Drive
With buyers increasingly cross-shopping mainstream and luxury brands, does Mazda's latest large SUV have what it takes to justify the move upmarket?
by Alex Forrest
Published
2 min read
Text size
by Alex Forrest
Published
Text size
Watch Alex's review on the 2026 Mazda CX-80 on the Horizons by RAC YouTube channel
It’s no wonder some prospective buyers will need to take some time to fully comprehend the differences between the Mazda CX-60, 70, 80, and 90 SUV models.
Then, across those four different models there are four different equipment levels and three different drivetrains to choose from.
Among those models, the CX-80 may be the sweet spot. It’s not as wide as the CX-90, but it is longer than the CX-60, which allows it to have a third row of seats.
And those seats can fit a 190cm tall person back there without that person having to be a yoga enthusiast. They might appreciate regular stops though.
Engine options comprise a petrol engine and a diesel, both inline sixes and both 3.3 litres in size. These two utilise 48-volt mild hybrid systems, which offer some slight electrical assistance to the petrol (or diesel) engine.
A third powerplant option in the CX-80 is a plug-in hybrid, which has a larger 17.8kWh battery and more potential fuel savings if you charge it up often enough.
Of these three engine options, the diesel mild hybrid drivetrain is the best value for its significantly lower fuel consumption than the petrol, and its lower up-front cost than the plug-in hybrid versions.
In the time we had the CX-80 diesel, it used just 6.6L/100km – impressive for a 2.1-tonne SUV with 187kW and 550Nm available. By comparison, the Kia Sorento diesel has a smaller 2.2-litre engine with less power and torque but uses more fuel.
Once underway, there’s no shortage of surge from the big diesel. Though the mild-hybrid assisted engine stop/start system does need the driver to finesse on the brake pedal to smooth out starts from standstill.
The CX-80’s interior certainly has premium European levels of fit and finish, with quality materials and well thought through ergonomics.
Specifications | |
ENGINE: | 3.3L six-cylinder diesel |
POWER: | 187kW @ 3750rpm |
TORQUE: | 5.2L/100km |
CLAIMED FUEL ECONOMY: | 7.2L/100km |
PRICE: | from $69,300 drive away (D50E Touring) |
ANCAP SAFETY RATING: | 5 Stars |
