Mazda has made a name for itself by doing things differently, and the new CX-80 is a prime example. In a world where most new SUVs are either fully electric or hybrid-powered, Mazda is boldly offering a 3.3-litre straight-six diesel engine. It’s a move that might raise some eyebrows, but in the smaller CX-60, it’s a glorious engine that makes a lot of sense. With diesel being pilloried by the government, though, there’s also a plug-in hybrid version of the CX-80, and that’s the one I’ve got the keys for to review.
What’s hot
+ Lots of space
+ Fine handling
+ Stylish cabin
What’s not
– Unconvincing PHEV
– Ride qaulity not great
– Smaller boot than rivals
What is a Mazda CX-80?
At first glance, the CX-80 looks every inch the flagship SUV Mazda wants it to be. It’s a stretched version of the CX-60, with an extra 250mm in the wheelbase and a third row of seats thrown in for good measure, making it a seven-seater (or, if you’re feeling flush, a more luxurious six-seater). It’s undeniably handsome, with sculpted sides and a long bonnet that makes it stand out in a sea of boxy rivals.
That said, while the front end carries over the sleek design of the CX-60 (which itself makes it feel a little less distinctive), the rear is a little less graceful. Let’s just say Mazda’s design team put all their effort into the bits you see first. The paint choices help, though — some truly stunning colours give the CX-80 an extra touch of class, including a new riff on Mazda’s famous Soul Red, a darker Artisan Red. My Melting Copper car and the Deep Crystal Blue are also welcome additions to the usual swathe of greys and silvers.
What’s it like inside?
Step inside, and the CX-80’s premium aspirations become clear. There’s a good mix of materials, even in the mid-level Homura Plus I’m driving. It misses out on the maple wood trim and white Nappa leather of higher-spec models, but there’s nothing essential you’ll be wanting for.
The dashboard sticks with Mazda’s more traditional approach, avoiding the overwhelming touchscreen-heavy setups of some rivals. There’s a proper climate control panel with physical buttons, and the 12.3-inch infotainment screen is controlled by a rotary dial when on the move. It’s refreshingly simple and keeps distractions to a minimum, although it caught me out a few times when trying to stab at Android Auto buttons on the screen.
Space is one of the CX-80’s biggest selling points. The middle row is genuinely roomy, whether you opt for the standard three-seat bench or the optional individual ‘captain’s chairs’. The third row, however, is best reserved for kids or particularly flexible adults. It’s not the worst third-row experience out there — Mazda says it’s good for anybody up to 170cm tall — but it’s not quite as generous as you’ll find in a Hyundai Santa Fe.
Boot space is decent, too — 258 litres with all three rows up and up to 687 litres in five-seat mode. It’s practical enough for most families, though the Skoda Kodiaq edges it out in outright cargo capacity with 845 litres in five-seat mode.
Diesel or PHEV?
Mazda offers two powertrains for the CX-80: a 3.3-litre straight-six diesel and a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) pairing a 2.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor. The PHEV has the benefit of low tax rates for company car users, but it’s not without its flaws.
For starters, it only manages a 38-mile electric range from its 17.8kWh battery — fine for short commutes, but not groundbreaking, and not enough to qualify business users for a low company car tax rate. More frustratingly, the transition from electric to petrol power is far less seamless than you’d hope. The petrol engine can feel coarse, and the gearbox isn’t the smoothest at low speeds. In short, it’s a bit of a disappointment, especially when compared to plug-in rivals like the Peugeot 5008 or Hyundai Santa Fe, both of which offer a longer electric range and a smoother experience.
With 327hp and 500Nm of torque, there’s plenty of power, and that’s obvious in the car’s straight-line performance. The 0-62mph sprint is dispatched in just 6.8 seconds, and the wave of power keeps coming long after that. A seven-seater SUV is unlikely to be used as a performance car, but it’s nice to know there’s spare oomph when you need it.
The diesel, on the other hand, is a different story. A quick caveat: I’ve not driven the CX-80 with the 3.3-litre diesel engine, although it’s the same as the CX-60’s power unit. Producing 254hp and 550Nm of torque, it should pull effortlessly and remain smooth and refined, even under load, but I’ll reserve final judgment until I drive it in the CX-80. Mazda’s reasoning for sticking with a big-capacity diesel is that larger engines operate more efficiently under normal conditions, and official fuel economy figures suggest that as much as 49.7mpg is possible.
How does it drive?
Mazda has made a conscious effort to improve the ride comfort over the CX-60, which suffers from unduly harsh suspension. The CX-80 gets softer springs, revised bushings, and a tweaked rear axle setup. The result? It’s better than the CX-60, certainly, but it’s still not as plush as a Skoda Kodiaq or Hyundai Santa Fe. Potholes and speed bumps can catch it out, and while it’s not unbearable, it’s not class-leading either.
Where the CX-80 does excel is in its handling. Mazda’s reputation for making engaging cars hasn’t been forgotten here — this is one of the more enjoyable large SUVs to drive. The steering is well-weighted and accurate, and while body roll is present, it’s controlled. Despite its two-tone-plus mass, it feels reassuringly stable at speed, and the well-judged steering makes it easier to thread through town than you might expect from something this size.
It’s also easy to live with day to day. Visibility is excellent, the driving position is comfortable, and features like the 360-degree camera make parking much easier.
Mazda CX-80: The verdict
The Mazda CX-80 is an interesting alternative in the seven-seat SUV market. It’s stylish, practical, and has a lovely interior, but it’s not without flaws. The plug-in hybrid is underwhelming, the ride could still be smoother, and some rivals offer more boot space.
However, if you’re open to diesel power, the CX-80 really starts to shine. The six-cylinder engine is smooth, efficient, and effortless to drive, making it the clear choice for those who cover long distances or tow regularly. If you’re looking for something a little different from the usual rivals and you value a bit of driver engagement in your family SUV, the CX-80 is well worth a look — just make sure you pick the right engine.
Model tested: Mazda CX-80 Homura Plus PHEV
Price: £55,470
Average Joes rating: ★★★☆☆
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