Test Car Specifications
Model: 2025 Mazda CX-80 3.3 e-Skyactiv D MHEV AWD Takumi Plus
Price: £61,495 (as tested)
Engine: 3.3-litre turbocharged six-cylinder mild-hybrid diesel
Transmission: eight-speed automatic, all-wheel drive
Power: 254hp
Torque: 550Nm
Emissions: 151g/km
Economy: 48.7mpg
0-62mph: 8.4 seconds
Top speed: 136mph
Boot space: 258-687-1,971 litres
Styling
It isn't necessarily that easy to tell the CX-80 from the slightly smaller CX-60 without the two cars being side by side. Yes, the CX-80 is noticeably bigger, but the design is much the same, with its deep grille and vent-riddled front bumper. Look closely and you'll spot a slightly different tailgate shape to the CX-60, which is a bit more sloping and sporty. But that's your lot. That's no great issue, though, because the CX-60's design has never been its problem. As a result, the CX-80 is similarly handsome in its way, albeit a little on the forgettable side.
Interior
Mazda's interiors have always been decent, but the brand has really been pushing the boat out of late. The cabin was arguably the best thing about the original CX-60 and it's one of the best things about the CX-80. With a clean, modern design and some lovely materials, it's a difficult interior to fault on either a style or substance front.
The technology on board, meanwhile, is much more effective than it sounds. Mazda isn't really in the business of fripperies, so the CX-80's infotainment system looks simple and strangely underwhelming. But it works really well. The simplicity makes it easy to navigate, and Mazda has a BMW i-Drive-style rotary control that allows you to flick through functions and menus with minimum distraction. Once you know your way around, you can almost do it by touch.
Similarly, the digital instrument display doesn't look all that glamorous, but it works really well. The black-and-white look is classy and clean, and it's all very easy to read, while still offering more features than conventional dials. It might not be as flashy as some, but it's very effective.
Practicality
The CX-80 is challenging the likes of the Volvo XC90, and to do so effectively, it has to be practical. Fortunately, it's so big that there's no way it can't be spacious, and the cleanly designed cabin is awash with capacity. There's loads of space in the middle row of seats, and even the third row isn't too uncomfortable. We'd like a bit more legroom in there, especially if we were going to spend any great amount of time there, but there still has to be luggage space, and Mazda has provided 258 litres of it with all seven seat in use. That's kind of acceptable, but you can increase it to a plentiful 687 litres by simply folding that back row down. And if you fold the middle row as well, you end up with a huge 1,971 litres of cargo space.
Performance
If you don’t like the sound of the 2.5-litre plug-in hybrid system – and let’s be honest, it isn’t great – then the 3.3-litre diesel tested here is the engine for you. The six-cylinder turbocharged engine is technically a mild hybrid, so there’s a degree of electrical assistance there, but it’s essentially a glorified stop-start system, so you won’t really notice.
What you will notice is the wave of torque – the 550Nm output is more than you get from a 5.0-litre Ford Mustang GT – that gives you plenty of low-down grunt. Yes, the car is heavy, but that doesn’t really matter with that engine under the bonnet, and it gives you plenty of off-road and adequate towing capability.
And with 254hp, the performance on the road is admirable, too. It barely takes more than eight seconds to get the 2.2-tonne 4x4 from 0-62mph, and the top speed of 136mph is perfectly ample. Better still, the engine is smooth and quiet for a diesel, with just a bit of a grumble when you put your foot down or when the engine is cold.
The other advantage of the diesel engine is its economy. It may not manage the silly three-figure efficiency the plug-in hybrid achieves on paper, but on a long drive, it’ll manage the best part of 50mpg. And you’re unlikely to get anything like that from the hybrid.
Ride & Handling
Mazda’s reputation for building cars that handle well is enviable – even the CX-5 and CX-30 models are great in the corners – but the brand dropped the ball a little when it first launched the CX-60, and there were concerns the CX-80 might be the same.
But while there’s no doubt the CX-80 was not built for cornering, it is actually a very pleasant car to drive. The ride isn’t quite as pillowy as we were hoping, but it’s still generally very good, unsettled only by the worst of British road surfaces, and the steering is as brilliant as it is in the Mazda3 hatchback.
Naturally, there’s some roll in corners, and the car always feels quite big and heavy, but it’s more than capable of hustling down a country road, and it won’t make you feel as though you’re abusing it too much. It has a little off-road capability, too, with that big diesel engine giving it lots of grunt, and adequate ground clearance for most eventualities. Very few customers will find a situation in which the CX-80 is stumped.
Value
CX-80 prices start at just under £50,000, which makes the Mazda about £15,000 cheaper than the Volvo XC90. Admittedly, it doesn't quite have the same premium image, but the Mazda feels just as well made and comes with plenty of standard equipment. Even basic Exclusive-Line models get 18-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery and heated front seats, as well as wireless smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other standard features include a head-up display, a power-operated tailgate and two-zone climate control. Moving up the five-tier range adds extra luxury touches, including more upmarket upholstery and bigger alloy wheels, as well as more comfort and assistance features. But with even the range-topping Takumi Plus model costing £56,530 before options, the value for money is fairly strong.
Verdict
With lots of space and a lovely interior, the CX-80 has plenty going for it, especially in 3.3-litre diesel form. The engine is well suited to the vehicle, and gives it decent long-distance economy despite its bulk. Unfortunately, while it's pleasant enough to drive, we suspect it won't sell as well as some of its rivals. Which is a shame, because it deserves to.
