2023 Mazda CX-60 323 HP Hybrid SUV: Will US Get It?
The new Mazda CX-60 midsize SUV has been revealed today. The specs point to this being possibly the best Mazda ever. That’s because besides 323 hp-Mazda’s most powerful engine ever, it has impressive fuel economy figures, looks great, and is just the right size for most families. Lots of power, good looks, and great mileage too; the perfect combo. What could be wrong with that?
We won’t get the CX-60 but will get the CX-70
Well, right now Mazda has no plans to bring it to the US. That doesn’t mean we won’t get something like it, but it will be a larger SUV dubbed CX-70. Hopefully, that also means it will have more power, too. So there is a lot about the CX-60 you’ll want to know about.
Like the powertrain. This is Mazda’s first plug-in hybrid ever. It will be the basis for a variety of applications, and it features rear-wheel drive to boot. The new platform is called Skyactiv Multi Solution Scalable Architecture. It is an all-wheel-drive system, but it mostly spins the rear wheels.
The longitudinal 2.5-liter gasoline engine has 189 hp combined with the 134 hp electric motor. This combo puts out 369 lb-ft of torque. When switched to the lithium-ion battery only, it has a 39-mile range. The electric motor is in the transmission and applies power to the input shaft.
What size is the CX-60?
The two-row crossover has a 113-inch wheelbase, making it longer and slightly larger than the CX-50. That’s the other reason the US probably won’t get the CX-60; it starts splitting hairs with its smaller sibling. In that light, the CX-50 and coming two-row CX-70 comfortably fit into distinct segments. For 2024 a widebody CX-90 is also planned for the US. Replacing the CX-9, it will likely have the three-row feature.
Two other engines will also be available; the 3.0-liter e-Skyactiv X gas engine and 3.3-liter Skyactiv-D diesel engine. For added fuel economy both will be tied to a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. And all three will transfer power to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The Kodo design language makes this look tall and narrow
Outside, the design follows Mazda’s “Kodo” design language. Though looking a bit tall and narrow, it does feature the long hood indicative of a longitudinal engine arrangement. The dash-to-axle length isn’t the typically truncated look of most front-wheel-drive architecture. But we would like to have seen those wheels pushed out a bit for a better overall stance.
In the cabin, you will see a more luxurious interior than one would expect. But this follows along with Mazda’s announced plan to move up the ladder to become a luxury brand. The dash incorporates two 12.3-inch screens; one for the touchscreen and the other for the digital instrument cluster. Found throughout is a nice combination of Nappa leather, woven textiles, and wood accents.
The CX-60 will be sold in four trims; Prime, Exclusive, Homura, and Takumi. Prices in Europe start at $51,700 up to $57,700.