Mazda CX60 Plug in Hybrid Detailed Review & Motorway Economy without Charge

A detailed review of the Mazda CX60 Plug in Hybrid including a comprehensive overview of the interior and storage space. I drove it in the city, in the country and on 70mph roads. I reset the trip computer to see what the economy is like. This particular car is the 2.5 litre 4 cylinder Plug in Hybrid with an 8 speed automatic in Homura trim with all the option packs.
Trim levels:
EXCLUSIVE-LINE from £45,420
STANDARD FEATURES: EXTERIOR
18” Grey Metallic alloy wheels
Electrically-adjustable, heated, auto power-folding door mirrors
Front and rear Parking Sensors
Front grille in Gloss black (bar type) with Chrome finish Signature Wing
Front rain-sensing wipers
LED headlights with auto levelling
Coming home/leaving home lights
Dusk-sensing headlights
LED daytime running lights
High Beam Control
Hands-free power liftgate
Reversing camera INTERIOR
Black leather seat trim
Colour 12.3” TFT instrument cluster display (provides speed, traffic signs and cruise control information)
Electronic Parking Brake with auto-hold and auto-disengage function
Frameless auto-dimming rear-view mirror
Heated front seats
Heated leather-wrapped steering wheel
INFOTAINMENT
AM / FM / DAB radio, with 8 speakers and USB-C inputs
Connected Services
Integrated Bluetooth®
Mazda Connect multimedia system with 12.3” Colour centre display and Multimedia Commander
Mazda Navigation System with European mapping and 5-years free map updates
Wireless Apple CarPlay® & Android AutoTM
COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE
Cruise Control with Adjustable Speed Limiter
Dual-zone climate control air-conditioning with rear air-vents
Windscreen Projected colour Active Driving Display (Head-up Display)
SAFETY AND SECURITY
Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Driver Attention Alert
e-Call with GPS
Intelligent Speed Assist
Lane-keep Assist System with Lane Departure Warning System
Smart Brake Support - Front with Turn-Across Traffic
Smart keyless entry
Traffic Sign Recognition
HOMURA from £48,170
IN ADDITION TO EXCLUSIVE-LINE, HOMURA ADDS:
EXTERIOR
20” Black Metallic alloy wheels
Body coloured wheel arch moulding
Front grille in Gloss black (honeycomb type) with Dark plated finish Signature Wing
Gloss black wing mirrors
INTERIOR
Ambient lighting
Driver seat electric tilt, slide, recline, height and lumbar adjustment
Passenger seat electric slide, recline, height and lumbar adjustment
Electric steering wheel adjustment
Front seat ventilation
Heated outer rear seats
Ingress/ Egress support & automatic driver position guide
Mazda Driver Personalisation System
INFOTAINMENT
12 Bose speaker surround-sound system featuring Bose Centerpoint signal processing and AudioPilot 2 noise compensations technology
SAFETY AND SECURITY
Driver Monitoring
TAKUMI from £49,520
IN ADDITION TO HOMURA, TAKUMI ADDS:
EXTERIOR
20” Black Metallic Machined alloy wheels
Body coloured wing mirrors
Front grille in Gloss black (bar type) with Chrome finish Signature Wing
Side window chrome surround
INTERIOR
Bright decoration panel
Cloth detailed stitching dashboard panel
White Maple wood console panel
White Nappa leather seat trim
COMFORT PACK - £1,400 OPTIONAL ON EXCLUSIVE-LINE
20” Silver Metallic alloy wheels
Door mirror memory
Driver Monitoring
Electrically operated driver and front passenger seat
Front seat ventilation
Heated outer rear seats
Mazda Driver Personalisation System: (adjustments include driver seat, head-up display & door mirrors)
CONVENIENCE PACK - £1,000 OPTIONAL ON EXCLUSIVE-LINE, HOMURA & TAKUMI
360º View Monitor with see through view
QI Wireless Charging
1500W AC socket (PHEV models only)
150W AC socket
Door pocket illumination, centre console storage illumination and front & rear door courtesy lamps
Rear privacy glass
DRIVER ASSISTANCE PACK - £1,100 OPTIONAL ON EXCLUSIVE-LINE, HOMURA & TAKUMI
Cruising and Traffic Support
Front Cross Traffic Alert
Smart Brake Support - Rear Crossing
Smart Brake Support - Rear
Adaptive Cruise Control
Mazda Radar Cruise Control (features Stop & Go function)
Adaptive LED Headlights
PANORAMIC SUNROOF - £1,000 OPTIONAL ON HOMURA & TAKUMI
00:00 Price and looks
00:45 Boot
02:11 Engine
03:49 Getting in and out
04:18 Rear interior
06:10 Seating position
08:08 Front interior
14:13 Trim levels
19:23 See through camera
22:11 Manoeuvring
24:28 Country roads
27:32 Launch
29:58 Urban driving
36:22 70 mph roads without battery
40:32 EV mode and verdict

[@pl4819]

Really detailed review, I’ve never come across a car review comparing spec with packages and giving best spec for the money. Very well done!

[@artemkatelnytskyi]

You put everything I would want to know about a car in your reviews. Great job!

[@RichardFanders]

Thanks Artem, I hope you're keeping well.

[@artemkatelnytskyi]

@@RichardFanders Thank you, we are. I re-entered my university to get my masters degree. I hope you are doing great!

[@FastGuy1]

I May not know you, But I wish you luck!

[@Seeyan86]

great review, really like the direct no bs approach, and paying attention to everyday details many bigger channels don't. subbed!

[@ghostindamachine]

An outstanding car review. Absolutely solid!

[@wazfang]

wow great review. i love how you script your videos, top class... good job

[@keironcarmichael8119]

Best review I’ve seen on this car so far good 👍🏽 job

[@johnpaterson4163]

Great comprehensive review mate, well done thank you.

[@EV6-Gear]

This is a great review by you Richard. You tell it as you find it with no bull. I love the fact you give the real world economy as most other reviewers state manufactures economy and do not drive the car to give it real figures.. You drove the car in real world conditions. You know your stuff as you said in review that aircon can run with engine off. Things like this we need to know. I am now subscribed to your channel.

[@olivierrevert8165]

Excellent review of this car, by far the most exhaustive and interesting of all others on YTube. Many many Thanks for your efforts to make it interesting and instructive (and Thanks for using metric units !😊) 👍👍👍

[@rick_allsop]

Absolutely fantastic review - best I’ve seen for this car by a country mile. You helped me decide on purchasing one, should have it in September. Thank you!

[@joefeatherstone1506]

Excellent review. Full of valuable, easy to understand information .

[@Aptmusicuk]

This is the best review out there, brilliant everything covered

[@jasonlewry3307]

Great work. Finally … a new reviewer that reviews the car in full! Subscribed. 😊

[@johnnettleton1240]

Excellent commentary and detailed all round observations. I am picking up my Homura in white from lodge motors, Aylesbury in around 4 weeks. Changing from CX 5 diesel.

[@jacobbest5752]

One of the most concise, honest reviewers along with mat Watson from Carwow.

[@LeoStep93]

Interesting review, thank you, Richard. Keep up the good work! Slight suggestion, if you can do a little bit of prep work (like review the manual) and the actually explain how to read the dials, that would be awesome. Can't wait to see this channel blow up! :D

[@vlmrcle]

Absolutely best review of cx60 on youtube

[@Paredecity]

Nice detailed and cleary explained video. Thanks.

[@KunaevNS]

Great review and video Richard!

[@igorkovac4135]

By far best review of cx 60 on YT

[@marky2022]

Thank you for the nice and simple feature explanations video.

[@ts6070]

Richard your awesome 👏 reviewer keep us your best work going power to you!

[@mcsplinxz9668]

I currently have Mazda 6 2015, which is a great reliable car and I’ve been thinking of getting a suv next as my family is growing and we want a suv next, this review has really helped me, i definitely will be getting this next. Great review.

[@zlad7687]

Great review and attention to detail. You rarely see a leg room test!

[@romanpotichko509]

Nice review. Good job and well done.

[@AHarker100]

A thorough review. Good style. I like your honesty....cars are getting more complicated and not knowing all the buttons is normal until you get to know. Looking forward to your next review. Oh....and I've ordered a CX-60.

[@philg578]

How's your CX60, thinking this or the xc60

[@chrisyates399]

''That will knock your wig off''!!!😁😁 Fab in-depth review of a contender for me since the addition of the 1500W boot plug socket (think microwave / kettle, etc on camping trips). Subbed and liked 👍

[@Ad__Rem]

I allready had a testdrive, this is a stunning car! Great value for money!🙂

[@m3nthalone]

Very nice review! The inline 6 sounds awesome and it should be lighter than PHEV which should improve steering. It is a ballsy move to creat a new inline 6 diesel when every other manufacturers are chasing EV. Well done Mazda, and thank you for the review. The previous one about the trims is super helpful, so many detail captured and really saves time to make right decisions about there trims. Thank you again. You are awesome!

[@eamonnmcdermott1939]

The infotainment screen is a touchscreen when using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto but only when the vehicle is stationary. Great in-depth review!

[@tomykins]

i think not on the base model

[@m.j.l.abulle9107]

Fantastic info and endorsement for this car zoom zoom !

[@SametKaufmann]

Excellent review. I will receive my car in 2 days.

[@Ad__Rem]

Very, very good detailed review🙂👍

[@reubentownsend]

No way your 5'10" Richard! Ordered the car, can't wait.

[@calamityyy]

The CX-60 looks amazing. All of its proportions and lines are spot on in my opinion. If I was in the market for an SUV, I'd definitely be wanting this.

[@nickshayan6633]

perfect reviews.merci

[@MrReuin]

Recognised the roads you're on. Didn't realise you were a local 😊 more reason to be a fan of your content

[@rjfundales-santos1532]

Better explanation than the manufacturer.

[@kurtgabbidon2666]

Richard i see your a fan of Mazda, me too. I love my current Mazda 3

[@RichardFanders]

Yes, I am fond of the Mazda 3.

[@ampprs43]

Very nice review one of the best I'd seen for this car, just one sider note to get the right mileage on petrol exclusively you have to drop the battery to 0, you didn't noticed when you were driving it but when you were saying that the battery was at 52% of charge you were driving in EV mode :)

[@cyruslad5462]

What's the economy on a motorway with electric power combined and how far does it go till flat?

Thanks for the review, great stuff (and subscribed now)! A comment on mileage - as I understand, the control on the infotaiment system sets the *maximum* battery charge. That's designed to limit how much the battery is charged when the car is plugged-in, as it prolongs battery health (limiting charging to 80%-90% is common to achieve that). On the other hand, the control on the centre console is called "Charge Mode" and tells the car to charge the battery using the petrol engine. I don' think there's a way to run the car in a "petrol only" mode. The closest would be to drive when the battery runs out, but even then you'd get something from regenerative breaking. I think the mpg achieved in the video in "petrol only" is actually lower than what you'd get in that case, as the car is using the petrol engine to charge the battery (from the manual I found online: "When the vehicle is driven while in CHARGE mode, the engine operates to generate electricity, therefore fuel consumption may increase compared to when driving the vehicle in a mode other than CHARGE mode."). The electric motor is also still being used, which explains the 5Khw metric while driving in "petrol only". I don't own a CX-60, but have test driven one, which means I can be wrong about all of this :). But hope this helps.

[@RichardFanders]

I was told the battery charge mode percentage wasn't to limit what the car is charged to, but to try to prevent the battery charge going below that.

[@XZeroOneArmour]

@@RichardFanders if I read 'sets the target charge level for the battery' , It would mean to me (& various others too , I assume), that the battry will be target-charged ''TO'' 90 % (as in our video example @ 11:48) . So I guess, our friend Andre might be right here. Anyway I will ask this categorically from our dealer when I go to pick ours up....& Oh Yeah...Thx. for Video !

[@petergrosskopf5392]

Richard thx for such a detailed review. Much more informative than info available from Mazda. I have ordered the base model with the packs. I am wanting the car for towing a decent size caravan (2500kg ATM). I am concerned that the fuel ecenomy when towing maybe disastrous cf. diesel. Is there any info on the towing mode and fuel economy (obviously many factors like wind resistance of the van) but the basic question remains if I am using the petrol engine to generate charge to drive the electric motor am i worse off cf petrol engine directly driving the car?

[@RichardFanders]

I'm sorry but I don't have experience towing. I would think hybrid is good, especially as you have the electric motor to help start taking pressure off the clutch and the extra inertia of the mass being towed I guess would help with regenerative braking. But I've not tried it.

[@robh8238]

Great review. I’ve got the dilemma of whether I can live with the out of charge mpg as my daily commute is an 80 mile round trip. I’m not ready for full electric so it’s got to be a PHEV for my company car to keep the tax bill down. It’s also got to be big enough to go on a family holiday in. Comparing this with the new X1 plug in at the moment and it’s driving me mad 😂

[@simonyates73]

good review - would have been useful to have asked the dealer what the EV and petrol consumption figures mean at the end or before you took the car out

[@playwme3]

Excellent review. My wife is in the process of ordering hers at the moment. My guess with the fuel economy readout is that the mpg is only calculated for when the car was running on petrol, and the m/kwh is only calculated for the time when the car is running on electric. Couldn’t tell if you reset between tests, or whether it’s just giving a bit of an average readout of the last bit of driving.

[@RichardFanders]

I reset for each test. I hope I did, it's a while ago now but that's what I normally do.

[@stephenmills2004]

Decent Review. Got the Black on Black Homura coming next week. Just need to get used to the non-touch screen when on the move.

[@RichardFanders]

I found that once I got used to using the dial instead of the touch screen, it's actually easy and safer.

[@johnnettleton1240]

Now had my homuru for 6 days and it is great. But it does feel larger than my CX5 although the cameras and tech is much improved. The inside is very solid and audi like, good screens and the head up display now with additional colours is fantastic. My only gripe so far is the gearbox park to side movement straight into reverse feels odd and the electronic brake activates if you go to N from drive at lights etc. If you dont keep foot on brake it catches you out when accelerating only to not go and a sign on dash tells you to release the brake. It is something to get used to. But i seem to be getting around 32 miles in EV only and it is smooth when the engine kicks in. No regrets.

[@tomchan2680]

Whats the fuel consumption? Seems a big diff compare to the spec…

[@peterfentem8686]

I’m expecting mine early January and 32mile EV Range sounds good.

[@johnnettleton1240]

@@tomchan2680 Averaging 42 to 47 overall

[@philg578]

Is it a 2.5 petrol version?

[@johnnettleton1240]

Yes 2.5 petrol. If working mixed town and country and charging up nightly then consumption averages 50 to 53 mpg but i just did an epec trip from aylesbury to Dundee 435 miles each way so only had a home charge night before trip and regenerated EV on the move several times each way. The petrol mpg got as low as 37 mpg but mostly 40 to 43 and not bad for 70 mph motorways for most of travel.

[@rm783]

Good job RF

[@richardhill6449]

Really good comprehensive review. I fancy a PHEV for my next car. Which would you choose - between the CX 60 vs RAV 4?

[@RichardFanders]

Difficult, I would probably go for it he Rav4 because it's more efficient and has an ultra smooth e-CVT. They CX60 is way more plush inside and has much better performance though.

[@richardhill6449]

@@RichardFanders Many thanks for your response. Food for thought.

[@philwolski]

Switched from a Mercedes E 350D AGM Line Premium Plus to a CX60 Homura PHEV with Panoramic Roof, Convenience and Driver Assist Pack. Saved £12,000 compared to the BMW, Audi or Mercedes SUV PHEV equivalent and I love the Mazda. Better equipped than my E350, better interior and quicker. Other former brand snobs will similarly be lured.

[@xlcrider]

I have a '22 cx-5, I think the dash panel looks more sophisticated on my cx-5 than the CX60. I hope Mazda will change the look on the CX60. Thank you for the review.

[@AndresSalazarAutos]

A bit of correction here, is not a robotized manual, it is a torque converter less 8 speed automatic (still has the inside workings of a normal multi planetary gear sets), it replaces the torque converter with the electric motor sandwiched between 2 clutches, one between gearbox and electric motor and the other one between the electric motor and the IC engine.

[@chrisha1969]

I wonder if this CX60 plug in hybrid has a spare tire underneath trunk?

[@cjrosso]

Good one

[@chionyenkwu2253]

no panaoramic sunroof without hakuma/takumi ??

[@johnnettleton1240]

Seat comfort is very good and for me a big improvement on cx5.

[@adslf874yti3q7u4hf83]

This review answered so many questions that I've been wondering about, as the CX60 isn't due in my region for another 4-5 months. Such as the electronic air conditioning motor to allow A/C running while car is parked.

[@AKIRAYANA]

Wouldn't the Base spec plus adding the packs miss out on the panoramic sunroof - 1100 GBP ?

[@petrzurek5713]

How is the sound insulation on a highway? Is it on par with its german rivals?

[@jamesfoote8916]

Love the review a shame about not understanding the electric us. On the high speed road you did use electric because the car was using the generator to keep the battery topped up and they to give you power. You could see the needle for the electric moving telling you it is using electric power. But that being said a great no amazing review and I thank you for it. I excepted my cx60 mid October 23. Can not wait.

[@mujtabashah3667]

A cracking review Richard. Would much prefer the diesel one though, I mean you get the equivalent mileage for a lot less electric complexity with the phev. And I believe this is last time we'll be able to buy a new diesel engine before we end up with options for only hybrids and ev's.

[@TheFred0912]

What is the mpg using motorway driving

[@534tgrg6yrtgdf]

how long does the battery last? 10 years?

[@podge5555]

What’s the steering like in an urban environment?

[@weablewabble]

needs and interior lighting package

[@mryrius]

those lit up text for passenger air bags on the top of the interior rear-view mirror look like the put on seatbelt signs on airplanes. Nice car though.

[@haojiang1202]

Did you reset the meter when starting the fuel economy test? I saw the starting mpg is ~45.

[@RichardFanders]

I did reset it for each test.

[@haojiang1202]

@@RichardFanders Ah, good to know that. Make the mpg much more valuable.

[@eds464]

Are the rear seats adjustable for example at varying degrees.?

[@RichardFanders]

No, I didn't see any adjustment.

[@greentg9709]

@@RichardFanders They do tilt back a bit, you have to half pull the back release lever on the top left/right of the seats and push. The backs will then tilt, admittedly, not by a huge amount though.

[@jjrosaria2]

Great review! but a few comment on the economy. When you were doing your motorway journey and you had it set to 'hold' at 50 percent. It does what it says and holds your battery to a certain percentage. But I believe it doesn't stop the engine from charging it. This is why your economy increased to 5 mi /kwh in to which interpreting the gauge is the max electric economy (because it is getting recharged). This feature is used if you want to hold the battery at a certain charge for let's say you live in a quiet town and you need at least 50 percent battery to get from exiting the motorway to your house. It will always make sure that you have 50 percent for when you put it on EV mode for the last part of your journey; using hybrid to drain the other 50 percent to drive the most efficiently.

[@RichardFanders]

Thank you.

[@johanlandman4097]

Please make headliner BLACK

[@chionyenkwu2253]

the miles per kwh is not a consumption figure -its a range guide. multiply the battery capacity by this number and you get the range provided by the battery as dictated by your driving ....

[@RailgunNZ]

This is a medium SUV. Test drove the top of the range version. The steering feels heavy, there is a lag before the power kicks in (sort of like a large turbo), it is heavy over 2000kg, breaks are great, 360 camera is awesome for parking a something so big, rear seats bit harder to get into, it has a spare which other manufactuers are cutting. Compared to the Outlander PHEV it loses on the interior, driving feel, features. The Mazda works out cheaper in NZ as 5 years servicing cost and WOF is build into the drive away price.

[@johnhall4917]

It was costing me more to run a PHEV (Mitsubishi Outlander) than it was a Toyota Auris Hybrid. I was doing a 28 mile round trip to work and the Toyota hybrid averaged 91mpg going to work (unbelievable!) and 78mpg going home.

[@RichardFanders]

I have a Toyota Hybrid video coming soon.

[@johnhall4917]

@@RichardFanders Look forward to it

[@lucasettimo1955]

I get 57 mpg from a 2017 A Class diesel at 70 mph. The mpg is shockingly bad, how heavy is the battery including a tank of fuel!

[@imaner76]

We picked up ours today. I did not see the value in the top spec. So up specked the mid one.

[@RichardFanders]

I hope you enjoy it.

[@flat-out]

Why can't we have this model in Canada? I want a replacement for my CX-5 GT Turbo, it's a fantastic car but performs excellently but thirsty not that efficient because of Turbo.

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

This is a good alternative to a BMW X3, considering that the CX60 is a RWD based D-SUV like the X3. However, I hate the fake quad exhausts in the CX60. I’m looking forward to the 6cyl versions coming later on. And I found that North America will not get the CX60. They’ll get the wider CX70 instead.

[@phaseglobalradiocom9677]

AutoExe in Japan have kit to convert fake exhaust outlets to real exhaust twin outlets! Looks fantastic too!

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

@@phaseglobalradiocom9677 I wonder if there are such kits in Europe.

[@igaskell]

Some reviews are saying the integration/switch between petrol and EV mode can be jerky, did you experience this at all?

[@igaskell]

Great review by the way. Not like some who just play to the camera…

[@michaeljohnsalik2293]

typically how long (lifespan) does the battery be replaced for this hybrid?

[@RichardFanders]

No one really know yet.

[@534tgrg6yrtgdf]

if this is the future of mazda cant want for the NE MX5

[@spikenikistan75]

adaptive cruise-control isn't standard in the exclusive line which sucks.. a car of that size/price really should have that.

[@johnaslan-zw9bi]

How would you compare this with the Lexus NX350h?

[@RichardFanders]

I've not driven the lexus.

[@johnaslan-zw9bi]

@@RichardFanders I just want to say that this video is really good. Really helpful.

[@K22MDL]

Trying to get a real world MPG out of one of these. I regularly do 230 miles on 2 fast motorways. I also do a reasonable amount on city roads. What average will i get doing 70mph on motorways if driven smoothly? Any actual owners like to comment?

[@050sniper]

31:14 naughty van not waiting just pulls out haha

[@simplytrece]

it looks narrow.. or is it the camera lens being on wide angle?

[@RichardFanders]

I used various cameras filming this but the intro shot is not very wide. 18mm I think.

[@drone_tours]

The transmission contains a single multi disc wet clutch and a compact torque converter

[@AndresSalazarAutos]

No torque converter on this one

[@andreykovachev7002]

Only thing i don't agree with is the screen not being touch :) it is touch, or at least on the higher end versions.

[@RichardFanders]

I can't remember.

[@NorbertNagy00]

Great review however I rather pay the £600 plus to get Bose sound and other extras

[@cooldadyo]

In USA these roads are for ONE car :P

[@Danielagostinho21]

It's seems that the 5mile/kwh is just a place holder for no use. Similar to when you lift off the gas, some cars will show the highest number like 99.9 or dashes like ---. If you notice the highest number on the eletric economy is 5 so my guess is that.

[@RichardFanders]

That may be the case, I did think that during the edit.

[@crumcon]

12:12 IT IS touchscreen when using Apple Carplay.. how could you even missed that?

[@DanielZajic]

Only when parked.

[@10tenman10]

Wet clutch should be more reliable than a dual clutch. And better off road at slow speed.

[@aleksandrkrasnikov8980]

Which color the best radium white or platinum quartz

[@q_qv]

GR Supra at 24:25 for next review? :-)

[@RichardFanders]

Maybe in the future. That one is not mine.

[@wjlroe]

Ah! I thought that was an Alfa Romeo 4c! Silly me

[@10tenman10]

32 mpg is imperial; US gallons are smaller thus in the US the mileage would be lower

[@jdmguy44]

It's a lovely looking thing for sure but too big (and pricey) for me.

[@Andrewq632]

Fundamental flaw in this review, the base line model is only front wheel drive and not AWD. So if you want AWD you are not saving money by adding options to the base model.

I'm afraid we can trust the consumption readings, as I saw similarly bad ones in reviews from metric countries. Consumption is probably 50% more than it should be. A pity, as otherwise there would be a lot to love. I mean I stayed below 20 kWh/100km when I was having fun with a thirsty Volvo XC40 dual motor. And with the additional petrol, I could do the same trip in my Skoda Superb iV uncharged if I drive sensibly. Unacceptable, actually.

[@10tenman10]

Would prefer smaller tires and a small (non panoramic) sunroof