2026 Mazda CX-60 Review
2026 Mazda CX-60
A premium-leaning mid-size SUV from Mazda featuring rear-wheel-drive dynamics and unique inline-six engine options.
How This Score Is Calculated
- Sources analysed: 6 reviews
- Explicit scores: 0 sources (weighted 1.5×)
- Sentiment-only: 6 sources (weighted 1.0×)
- Split: 3 Positive · 2 Mixed · 1 Negative
- Raw weighted average: 6.8
- Formula: Σ(score × weight) ÷ Σ(weight)
- Review period: 2026 Model Year
- Final score: 6.8/10 (clamped, rounded to 1 decimal)
Algorithmically calculated from source data. No manual adjustments.
- Most reviewed featureHandling/Dynamics (6/6)
- Most praisedSix-cylinder engine
- Most criticisedRide quality
- Reviewer consensus levelModerate
The 2026 Mazda CX-60 positions itself as a premium, rear-wheel-drive alternative to mainstream SUVs, offering engaging driving dynamics and a potent inline-six powertrain. While reviewers applaud its performance and design, they frequently cite a firm, unrefined ride and inconsistent transmission calibration as primary drawbacks. It is best suited for buyers prioritizing driving character over absolute cabin polish or maximum comfort.
🔧 Key Specifications
Specifications sourced from reviewer mentions. Verify with manufacturer for complete details.
- Engine: Inline-six (G40e) or Four-cylinder (G25)
- Drivetrain: Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
- Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
- Infotainment: Simple and intuitive interface
- Connectivity: Wireless smartphone connectivity
💲 Price Range
Approximately ₹24,50,000 to ₹29,20,000
Prices sourced from reviews. Check current retailer pricing.
📊 What Reviewers Say — Feature by Feature
5 features evaluated across 6 sources.
👍 Key Strengths
- Engaging rear-wheel-drive driving dynamics
- Powerful inline-six engine performance
- Spacious cabin and boot
- Intuitive infotainment system
- Effective noise suppression
👎 Key Weaknesses
- Firm, thumpy, and unrefined ride quality
- Clunky and unpolished transmission calibration
- Cheap-feeling plastic interior materials
- High servicing costs
- Disappointing rear passenger access
💰 Value for Money Analysis
Recent price reductions have improved the vehicle's value proposition, making it a viable alternative to traditional mainstream SUVs. However, reviewers note that the base 'Pure' trim lacks equipment found in cheaper competitors.
6 of 6 sources commented on price or value.
⚡ Where Reviewers Disagreed
The following areas saw meaningful disagreement across sources.
- Ride Quality: 2 sources praised the urban ride/rubber, while 4 sources strongly criticized it as firm/thumpy. Disagreement likely stems from expectations of a premium SUV vs. actual suspension compliance.
🎯 Who This Product Is For
Reviewer recommendations for different target audiences and use cases.
🛠️ Best Use Cases
- Weekend Backroad DrivingThe RWD handling and engine performance excel here.Great
- Urban CommutingHeavy steering and clunky transmission make this less ideal for city traffic.Poor
- Family TransportSpacious cabin and boot are strong, though rear seat ingress is noted as a struggle.Good
🔀 Alternatives Mentioned by Reviewers
Maximise this list. Include EVERY single competitor, rival, or alternative product mentioned in any of the source reviews. Do not omit any. More alternatives and longer lists are better.
- Mazda CX-5 — Noted as a more cohesive driving experience and a better value proposition than the CX-60.
- Toyota RAV4 — A standard-setting mainstream SUV with better equipment levels and hybrid efficiency.
- Subaru Forester — Offers better standard features and value compared to the CX-60's base trim.
- Kia Sportage — A strong competitor with more advanced hybrid systems and better equipment at similar price points.
- Hyundai Tucson — A primary mainstream alternative that is more comfortable and better equipped than the entry-level CX-60.
- Mitsubishi Outlander — Positioned as a mainstream mid-size alternative that is more accessible than the CX-60.
- BMW X3 — A premium rival that provides a significantly more sophisticated driving experience, ride comfort, and handling.
- Audi Q5 — A premium benchmark offering better ride comfort and handling composure than the Mazda.
- Volvo XC60 — A premium alternative that outclasses the CX-60 in refinement and interior luxury.
- Volkswagen Tiguan — A direct competitor that matches the Mazda in price segments but offers different refinement characteristics.
- Nissan X-Trail — Another direct segment competitor frequently compared to the CX-60's entry-level models.
Alternatives sourced exclusively from reviewer mentions.
🛒 Buyer's Guide
✅ Buy This If…
- You prioritize engaging, driver-focused handling dynamics.
- You specifically want the performance of an inline-six engine.
- You appreciate a spacious cabin and simple, intuitive infotainment.
❌ Skip This If…
- You want a plush, comfortable ride for daily city commuting.
- You expect a true luxury-grade interior from an entry-level trim.
- You are sensitive to transmission clunkiness in stop-start traffic.
⚠️ Things to Check Before Buying
- Test drive the vehicle in both city traffic and on backroads to assess the transmission and ride.
- Consider upgrading from the 'Pure' trim to the 'Touring' trim for a more cohesive experience.
- Check the cost of servicing in your region before committing to the purchase.
📈 Sentiment Trends Over Time
Reviews span the 2026 model year updates. The following changes were detected:
- Overall Value — Recent price drops have made the CX-60 a more competitive and recommended choice than at launch.
- Ride Quality — Despite minor updates, the firm and thumpy ride remains a consistent point of critique across reviews.
The 2026 Mazda CX-60 is a compelling choice for drivers who value performance and handling, though it lacks the refinement of true premium rivals. While its six-cylinder engine and rear-wheel-drive dynamics are standout features, the firm ride and unpolished transmission make it a less-than-perfect daily driver. We recommend opting for higher trims to avoid the plasticky base-level interior. If comfort is your primary concern, consider the Audi Q5 or BMW X3 instead.
Top Alternative: Mazda CX-5 — Choose this if you want a more cohesive driving experience and better overall value for your money.
Reviewer Perspectives & Source Breakdown
Is the entry level option the smartest buy in the Mazda CX-60 line-up? -...
Price: Approx. 2,460,000 INR
The G25 Pure offers a spacious and well-handling entry into the CX-60 range, but it suffers from unrefined transmission performance and a cabin that feels budget-focused. It serves as a decent base model, though it lacks the sophisticated powertrain efficiency of its more expensive siblings.
Pros
- Roomy interior with generous boot space
- Most affordable service plan in the range
- Engaging and decent driving dynamics
Cons
- Fussy and unrefined transmission performance
- Interior materials feel cheap for the grade
- Engine struggles significantly outside of city environments
- Less fuel efficient than hybrid engine options
Just a big CX-5? We put the Mazda CX-60 G25 Touring to the test - drive....
Price: 57,707 INR
The G25 Touring offers a more accessible entry point to the CX-60 range with a premium interior and spacious cabin. However, its sluggish performance and disappointing fuel economy make it feel like an underwhelming step up from the CX-5.
Pros
- Attractive exterior design
- High-quality interior finish
- Engaging rear-wheel drive handling
- Spacious cabin with generous legroom
Cons
- Engine feels very slow
- Poor fuel efficiency
- Gearbox performance is unrefined
- Lacks MyMazda app integration
Mazda CX-60 Review 2026, Price & Specs | What Car? - whatcar.com...
The Mazda CX-60 is a powerful and well-equipped family SUV with a high-quality interior, but it falls short of premium rivals due to a firm ride and unpolished handling. While it offers good value and strong performance, competitors like the BMW X3 and Audi Q5 provide a more sophisticated driving experience.
Pros
- Punchy engine performance
- Effective suppression of wind and road noise
- High-quality interior finish
- Simple and intuitive infotainment system
- Easy to find a comfortable driving position
Cons
- Thumpy and firm ride quality
- Gearbox could be smoother
- Noticeable body lean during cornering
- Rear seats do not slide
- Disappointing rear passenger access
2026 Mazda CX-60 G40e Pure review - drive.com.au...
Price: Approximately ₹27,70,000
The updated Mazda CX-60 is the best iteration yet thanks to lower pricing and improved suspension, though it remains hindered by a clunky transmission and a base trim that feels lacklustre inside.
Pros
- Lower price point improves value
- Spacious cabin and boot
- Brisk performance and enjoyable handling
Cons
- Transmission remains clunky in traffic
- Suspension is still not perfectly smooth
- Pure grade interior feels cheap and basic
Mazda CX-60 Pure G40e 2026 review - Chasing Cars - chasingcars.com.au...
Price: Approximately ₹27,85,000
The Mazda CX-60 Pure offers a punchy six-cylinder engine and enjoyable handling on smooth roads, but it is ultimately let down by cheap cabin materials and unrefined suspension. While it has merit as a base model, buyers are better off upgrading to the higher Touring trim for a more cohesive experience.
Pros
- Enjoyable driving dynamics on smooth backroads
- Spacious and comfortable back seat for adults
- Improved ride quality in urban environments
- Powerful six-cylinder engine
Cons
- Cheap-feeling interior materials and plastics
- Rear suspension is underdamped and scrappy over bumps
- Engine harmonics are unrefined and buzzy
- Slow and cumbersome wireless smartphone connectivity
Mazda CX-60 G25 2026 review - Chasing Cars - chasingcars.com.au...
Price: ₹24,80,000 to ₹29,20,000
The CX-60 G25 offers a $6,000 saving over the six-cylinder model, making it a viable option for retirees who prioritize budget over performance. However, the four-cylinder engine lacks refinement and power, making the turbo-six a superior, more effortless choice for most buyers.
Pros
- Saves $6,000 compared to the six-cylinder variant
- Peppier performance than expected when driven hard
- Smooth and unobtrusive eight-speed automatic transmission
- Well-balanced handling characteristics
- Classier interior and design than the CX-5
Cons
- Over-firm ride quality
- Lazy drivetrain calibration in Normal mode
- Poor fuel economy relative to the turbo-six
- Struggles significantly when carrying a load
- Heavy steering makes urban driving a chore
2026 Mazda CX-60 G40e Pure review | CarExpert - carexpert.com.au...
Price: Approx 28,00,000 INR
The Mazda CX-60 G40e Pure offers a unique six-cylinder engine in a spacious package, but its interior feels plasticky and lacks basic features standard in cheaper rivals. While the powertrain is a highlight, the overall value is hampered by limited equipment levels.
Pros
- Lovely six-cylinder grunt
- Chunkier rubber aids ride comfort
- Spacious cabin
Cons
- Plasticky interior materials
- Expensive servicing costs
- Rough transmission performance
2026 Mazda CX-60 review | CarExpert - carexpert.com.au...
Price: Starts from 44,240 AUD (~24,50,000 INR)
The 2026 Mazda CX-60 G25 serves as a more accessible entry point to the lineup, offering engaging rear-wheel-drive dynamics and refined road manners. While it lacks the punch of the higher-tier six-cylinder engines, it provides a compelling, premium-feeling alternative to traditional mainstream mid-size SUVs.
Pros
- Finally features a rear-wheel-drive Mazda SUV
- G25 variant is $6000 cheaper than G40e
- Retains the fun character of the CX-60
Cons
- Base Pure trim interior feels a bit plasticky
- Noticeably less power than the inline-six engines
- Fuel consumption could be better