Mazda CX-60 Takami Kuro review: watch your six

The CX-60 was arguably one of the more misunderstood Mazdas of modern times when it was launched in 2023. It appeared on the company's Large Platform, rear-drive-biased architecture, with fancy straight-six and PHEV powertrains, and was naturally assumed to be something of a crossover replacement for the CX-5, which was six years old by then.

Many (including a fair few motoring journalists, it must be said) couldn't understand why it had to be so large, powerful and expensive. Was Mazda losing touch with its core customers?

Now we have a new 3rd-generation CX-5 and it all makes a lot more sense. The Five has moved up in size a little, and the top $61,990 CX-5 Takami has stepped back in price slightly to sit below the entry-level $69,990 CX-60 SP.

Mazda has also taken the launch of the new CX-5 as an opportunity to give the CX-60 a little tweak. For New Zealand, the PHEV powertrain has been dropped completely in favour of the mild hybrid (MHEV) 3.3-litre petrol six. The entry SP stays, but the sporty-look Homura has also been discontinued.

If you're shopping for a $100k premium SUV, you should at least try the CX-60 to make sure you're getting value for the extra money.

There are now a brace of flagship models: the CX-60 Takami with maximum brightwork and the darker-looking Takami Kuro you see here (similar to the visual style of the outgoing Homura). "Kuro" means black in Japanese; you get the idea. Both Takami models are $78,990, the idea being you simply choose the visual style that suits.

On the outside: what are the Mazda CX-60 Takami Kuro's main design features?

The Takami Kuro features blacked-out exterior detailing, including a metallic gloss finish for the 20-inch alloy wheels.

Black in place of chrome is the main visual differentiator between our Kuro and the similar-specification Takami (it doesn't get a fancy model name of its own), although the standard model gets a bar-type grille while the Kuro wears a honeycomb design.

You can have your Kuro in black (of course), but it's also available in the full range of 7 exterior colours offered across the CX-60 lineup. This one's Polymetal Grey.

OVERVIEW

On the inside: what's the Mazda CX-60 Takami Kuro cabin like?

Unfortunately for the CX-60, we've just driven the new CX-5 and it makes many aspects of the more upmarket car's interior design and ergonomics look a bit dated.

Once you've experienced how well Mazda has gone touch/haptic in the new CX-5, the CX-60 definitely feels a bit old-school.

Still, the CX-60 is very swish inside, with outstanding fit and finish. The only interior colour for the Kuro (which means "black", remember) is... tan Nappa leather, which is an interesting choice. A bold one in this execution too, because it's a striking shade and carried over onto the steering wheel. There's also tan suede stretching across the dashboard. It's a look for sure, but it's also bound to be polarising.

Your interior-colour preferences might well dictate the choice between Kuro and the standard Takami. The latter is mostly white leather but keeps the black steering wheel, while the dashboard features White Maple Wood and woven fabric with exposed stitching.

Compared to the smaller-but-newer CX-5, the CX-60 cabin is very button-heavy - which is not a bad thing, but once you've experienced how well Mazda has gone touch/haptic in the former, the CX-60 definitely feels a bit old-school.

But it all works well. Well, most of it. While the CX-5 has gone full-touch with its infotainment, the CX-60 has yet another iteration of Mazda's infuriating screen/rotary controller combo.

Each model is slightly different, but in the CX-60 you get full touch functionality on the move when using phone projection, but you have to revert to the physical controller for the Mazda-native menus. Why? We really don't know. You get used to it... but you shouldn't have to.

Otherwise, the CX-60 is a remarkably luxurious and spacious large (albeit 5-seat) SUV that offers a cabin ambience to compete not only with the best Japanese/Korean/Chinese rivals, but also some much more upscale premium SUVs.

The boot is not class-best at 477 litres, but the CX-60 remains a practical SUV with a 40/20/40 split rear seat.

INTERIOR

On the road: what's the Mazda CX-60 Takami Kuro like to drive?

Unfortunately for the CX-5, now we've driven the CX-60 straight-six mild hybrid again and it makes the petrol powertrain of the newer car seem a bit breathless and low-tech.

It's AWD but Mazda's Large Platform architecture is really RWD with bonus power to the front, and that's very much the way it feels when you're pressing on.

The growly engine of the CX-60 is a highlight, not to mention a powertrain feature that sets it apart from mainstream rivals. It's strong down low with help from the MHEV system, punchy in the mid-range, likes a rev and makes really nice noises. There are few SUVs at this price (or indeed substantially higher prices) that have such a feel-good powerplant.

The CX-60 has long been criticised for less-than-smooth transmission performance at urban speeds. We're told there have been running changes to the 8-speed and during our test it performed pretty well, albeit still with a bit of thunky behaviour below 30km/h when you're on and off the throttle. At speed, really no issue: it just on with business.

There's one slight quirk with the transmission control. There's a shuffle-right on the lever to go into Park, but when you start up there's a noticeable delay until it will release and move down to Drive again. Nobody's quite sure why - the need to let system pressure build is one possible explanation that's been offered - but until you get used to it, you sometimes find yourself battling with the lever and wondering why it's all locked up.

The CX-60 has also been criticised for its firm ride, which has also benefitted from running changes since launch. The chassis is more aggressive than most big SUVs on city streets, but you could argue that's part of the package. This is supposed to be a sporting SUV.

And sporting it is around the corners. The steering has substance, which sets it apart in these days of feather-light tillers. It's AWD but Mazda's Large Platform architecture is really RWD with bonus power to the front, and that's very much the way it feels when you're pressing on. It's nicely balanced and a real pleasure to pilot at speed.

MHEV or not, this is a large SUV with a 6-pot petrol engine, so if you push it around town it will definitely like a drink. But it's also capable of surprising thrift in the right scenario. We undertook an Auckland-Hamilton return motorway trip, which includes quite a bit of 110km/h running, and driving normally we achieved 6.4l/100km. You wouldn't get that in a CX-5.

SPECIFICATIONS

On ownership: what's the Mazda CX-60 Takami Kuro warranty and servicing situation?

The CX-60 is covered by 5 years/100,000km warranty. Servicing is covered for 5 years/100,000km by Mazdacare, at no extra cost.

On the whole: what do we think of the  Mazda CX-60 Takami Kuro?

One of the reasons the CX-60 has been a bit confusing is that it's a Mazda family SUV, but also a Mazda family SUV that also reaches up out of the mainstream to compete with many premium models.

From the classy styling to the quietly sonorous engine to the high-quality cabin, this car really does still feel a bit special. The new CX-5 does show up a few of the CX-60's ergonomic issues, but for dynamic engagement and luxury this model still really delivers. If you're shopping for a $100k premium SUV, you should at least try the CX-60 to make sure you're getting value for the extra money.

Mazda CX-60 Takami Kuro FAQs

What kind of car is the Mazda CX-60 Takami Kuro?

A large 5-seat SUV.

Does the Mazda CX-60 Takami Kuro have hybrid or EV technology?

It's a mild hybrid.

What’s the fuel economy of the Mazda CX-60 Takami Kuro?

It returns 7.9l/100km under NZ's 3P-WLTP standard.

Is the Mazda CX-60 Takami Kuro safe?

It has a 5-star ANCAP rating, valid until December 2028.

What safety and assistance features does the Mazda CX-60 Takami Kuro have?

What are the Mazda CX-60 Takami Kuro's main rivals?

• Toyota RAV4 GR Sport ($66,990): Smaller and it's a PHEV, but this is still the most luxurious and sporty RAV4 you can buy.
• Cupra Terramar V 4Drive ($81,900): Smaller, but blends mainstream, premium and sporty character in a  similar way.
• Volvo XC60 Plus ($89,990: Simlar blend of quality, dynamic appeal and mild hybrid technology.
• Lexus NX 350h Premium ($98,700): Entry NX is full hybrid, but still $20k more than the Mazda.
• Kia Sportage HEV Water AWD ($88,530): Top Sorento lacks ultimate flair of Mazda, but it's full hybrid and 7 seats.