Question? Can a Japanese luxury SUV out-refine and out-class European rivals and out-drive Chinese tech-centric PHEVs? We put the flagship award winning Mazda CX-80 2.5G PHEV AWD through its paces to find out more.
This Mazda CX-80 PHEV stands out in a segment that is crowded with software-heavy, screen-obsessed 3-row family vehicles with interesting new cabin features and lets not forget, expensive European built rivals. Built on Mazda’s rear-biased Large Architecture platform, this 3-row top of the line Mazda SUV promises executive luxury, a mechanical driving soul (remember this company built the Mazda MX-5) and plug-in hybrid fuel efficiency.
At nearly 5 meters long with a sweeping 3,120 mm wheelbase, this CX-80 commands an authoritative road presence. It stretches the classic Kodo design language into long, elegant proportions. The long hood which has been made possible by its longitudinal engine layout gives it the athletic silhouette of a premium European SUV rather than a boxy family MPV.
Japanese Takumi Luxury
Step inside, and the CX-80 which was launched in late 2025 you immediately feel a tier above mainstream 3-row competitors. You are treated to tan Nappa leather, real wood grain trim and intricate Japanese textile stitching on the dashboard.
Rather than burying basic controls inside a laggy large screen, Mazda retains physical dials for climate control and a tactile Commander Rotary Dial for the 12.3-inch infotainment system which is what some drivers still want and prefer to use.
Available as a 7-seater or a 6-seater featuring plush middle-row Captain’s Chairs with their own center console and ventilation. The long wheelbase 3rd row seats accommodates adults for short-to-medium city journeys, though long-distance road trips remain best suited for kids or teenagers.
How Does the CX-80 PHEV Drive?
With a fully charged 17.8 kWh battery, the CX-80 starts quietly in EV Mode (just like any electric vehicle). The electric motor delivers smooth, silent low-end torque perfect for stop-and-go traffic which we managed to enjoy for almost 30km in heavy city traffic. In real-world driving, you can comfortably extract 50km of pure-electric range which is enough to cover most daily school runs and office commutes without burning a drop of fuel.
Stomp the accelerator and the 2.5L petrol engine fires up to unleash a combined 327 PS and 500 Nm. Acceleration feels prompt and linear and highway high speed cruising is solid and secure.
Crucially, an 8-speed automatic gearbox routes power to all four wheels. Under hard acceleration, you feel crisp gear shifts that keep you mechanically connected to the vehicle.
The CX-80 prioritises body control which keeps body roll firmly in check. The ride tuning leans firm and in total control. It handles winding JKR roads with remarkable poise for a 2.2-tonne vehicle, harsh potholes and sharp city speed bumps can feel a little rigid over the standard attractive 20-inch alloy wheels.
Real-World PHEV Efficiency & Charging
To get the most out of the CX-80, charging discipline is essential. Plugging in overnight on a standard AC home wallbox (7.2 kW) takes around 2.5 hours. Owners with short commutes can easily average fuel figures below 3.0 L/100km.
Once the hybrid battery runs down, the 2.5L engine works harder to pull the heavy body. Fuel consumption will rise closer to 7.5–8.5 L/100km, and low-speed fuel sipping dips slightly compared to EV mode.
Is This Mazda CX-80 PHEV Worth It?
This Mazda CX-80 PHEV succeeds by sticking to classic automotive principles: dynamic driving, tactile luxury, and elegant engineering. It isn’t trying to be a rolling iPad; it’s designed for families who still value the feel of a well-engineered automobile.
You want a luxurious, driver-centric 3-row crossover with European-grade handling, exceptional cabin materials, and an EV range that covers your daily city commute, then go into a Mazada showroom and take a test drive with the family.
While Chinese rivals like Omoda C9 SUV and the Chery Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid aggressively dominate the PHEV market on a price-to-spec metrics, the Mazda CX-80 PHEV carves out a distinct lead in the large 3-row family SUV segment by appealing to a fundamentally different set of priorities.
Mazda CX-80 PHEV Specifications
Engine: 4-Cylinder Naturally Aspirated Petrol + Electric Motor
Capacity: 2.5L
Gearbox: 8-Speed Automatic (Multi-Plate Clutch)
Max Power: 327 PS
Max Torque: 500 Nm
Top Speed: 250km/h
0–100 km/h: 6.8 seconds
AC Charging 7.2 kW (0-100% in ~2.5 hours)
Drivetrain: i-Activ All-Wheel Drive (Rear-Biased)
Battery Size: 17.8 kWh Lithium-Ion
Electric Range : 50–60 km (WLTP Real-World)
Selling Price: RM295,000
