Mazda CX-80 Review (2025)

Introduction

Mazda has always danced to its own tune.

Critics say it’s out of touch with modern trends - but Mazda rebuffs that with claims of innovative engineering and maximising driver enjoyment.

Just look at the MX-5 - the cheapest true sportscar money can lease - yet for decades, it has been one of the best-handling cars on the market and one of the most revered.

But we’re focusing on the other end of the range today.

The new CX-80 SUV is a step up from the mid-size-but-still-fairly-hefty CX-60 - and it’s now the largest vehicle Mazda has in the UK.

But, while other manufacturers race to electrify their line-up, Mazda thinks the best solution is to stick (by today’s standards) a huge diesel engine in it - although, admittedly, a plug-in hybrid is offered, too.

Practicality should be assured, while sophistication and refinement should also be strong points, given that Mazda aspires to rival the premium brands above its fellow Far East competitors.

It hopes to blend this with decent driving dynamics and performance, too - not easy to achieve in a big car.

Let’s see how it’s got on.

At A Glance

If you know its smaller CX-60 sibling, the all-new CX-80 will look familiar, as the front ends of both are entirely identical, except for size.

It is dominated by a large grille with thick chrome surrounds (black on Homura and Homura Plus versions). The top sides of the grille extend out, embedding themselves into the headlights.

There is a modest, thin lower grille and two small slits at the sides for air intakes.

Both are more prominent on the higher Takumi and Takumi Plus models, whose lower grilles are wider. The air intakes have more carving and shapeliness, and the dark cladding is replaced by the car’s body colour.

That is the case all the way around, too, enhancing the CX-80’s athletic credentials.

There are modest creases around the side, along the bottom of the doors, and around the Mazda's wheel arches. The windows are bordered by chrome, which thickens at the rear.

The back doesn’t look especially athletic, although the taillights are shaped like two large quiffs which gravitate towards each other, either side of the central Mazda badge.

An indentation just beneath it accommodates the number plate.

Overall, the CX-80 is a good-looking car with plenty of character without being pretentious. It is sophisticated and classy but not excessively showy.

Key Features

There are five trim levels offered on the CX-80.

Entry-level Exclusive-Line has 18-inch grey metallic wheels, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, digital radio, SatNav, Amazon Alexa, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument display.

You also get a similarly sized head-up display, black leather heated front seats and steering wheel with paddle shifters, three-zone climate control, an engine start/stop button, keyless entry, a hands-free tailgate, and LED headlights.

All the other trims wear 20-inch alloys.

Homura adds a Bose premium sound system, piano black power-folding door mirrors, memory function, and body-coloured exterior elements.

Mazda's Driver Personalisation System, which uses facial recognition to electrically adjust the seats and steering wheel to a person's previously saved position, is also included.

Homura Plus includes a 360-degree camera, an electric tilt-and-slide sunroof, wireless smartphone charging, and adaptive headlights.

Takumi trim gets body-coloured door mirrors, more chrome exterior detailing and signature LED day running lights, but loses the additional features of Homura Plus.

Takumi Plus adds them back on.

In terms of power, the choice might shock you.

Believe it or not, the E-SkyActiv D is a 3.3-litre six-cylinder diesel engine producing 254PS, featuring cylinder deactivation to aid fuel economy.

Alternatively, there’s a plug-in hybrid called E-SkyActive PHEV. It has a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine connected to an electric motor and produces 327PS.

Both come with all-wheel drive and eight-speed automatic transmissions.

In an era where many manufacturers are ditching big engines - and diesel engines completely - Mazda prefers to work with larger ones, which offer smoother power delivery and more low-end torque.

Range & Batteries

The CX-80 PHEV has a 17.8kWh battery, suitable for an all-electric range of 37 miles, although that is unlikely in practice.

A greater range would have made the CX-80 cheaper as a company car – we’ll explain later.

Performance & Drive

We are focusing on the PHEV in range-topping Takumi Plus trim, with a nice ‘melting copper’ body colour.

First, though, we had the opportunity to check out the diesel, and with 3.3-litres under the bonnet, it’s powerful enough, although some may be amazed that the 8.4-second 0-62mph time isn't lower than it is.

But, considering it’s a sizeable seven-seater SUV, that’s not bad for a car that isn't officially performance-focused - and it’s still faster than plenty of rivals.

If it isn’t fast enough, the PHEV lowers the time to 6.8 seconds, which should be more than sufficient in such a big car.

However, assuming you don't mind the noise of a diesel lump, we think the PHEV sounds inferior.

It has to rev much higher than the diesel, so it sounds more strained under hard acceleration, and its throttle response isn’t as instantaneous as that of other PHEVs we’ve driven.

Regardless of which one you pick, motorway overtakes are effortless, and you'll have no trouble moving off the line when the traffic lights go green. The PHEV switches its engine on and off as required reasonably smoothly.

Handling wise, big SUVs generally aren’t much cop. Yes, Jaguar Land Rover, BMW and Audi all produce good-handling SUVs, but they're no match for their smaller hatchbacks or saloons with lower centres of gravity.

As a result, the CX-80 isn’t a car you’d choose to throw around a twisty backroad.

It is prone to understeer on corner entry, although the tyres generate plenty of grip if you take things at a reasonable pace. However, there's quite a bit of body roll around bends, but considering its size, it's reasonably well controlled.

Most manufacturers have to choose between handling and ride comfort and generally try to strike a balance between the two.

The premium brands, though, have the engineering expertise and budgets to achieve both - and, in that respect, the CX-80 is found wanting.

It can’t match more premium players for ride comfort, with suspension on the firm side.

We felt we could live with it - it wasn't uncomfortable, but it could get tiring if you regularly make long journeys.

Sticking to the entry-level version will get you smaller 18-inch wheels, which offer slightly more absorption and are a touch quieter, whereas all the other trims get 20-inch wheels and can’t be downgraded.

Charging

Using a 7.4kW home wall box, the CX-80 PHEV can charge its batteries from 0 to 100% in two hours and twenty minutes.

It takes just under eight hours to charge fully from a standard domestic three-pin plug.

Running Costs & Emissions

The CX-80 diesel returns a claimed 48.7mpg, emitting 149g/km of CO2.

That is impressive, considering it's a large SUV with a 3.3-litre engine, all-wheel drive, and an automatic gearbox - all factors that would typically diminish rather than promote fuel economy.

It is nothing like the PHEV's figures, though, which claim to return 176mpg while emitting just 35g/km of CO2.

Unfortunately, the PHEV’s 37-mile electric range is below the 40-mile mark needed to qualify for the 8% band for Benefit in Kind tax. It is in the 12% band instead - so it'll be more expensive as a company car.

When it comes to reliability, Mazda tends to rank in the top half of surveys these days, but it's too early to say how the new CX-80 will perform.

Interior & Technology

The CX-80's cabin looks inviting, especially with the white-coloured Nappa leather upholstery that’s standard on the Takumi Plus trim that we're testing - you also get the same on the Takumi trim.

On the bottom three trims, it’s black, but you still get leather as standard across the range, with Nappa Leather on all but the entry-level model.

The broad centre console and door linings of the Exclusive-Line model feature carbon fibre patterns, while other models have wood veneer roughly matching the upholstery colour.

It all creates a premium feel in the cabin, which also features plenty of silver trim extending across the width of the dashboard, around the air vents, and onto the door linings.

The interior is filled with plush, soft materials, and any cheaper plastics are low down, mainly out of sight.

The 12.3-inch infotainment screen sits in a gap between the front and back sections of the dashboard upholstery, peeping over the top unobtrusively.

Even better, it’s controlled by a rotary dial on the centre console - the touchscreen won’t work when the car’s moving.

Many other manufacturers have discontinued the dial, which is much more convenient to use when driving.

The screen offers a sharp, clear display with attractive graphics and a simple, intuitive menu layout. Google Maps navigation is also standard, along with several other Google-native apps, including voice control and Amazon Alexa functionality.

Behind the wheel, which is black on all models, the 12.3-inch digital driver display also offers crisply clear graphics. However, it's not that customisable, with the layout dependent on the car's driving mode.

All models offer a similarly sized head-up display, adding even more convenience.

Mazda has made things even more user-friendly by retaining physical controls for the air conditioning and seat heating, which are factory-fitted in all models. Thus, you won’t find such settings within the touchscreen.

It has a lovely cabin layout, which exceeds expectations for a vehicle at this price point.

Practicality & Boot Space

Finding a comfortable driving position is easy in the Mazda CX-80, with plenty of travel in the seats and steering wheel.

It is even easier if you’ve got Homura trim or above, as electric adjustment is included along with lumbar support - a welcome feature for those with bad backs.

The electric adjustment is also automatic, achieved through facial recognition as part of the Mazda Driver Personalisation System. What’s more, it moves the steering wheel into the right place for you.

The driving position is pleasingly high - not quite as high as that of the largest SUVs - but enough to offer a commanding view of the road ahead, helping with forward visibility.

Admittedly, the front pillars aren’t the thinnest we’ve seen, which might mean you've got to lean forward to get a good view at junctions, but it’s not a deal-breaker.

Likewise, although we’ve seen thicker rear pillars, they are quite a bit chunkier than the front ones. This is made worse by the side supports for the roof spoiler, which further obstructs rearward vision.

Happily, all models get front and rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera, while the Homura Plus and Takumi Plus trims acquire a full 360-degree surround-view camera.

The front seats are comfortable, and there's plenty of legroom and headroom. The wide centre console helps separate the two front seat occupants, maximising shoulder room.

The middle row offers three seats, although unlike in some large SUVs, the middle chair is thinner than the outer two. As such, it doesn’t offer the same level of comfort, especially as there’s a slight hump in the seat, as well as another hump in the floor which you’ll have to straddle between your feet.

Headroom isn't an issue, while legroom should suffice, although you'll want to avoid seating a long-legged passenger behind a tall front seat occupant.

We are testing the seven-seater version, but if mid-row luxury is what you’re after, Homura, Homura Plus and top-of-the-range Takumi Plus trims can opt for a six-seater. This replaces the three middle-row seats with two larger ‘captain’s chairs’, which match the seats in the front.

The Takumi Plus trim will then add heating and ventilation functionality and provide a mid-row centre console.

Of course, the CX-80 offers a third row of seats, which can be accessed by touching a button on the outer seats of the middle row. There is a reasonable amount of space on offer at the back, although it’s bettered by plenty of rivals. Nevertheless, it’s possible to fit adults in there for short journeys, and it’ll be fine for a couple of kids on longer trips.

With all three rows in use, boot space is restricted to 258 litres, which isn't much at all, but this is quite a common trade-off with seven-seaters.

Fold down the back row, and the space expands to 687 litres while folding away the middle row extends the capacity to an enormous 1,971 litres - the latter figure is only 1.3% larger in a Land Rover Discovery.

If you opt for the seven-seater version, the middle seats only fold in a 60:40 split, which is disappointing given that the cheaper, smaller CX-60 offers a more convenient 40:20:40 split at the rear. Mind you, with the two seats in the third row folding down in a 50:50 split, you'll unlikely need to fold down the second row often anyway.

Happily, the interior storage is decent, with USB-C charging ports, generous door bins, and a large glove compartment. The cup holders are a good size, too, and there’s a cubby beneath the centre console, although some competitors offer more storage.

Another advantage of the CX-80 is its towing capacity, which, at 2,500kg in all models, is almost two-and-a-half times that of some SUV competitors.

Safety

The Mazda CX-80 has earned a five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP, scoring 92% for adults, 88% for children and 79% for safety assists.

All models have automatic emergency braking, pre-crash safety with smart brake support, rear cross-traffic alert, intelligent speed assist, cruise control, dynamic stability control, driver attention alert, and driver monitoring.

You also get front cross-traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, traffic sign recognition, and front and rear parking sensors.

Homura Plus and Takumi Plus trims get a 360-degree surround-view monitor, cruising and traffic support, adaptive LED headlights, and radar cruise control.

Options

If you don’t fancy the default ‘arctic white’ and are happy to pay extra, there are eight other body colours to choose from, one of which is our melting copper colour.

On models where they are not standard, upgrading from 18 to 20-inch wheels and adding heated front and rear outer seats are offered.

A comfort pack adds the above, plus power folding door mirrors and the Mazda Driver Personalisation System, again, where it’s not standard.

The Convenience and Driver Assistance Pack adds radar-guided cruise control, a wireless phone charger, a 360-degree surround view monitor, and adaptive headlights, among other features.

There are also any number of additional accessories, from wheel nuts to illuminated scuff plates to roof racks and key fobs.

Rival Cars

Large seven-seaters aren't that common, but there’s still plenty of competition, like the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento. However, Mazda prefers to be considered alongside the Audi Q7, Land Rover Discovery, BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLB.

There is also the Peugeot 5008 and Skoda Kodiaq – both are smaller – although the latter has nearly double the all-electric range of the CX-80.

Failing that, the Seat Tarraco and Nissan X-Trail are worth looking at.

Verdict & Next Steps

Overall, the Mazda CX-80 is classy, with a generous equipment list, good looks, a smart interior, and user-friendly infotainment.

It is not quite as sophisticated as its premium brand foes, but its powertrains are potent.

Some of its competitors offer more space, while premium rivals are more comfortable, too, without losing the keen handling.

We would go with the entry-level Exclusive-Line, which is generously equipped and comes with smaller 18-inch alloys, offering superior ride comfort over other trims’ larger 20-inch rims.

The CX-80 isn't entirely on par with the big guns of Audi, BMW and Land Rover, but it offers a lot of frills for a leasing price that's much cheaper than most of them.

Where to next?

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**Score based on Select’s unique meta score analysis, taking into account the UK’s top leading independent car website reviews of the Mazda CX-80.

**Correct as of 24/03/2025. Based on 9 months initial payment, 5,000 miles annually, over a 24 month lease. Initial payment equivalent to 9 monthly payments, or £3,224.79 (Plus admin fee) Ts and Cs apply. Credit is subject to status.