By Jarryd Neves
Mazda has unveiled the CX-80 three-row SUV for markets outside of North America, with various powerful engines and a plush, spacious interior.
Key Takeaways
- New Mazda CX-80 arrives with PHEV, electrified diesel and gasoline inline-six engines.
- CX-80 has a longer wheelbase than the CX-60 with a more spacious interior and third-row seating.
- Latest premium SUV from Mazda, following the CX-60 and North American CX-70 and CX-90 models.
Mazda has released the final piece of the Large Product Group puzzle, with the new CX-80 officially appearing. Joining its smaller CX-60 – and CX-70 and CX-90 – siblings, the new CX-80 will be sold as Mazda’s largest SUV outside North American markets. Billed as the automaker’s flagship European model, the newcomer is similar to the CX-60, with the same tasteful exterior styling and engines.
Customers can choose a 2.5-liter four-cylinder plug-in hybrid engine that produces 323 horsepower. This version has a 17.8 kWh battery, allowing for all-electric driving. There’s also a 3.3-liter turbodiesel inline-six with 254 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, which should provide creamy smooth progress and return reasonable gas mileage. All-wheel drive is standard on the CX-80. Markets outside the UK and Europe, such as Australia, will also receive a gas-powered six-cylinder model. All variants make use of an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Bigger But Just As Stylish
To accommodate a third row of seats, the wheelbase has grown by 9.8 inches compared to the more compact CX-60. Similarly, the CX-80 stands one inch taller than its two-row contemporary but shares its 74.4-inch width. Under the attractive sheet metal, the CX-80 receives double wishbone and multi-link suspension setups at the front and rear, respectively. Mazda has tuned the i-Active all-wheel drive to be rear-wheel-biased, which, it says, provides the “neutral characteristics” of an RWD vehicle.
It’s a handsome brute, with upmarket styling underscoring Mazda’s prestige ambitions. While very similar to the CX-60, there are subtle visual differences. For one, the side windows have been extended and now feature thicker trim surrounds with a straight shape near the D-pillar, emphasizing the increased length. The proportions aren’t as successful as the CX-60’s, but it’s still a handsome three-row SUV.
In the UK, the CX-80 will debut two new colors, Artisan Red and Melting Copper. The latter has been created using the automaker’s extraordinary Takuminuri painting technology. Nine hues, including the seductive Soul Red Crystal, will be available.
More Room For Everyone
The lengthened wheelbase has paid dividends inside, where Mazda claims headroom and shoulder room have been increased compared to the CX-60. Customers can choose from three different middle-row seating configurations. A three-person bench will be standard, but buyers can opt between two six-seat layouts: one with a fixed center console and another with individual captain’s chairs for the middle row. Mazda has yet to announce standard specification for its new family SUV but notes that the CX-80 will receive Alexa in-car controls for climate control, satellite navigation, infotainment, and third-party apps.
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As for safety equipment, the CX-80 will receive the comprehensive iActivsense driver assist system, including Smart Brake Support and Emergency Lane Keeping, with Mazda’s new Head-on traffic avoidance assist. The Unresponsive Driver Support system is also included, automatically stopping the vehicle if the driver is unresponsive. Mazda will release additional information regarding standard equipment at a later date.
Hefty Pricing Makes Us Happy To Have The Affordable CX-90
UK pricing will kick off at £48,920 ($60,900), which makes our larger CX-90 look like a bargain by comparison. In the US, the 2024 CX-90 kicks off at a more palatable $37,845, while the 2025 CX-70 has a base price of $40,445. If that pricing sounds odd, there’s a reason why the CX-70 costs more than the CX-90. Returning to the CX-80, customers will be offered five trims: Exclusive-Line, Homura, Takumi, Homura Plus, and Takumi Plus.
Of course, the CX-80 will not be offered in America, but the introduction of the SUV for global markets shows just how seriously the brand is taking its move up the luxury ladder. A few years ago, company executives said Mazda wanted to position itself as a credible Lexus rival. While many rolled their eyes at that admittedly surprising statement, our latest drive in the CX-90 shows Mazda knows how to do premium.
