Is the Mazda CX-80 really more than a stretched CX-60?

Since forever, or almost, Mazda takes pleasure in going against market trends. If this has not always, far from it, resulted in commercial success, the brand has thus forged a disruptive image while other Japanese labels want to be rather conservative. One of the manufacturer’s latest highlights appeared in 2022, under the name CX-60.

With this model, Mazda wanted to prove that it was now a premium label at the level of its German rivals. Until then, the brand only offered the CX-5 in the family SUV category. A model certainly successful, but seriously lacking in sex appeal and assets compared to the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Mercedes GLC. Although the CX-5 is still on the market – it was even slightly restyled a few months ago – the Mazda range now includes a second offering in this segment: the CX-60.

With its polished aesthetic, its interior trims referencing Japanese craftsmanship, its taxation friendly 2.5 plug-in hybrid with 327 hp and, above all, its captivating 6-cylinder in-line Diesel 3.3 available in 200 and 254 hp, it proved that Mazda could seriously tease the German labels.

Today, the Hiroshima manufacturer continues its move upmarket with the CX-80. According to the brand, this is a new offering, with a 3^e row of seats, within the segment where the CX-5 and CX-60 are already present. But, with its 5 m long, this newcomer clearly positions itself as a rival to the Audi Q7, BMW X5 and Mercedes GLE. But does it really live up to this trio of references or, by taking many (too many?) elements from the CX-60, is it just a standard-bearer for economy?

Lots of shares

Up to amount B, that is to say for everything that is upstream of the rear doors, the CX-80 is thus identical to the CX-60. Everyone will judge according to their taste, whether it is an appropriate choice or not. But, objectively, this does not allow this top of the range to highlight its more exclusive side. Regarding the posterior part, we find longer doors, to facilitate access to the 3^e row, new quarter panels and a completely redesigned tailgate. The latter is more vertical, again in order to make the lives of the occupants of the back row seats more pleasant.

Technically, the platform is naturally that of the CX-60. However, the wheelbase has been largely revised upwards since it is here 3.12 mcompared to 2.87 m for the CX-60. Above all, it outperforms all its German rivals here, which only benefit from a wheelbase of 2.98 m (X5) or 3 m (Q7 and GLE). This suggests good legroom for passengers in the second row.

Under the long hood, with the mechanics arranged longitudinally, we find the two most powerful proposals in the CX-60 range, namely the 2.5 e-SkyActiv PHEV with 327 hp and the 3.3 e-SkyActiv D with 254 hp. In all cases, the CX-80 is therefore equipped with all-wheel drive.

2-3-2 or 2-2-2

When you sit behind the wheel, it’s impossible not to notice that the on-board furniture is also completely identical to that of the CX-60. The dashboard is therefore much less extravagant than those of certain rivals. This is in no way a criticism since it allows you to easily consult the main information related to driving and which is indicated on the 12.3″ digital instrument cluster. In addition, all versions receive a color head-up display.

If Mazda has made the laudable choice to retain physical controls for the air conditioning and audio system, the CX-80 obviously does not ignore the high definition central tablet. Due to its location, far from the driver and front passenger, the engineers have chosen not to make it tactile… except when using Android Auto or Apple Carplay. Go figure. On the other hand, the rotary control located between the front seats allows quick and intuitive adjustments. The only weakness of this screen is that the definition is now behind what most competitors offer.

The finish is also not quite up to standard. of what one could expect from a vehicle priced at over €70,000. However, the assemblies are rigorous. But certain materials, such as the imitation leather strip placed on the dashboard or certain chrome plastic elements, look a little cheap.

Where the CX-80 expects the most is in terms of habitability. Thanks to its generous size and XXL wheelbase, this Mazda reserves a lot of space for all its occupants, including those in the 3^e rang. Naturally, it will be preferable to reserve these seats for children but, for short journeys, a pair of adults will not find themselves excessively contorted.

Although it is systematically equipped with 3 rows of seats, this SUV nevertheless offers 3 seat configurations. In the first and last rows, there are a pair of individual seats. In the center, the original equipment includes a classic 3-seat bench, which makes it a 7-seater. As a free option, you can however prefer 2 individual Captain Chair type seats. Finally, on the top of the range Takumi Plus, by shedding an additional €850, a console including storage space takes place between these individual seats. These different proposals are attractive because they allow everyone to make their choice according to their use. However, if, in all cases, the seats are comfortable, they are located very low, which forces the occupants of the central row into an uncomfortable position on a long journey.