From the launch of the Mazda CX-7 in 2007 through each generation of Mazda CX-5 and the smaller Mazda CX-30 and CX-3, Mazda’s CX models have developed a well-earned reputation as great handling SUVs – and the Mazda CX-60 was developed with the same focus on dynamic excellence.

Based on Mazda’s Skyactiv Multi-Solution Scalable Architecture, the CX-60 has a longitudinal front-engine rear-wheel drive mechanical layout that has been designed to work with both the e-Skyactiv PHEV drivetrain and the in-line six-cylinder diesel and petrol engines. Across all models the platform is optimised for easy installation of the electrification technologies such as M Hybrid Boost on six-cylinder models and the plug-in hybrid tech of the PHEV.

However, as you’d expect from Mazda, the Skyactiv Multi-Solution Scalable Architecture features numerous elements focused on ensuring this SUV delivers the dynamic engagement Mazda is famous for. Like every car in the Mazda range, the feeling of Jinba-ittai (oneness between car and driver) is clear from the moment you get behind the wheel of the CX-60.

This focus on dynamic ability starts with bodyshell rigidity levels that ensure drivers can feel vehicle response without lag, seats that make it even easier for every occupant to maintain balance while the car is moving, suspension that stabilises vehicle posture while driving, and a Mazda-unique vehicle posture control system - Kinematic Posture Control (KPC). Mazda’s goal with the Mazda CX-60 was to enable the driver to instantly sense the car’s response to each control operation, resulting in a car that offers the driver a true sense of unity from behind the wheel.

The rigidity of the body structure was strengthened by taking advantage of the longitudinal powertrain layout to enlarge and strengthen the cross-section of the front frame. Increasing the rigidity of the frame member joints contributes to greater overall rigidity of the entire multi-ring body structure. The positioning of the high voltage battery between the front and rear axles and as low as possible within the bodyshell gives the new Mazda CX-60 PHEV a particularly low centre of gravity. This, combined with a permanent all-wheel drive system incorporating shaft-driven transfer of torque between the axles, gives the car superior handling characteristics on a par with the best in the premium segment.

Thanks to Mazda’s focus on weight, the all-new in-line six-cylinder diesel engine’s lightweight construction, means that in spite of its larger six-cylinder capacity, the engine weight is similar to the smaller four-cylinder 2.2-litre Mazda Skyactiv D four-cylinder diesel engine used in the Mazda CX-5. This helps handling balance in the CX-60 by ensuring excellent weight distribution for the longitudinal engine placement and rear-drive balanced chassis layout.

With a double wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension set up, the CX-60’s suspension has been designed to control the sprung mass smoothly during cornering and stabilise vehicle posture in a wide variety of speed ranges.

For the 2025 Mazda CX-60, consistent with the all-new Mazda CX-80, the front suspension geometry has been further refined to offer a more moderate and precise steering response, ensuring the 2025 Mazda CX-60 feels both comfortable and composed on the road. This adjustment enhances the CX-60’s dynamic precision and driver confidence.

Significant changes have also been made to the rear suspension, including the removal of the rear anti-roll bar, lowering the position of the front knuckles and the installation of upgraded subframe bushings. These updates improve grip and stability during cornering, plus the removal of the anti-roll bar allows for greater suspension travel, contributing to a smoother ride over uneven surfaces.

This focus on ride stability has seen further changes to the rear suspension to improve the CX-60’s poise and comfort for both driver and passenger. Set up changes on the 2025 CX-60 focus on a softer rear springs paired with firmer shock absorbers with increased spring travel. This combination minimises pitching on uneven services, providing a balanced and comfortable ride. The increased spring travel allows the suspension to absorb bumps and dips in the road, improving the CX-60’s dynamic performance on undulating and challenging roads.

Additionally, the use of high-rigidity die-cast aluminium components for all four suspension top mounts ensures a smooth suspension stroke and a stable body feel, while reduced vibrations to make the cabin more refined. By minimising the offset between the tyres and damper input, the damping force can be quickly applied in response to minute suspension movements, providing a steady steering feel.

These carefully considered adjustments ensure that the 2025 Mazda CX-60 delivers a driving experience that is both stable and refined. The enhancements to the suspension system embody Mazda’s commitment to the Jinba-Ittai philosophy of car and driver as one. Other updates to the dynamic set up of the 2025 CX-60 include changes to the calibration of the electric power steering to deliver an even more direct steering feel that improves the sense of precision from behind the wheel.

A technology that debuted on the 2022 Mazda MX-5, the Mazda CX-60 also features Kinematic Posture Control (KPC) - a new, Mazda-unique technology that takes advantage of the way the rear suspension of the Mazda CX-60 is designed to oppose lift force and draw the vehicle body downwards when the vehicle brakes. KPC makes the most of these suspension characteristics, stabilising vehicle posture when cornering under particularly high G-force by braking the inside rear wheel slightly to mitigate roll and draw the car body downwards. In addition, the system uses the speed difference between the rear wheels to detect the turning state in real time, using this information to make vehicle movement more linear, and stabilise vehicle posture as required. Plus, thanks to using existing sensors, the KPC system adds no weight to the Mazda CX-60.

For keen drivers there’s the option to use the steering wheel paddles to manually control shifts for the eight-speed automatic gearbox, while ideal for an SUV with off-road or towing abilities, Mazda’s Hill Descent Control (HDC) supports safe downhill driving on steep slopes with slippery or rough surfaces. The system constantly monitors tyre rotation and uses this information to precisely control brake fluid pressure and stabilise vehicle movement, automatically keeping the car at a constant speed without the driver needing to use the brakes. And thanks to Mazda’s i-Activ AWD system and Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) the CX-60 offers a safe and secure driving experience even on various off-road surfaces thanks to its high controllability. This enhances the driver’s confidence when experiencing low grip surfaces.

In addition to the focus on dynamic ability, Mazda’s engineers have ensured the CX-60 has the levels of refinement expected in a large premium SUV. The Mazda CX-60 utilises both sound insulation and sound absorption technology to eliminate all unpleasant noise and give the cabin a uniquely refined Mazda quietness. Sound insulation and noise transfer prevention has been improved by reducing the number of holes and gaps in the floor to an absolute minimum, and by adopting a two wall, body panel and surface material structure to reduce wind noise. Sound absorption has been enhanced through adjustment of the cushioning layer between the body panels and surface materials to better control wind noise and absorb more low frequency sounds such as road noise.

With the carefully considered updates introduced for the 2025 Mazda CX-60, the CX-60 combines a fantastic driving position with excellent body control, communicative steering, well-weighted controls and high grip levels to be an SUV that genuinely earns the ‘sport’ title in SUV, while at the same time it delivers the comfort, refinement and reassurance of a premium SUV to ensure it’s a car you’ll enjoy every time you get behind the wheel regardless of the journey type, road condition or weather. The latest in a long line of great to drive Mazda SUVs, the 2025 CX-60 builds on the critical acclaim of the multi award-winning Mazda CX-5 and now sits alongside the all-new Mazda CX-80 at the top of Mazda’s SUV range.