Mazda CX-80 Review

Published on 29 April, 2025

Mazda’s biggest SUV yet – stylish, spacious, and ready for family life.

Highlights

Overview

The Mazda CX-80 is the brand’s biggest SUV yet – but does it have more than just size on its side? With bold styling, practical seating for up to seven, and a choice of diesel or plug-in hybrid, the CX-80 aims to offer family flexibility with an executive edge. So, does it deliver?

Interior Gallery

The CX-80 impresses with a spacious, thoughtfully designed interior that makes family life easier. Boot space stands at 258 litres with all seats in use – tight, but still usable for a buggy or a few bags. Fold down the third row, and you get a generous load area that easily accommodates larger items.

The standout feature is the choice between a traditional 7-seat layout or a 6-seat version with two captain’s chairs in the second row. The latter is a great option for those with multiple children or anyone who values easy walk-through access to the third row. Legroom is generous across all rows, and rear doors open wide enough for hassle-free child seat access.

Inside, the CX-80 feels every bit the upmarket contender. Quality materials, a clean dashboard layout, and Mazda’s familiar minimalist design make it feel more premium than many rivals at this price point.

All versions come well equipped, with a plethora of luxury features available including heated seats, a digital driver display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a full suite of advanced safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and a surround-view camera.

Optional extras are kept to a minimum, with most of the good stuff bundled into trim levels. The overall effect is a car that feels high-end without being fussy.

Buyers can choose between a 3.3-litre six-cylinder diesel with 254hp or a 327hp plug-in hybrid that combines a petrol engine with electric assistance. Both come with all-wheel drive and a smooth 8-speed automatic gearbox as standard.

On the road, the CX-80 prioritises comfort. The diesel, in particular, feels refined and confident on the motorway – an ideal companion for longer journeys. The PHEV offers silent low-speed driving and reduced emissions for urban use, with the added reassurance of a petrol engine for longer trips.

While not sporty, the CX-80 handles its size well, with composed body control and light steering. Fuel economy depends heavily on your choice of powertrain – the diesel averages around 6.0l/100km, while the PHEV offers up to 60km of electric-only range and returns best results with regular charging.

Mazda has a strong reputation for dependability, and the CX-80 builds on that with proven engine technology and solid build quality throughout. While resale values for large SUVs can vary, the CX-80’s distinctive combination of style, space, and efficiency should help it hold its value well.

It’s also worth noting that with no full electric version (yet), the CX-80 may appeal to those not quite ready to go fully EV – a sweet spot in today’s transitional market.

Facts & Figures

Sinead McCann

Sinéad is our resident car tester who has the unenviable (-ok, slightly enviable) task of reviewing all the latest new cars to hit the market. You can follow her on Twitter @smcani and on Instagram @whatshedrives