First Drive: 2025 Mazda CX-60 2.5G 2WD High – Three Things We Learnt

In case you missed it, local Mazda brand representative Bermaz Auto Berhad (BAuto) recently launched two of Mazda’s new flagship SUVs, the Mazda CX-60 and CX-80.

Here are three things we learnt after driving Mazda’s new midsize SUV, the all-new 2025 Mazda CX-60 2.5G 2WD High.

In conjunction with the launch, we were invited to a special media driver session with the new CX-60, more specifically the single 2.5G 2WD High variant available for this midsize SUV.

Despite our limited seat time with it, we managed to learn a few things about this new SUV, and here are three things that we think you should really know about the Mazda CX-60 2.5G 2WD High…

1. It’s Quite Big!

Upon first glance, you’ll immediately notice that the new CX-60 is no small matter. And while it does feature some familiar Mazda design cues, this midsize SUV does look a bit more mature and commanding than other Mazda SUVs.

Positioned above the CX-5 and below the three-row CX-8, the CX-60 spans 4,740 mm long, 1,890 mm wide, and 1,675 mm tall with a 2,870 mm wheelbase, thus putting it on par with premium European adversaries like the BMW X3, the Mercedes-Benz GLC, the Volvo XC60, and many more.

The new Mazda CX-60 does retain some of Mazda's signature 'Kodo Design' elements, albeit in a much more refreshed form.

Being the first Large Product Group to be launched, the CX-60 features the latest iteration of Mazda’s signature Kodo Design ethos but still features the signature elongated front hood and sporty rear-end look. Some new design bits primed here include new LED projector headlights, a large front grille with vertical inserts, slim LED taillights, 20-inch single-tone alloy wheels, and many more.

Last but not least, a total of five colourways are available for the CX-60, including Jet Black, Platinum Quartz, Rhodium White, Soul Red Crystal, and the new Zircon Sand.

Despite looking relatively similar to other Mazda SUVs, the new CX-60 does represent a slight design departure for the Hiroshima brand, and given its exterior bulk, it comes as no surprise that this supposed driver-centric SUV is also quite a practical peoplemover. Speaking of which…

2. Premium & Practical Cabin

Think the CX-5 is a bit too cramped and the CX-8 too big for your liking? Then good news, because the CX-60 essentially bridges the gap between these two models while retaining and slightly uplifting the premium cabin experience Mazda SUVs are known for.

Thanks to its strictly five-seater layout, space is quite plentiful inside this midsize SUV for both passengers and their cargo. While this is a rear-wheel drive (RWD) SUV, we find that the central hump is not as tall as many other SUVs, thus making the rear seats adequate enough for three adult occupants.

Boot space is also quite decent, measuring 570 litres as standard and can be expanded to 1,726 litres with the rear seats folded. Not to forget, the boot also boasts enough space for a space-saver spare wheel, which is surprisingly a rare sight in most premium SUVs nowadays.

In terms of tech, you’ll get several new bits like the 12.3-inch infotainment screen that supports wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, as well as the new 12.3-inch fully digital metre cluster with a head-up display (HUD).

Typical of any Mazda car, the CX-60 retains a pretty driver-centric cabin setup, featuring plenty of physical buttons and dials for essential functions. Predictably, you’ll find tons of premium materials here, such as soft-touch upholstery on the front dash and black leather upholstery for the seats, but the faux aluminium trim does feel a bit cheap, at least for Mazda’s standards.

Rounding off the cabin amenities list are a wireless charger, USB-C ports, a panoramic sunroof, and a Bose sound system.

3. Still Drives Like A Proper Mazda, But…

One thing that Mazda likes to push about the CX-60 is its driving, so much so that the automaker even billed it as an “Emotional Driving SUV.”

The familiar 2.5-litre Skyactiv-G engine is now mated to a new 8-speed automatic transmission inside the CX-60.

For our market, only one powertrain option is available for the CX-60, namely the familiar 2.5-litre 4-cyl naturally-aspirated Skyactiv-G engine that is used on both the CX-5 and CX-8. That said, this setup now outputs 189 hp and 261 Nm on the CX-60 while mated to a new 8-speed automatic gearbox.

Also setting the CX-60 apart from other Mazda SUVs is the new Large Product platform it underpins, which features an RWD setup as standard with a longitudinal engine layout. Mazda also went out to boast about its new Kinematic Posture Control system, which works in tandem with the car’s suspension and braking control systems to provide a more stable cornering feel, plus a “strong sense of unity” between drivers and the car—aligning with Mazda’s Jinba Ittai ethos.

Immediately, we felt that the CX-60 provided a pretty smooth and solid driving experience throughout our overnight trip from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh. On highways, the ride felt quite smooth and comfortable, although we’d reckon the noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) suppression level could’ve been a bit better.

That said, B-roads are where the CX-60 truly shines, as you don't feel like you’re driving a relatively large SUV when tackling sharp corners and bumpy backroads. Although you still experienced some body rolls, the CX-60 settled itself rather quickly, thus giving drivers more confidence on twists and turns.

However, we felt that the 2.5-litre Skyactiv-G engine was slightly underpowered for the CX-60’s application, especially from the get-go and during corner exit. But once you hit highway cruising speeds, things felt quite smooth and linear, thus making it a decent long-distance cruiser.

That said, with its decent driving dynamics, we’d reckon the CX-60 would benefit from a peppier powertrain setup, such as the new 3.3-litre inline-six engine on sale in other markets. But given the current Malaysian road tax scheme, its tried-and-tested reliability, and a bid to further lower its price, we certainly understand BAuto’s decision to offer the CX-60 with this single powertrain option.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the new 2025 Mazda CX-60 2.5G 2WD High promises to be a pretty stellar alternative not only to its fellow Japanese rivals but also to its European adversaries too.

Retailing from RM198,900, the new CX-60 also showcases Mazda’s commitment to retain its position as a premium automaker, with this SUV now knocking on the premium midsize SUV marketspace, while being priced just slightly higher than your usual Japanese suspects.

With that price, you’ll also get the unrivaled premium ownership experience offered by BAuto, which includes a 5-year or 100,000 km vehicle warranty and a 5-year or 100,000 km free maintenance package.

All in all, the new Mazda CX-60 is a good addition to the long list of premium SUVs on sale in our market, and adding the list of Chinese adversaries that came in recently, Malaysian buyers are now surely spoiled for choice.