Mazda has entered the premium SUV market. Can the flagship CX-60 tow? Maximum towing capacity - need a CX-60 towbar?

Mazda has entered the premium SUV market.  Can the flagship CX-60 tow? Maximum towing capacity - need a CX-60 towbar?

With the CX-60, Mazda is competing in the premium SUV market. It's a step up with an ultra stylish exterior and high quality feel throughout the cabin.  The engines available include an efficient plug-in hybrid and the large, practical boot space should fit the bill for families looking for a new SUV.

It's easy to find a perfect driving position in the Mazda CX-60, especially with the Driver Personalisation System that’s fitted on higher spec CX-60s.  It utilises a unique facial recognition system to automatically adjust the seat to your settings when you get in, were useful if you share your car with other family members.

Forward visibility is more than adequate, and the thin windscreen pillars and low dashboard give you a clear view of where the bonnet ends. Rear visibility is hampered by the thick rear pillars, but front and rear parking sensors are standard. You also get a rear-view camera that displays on the large 12.3in infotainment screen – very helpful for reverse parking in the city. 

You get two 12.3-inch infotainment displays – one for the touchscreen, one for the driver’s display – while there’s a head-up screen fitted as standard across the range to help you keep your eyes ahead. The digital 12.3in driver’s instrument display is clear, with great colour contrast and sharp graphics and is responsive.
Thankfully the CX-60 uses physical switches for the infotainment and climate control systems, which are much easier to use when you're driving.

The interior of the CX-60 feels more luxurious than the traditional Mazda set-up - as you would expect from a flagship model. High-end materials are used throughout, like wood and leather, and the CX-60’s interior has simple lines that help create an air of spaciousness. 

There is significant room in the front, a generous amount of leg and head room for taller passengers, and there’s enough width between the seats to prevent elbows touching. There’s plenty of space for two adults to get comfortable in the rear seats too, but not that much more than the smaller CX5.

The boot of the CX-60 is a standard shape and offers 570 litres of storage with the rear seats up (or 1726 litres with them down). That’s plenty of room for luggage for a weekend trip away, and it beats the rivals.  No lip and a wide opening makes it easy to load larger items. There are some useful features, including a storage net on the side to prevent smaller items from rolling around, plus a 12V power socket. There are levers on the side to help fold down the rear seat backrests remotely. They split and fold 40/20/40.
Need to carry more, or take your bikes along on your next trip.  Why not increase the CX-60s practicality by fitting a towbar?  Mazda has rated its flagship model with a maximum towing capacity of 2500kgs - our towbars are rated the same.

Auto LED headlights and high-beam assist come as standard, with adaptive systems optional as part of the Driver Assistance Pack - these manage to actively dim certain sections of the headlight cluster keeping oncoming traffic safe from blindness.

The plug-in hybrid powertrain is interesting as it includes a 2.5-litre petrol engine with a 17.8kWh battery and electric motor helping to produce a total of 323bhp, while drive is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. 
For old-school drivers, a powerful 3.3-litre, six-cylinder diesel engine is also on offer for the CX-60, there is a 197bhp front-wheel drive version available, with a 250bhp all-wheel drive variant rounding off the engine options. A petrol 3L is also available in some markets.

Weighing in around 2,100kg, the CX-60 isn’t a light car, but with the PHEV’s batteries mounted low down, it can corner quite nicely. It stays planted and doesn’t wobble around too much over bumps. The suspension helps the CX-60 to feel balanced in all areas and allows for comfortable progress on longer journeys.

Three CX-60 trim levels are available, and even the lowest comes with heated leather seats, climate control, cruise control, a gesture-controlled powered tailgate, a head-up display and 18in alloy wheels, plus touchscreen infotainment, LED lights and parking aids. 

The next level-up model adds larger 20in wheels, body-coloured wheel arches and a gloss-black front grille. Inside, it adds ambient lighting, electrically adjustable front seats that are heated and ventilated, and a 12-speaker Bose sound system. You also get a Driver Personalisation System that can tell who is driving and sets the seat to their chosen position.

The top-spec CX-60 adds a chrome exterior window design, with upgraded Nappa leather seats inside, plus wood trim and door linings. 

The CX-60 scored an impressive five out of five star rating when Euro NCAP crash tested it in 2022.  All CX-60s come with blind-spot monitoring. An optional Convenience and Driver assistance pack adds adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear emergency braking to help prevent you from backing into danger.

Looking for a comparable Audi/BMW alternative, without the badge price, have a drive in the CX-60, and don't forget to fit a towbar.