-screen setup, with the center screen supporting Apple CarPlay/Android Auto wireless connection and offering smooth responsiveness. The seats are wrapped in Nappa leather (in high-end versions), with the front row featuring 10-way electric adjustment and heating functions. The rear seats come equipped with independent air conditioning vents and Type-C charging ports, showcasing well-thought-out details.

In terms of dimensions, the CX-60 measures 4745mm×1890mm×1680mm (L×W×H), with a wheelbase of 2870mm, making it 175mm longer with a 170mm longer wheelbase compared to the CX-5. During actual driving experience, a passenger with a height of 175cm sitting in the front row can enjoy a headroom of approximately one fist and two fingers. In the rear, legroom extends to two fists, and headroom is about one fist, ensuring comfort even with three adult passengers. Regarding storage space, the front center armrest has a relatively large compartment that can hold a 10-inch tablet, while the door storage compartments can store two 500ml water bottles. The trunk offers a regular capacity of 570 liters, which can be expanded to 1726 liters when the rear seats are folded down, making it easy to fit a baby stroller or a golf bag, meeting the storage needs of family users.

The test vehicle is equipped with a 2.5L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum power of 190PS and a peak torque of 252N·m, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. In terms of performance, the throttle response is linear during initial acceleration, devoid of the abruptness typically seen in turbocharged vehicles. During low-to-medium speed acceleration (30-80km/h), power delivery is smooth, making it suitable for urban commuting. On highways, overtaking (100-120km/h) requires a deeper push on the throttle, and while the transmission shifts down enthusiastically, the power reserve is not as abundant as the 2.5T version. The vehicle offers three driving modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport. In Sport mode, throttle sensitivity is increased, and the transmission keeps lower gears longer, which is suitable for scenarios where drivers occasionally seek driving excitement.

The CX-60 is built on a longitudinal rear-wheel-drive platform, with a chassis featuring a combination of front double-wishbone and rear multi-link suspension. In terms of handling, the steering is precise with minimal dead zone. The steering feels stable at high speeds, providing sufficient confidence. The suspension tuning leans towards comfort, effectively filtering bumps when passing over speed bumps or uneven roads, ensuring rear passengers do not feel significant jolts. During cornering, the suspension offers good support, keeping body roll within a reasonable range, balancing comfort and handling. Notably, this car is also equipped with the i-Activ AWD intelligent all-wheel-drive system, which automatically distributes torque between the front and rear wheels on slippery road surfaces or in mild off-road scenarios, enhancing stability.

In terms of fuel consumption, we conducted a mixed driving condition test: driving 100km in urban areas (approximately 40% congestion) yielded a displayed fuel consumption of 8.2L/100km; driving 100km on highways (cruising at 110km/h) achieved a fuel consumption of 6.5L/100km; the combined fuel consumption is approximately 7.3L/100km. For an SUV with a wheelbase of nearly 2.9 meters, this performance is above average in the same class. Noise control is excellent, with minimal wind and tire noise at 120km/h, ensuring that in-car conversation remains unaffected. The seats offer strong support, and even during long drives, the lower back remains comfortable, resulting in an excellent overall driving and riding experience.

In summary, the core advantages of the 2023 Mazda CX-60 lie in the handling characteristics brought by its longitudinal rear-wheel-drive platform, its high-class interior quality, and its spacious design. Compared to competitors in the same segment, such as the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V, the CX-60 stands out in terms of luxury and wheelbase. Although the 2.5L version may not be too aggressive in terms of power, its smoothness and fuel efficiency meet the needs of family users.

The target audience for this car is quite clear: family users who value interior quality and space, as well as young individuals who appreciate Mazda's handling traits but also need a family-oriented vehicle. If your budget allows, opting for the 2.5T version provides even stronger performance, but the 2.5L version is already sufficient for daily use.

Overall, the CX-60 is a "well-balanced contender." It has no significant drawbacks, with luxury, space, handling, and fuel efficiency all reaching above average levels in its class. It is a compelling option among compact SUVs in the Malaysian market.