Mazda CX-60 2.5L Skyactiv-G: Leaping Forward

January 20, 2026

133

The Mazda CX-60 is the latest evolution of the SUV formula for the manufacturer, but where does it fit in?

For the past decade, Mazda has been the overachiever in the Malaysian automotive landscape, at least amongst its mass market Japanese peers. The CX-5 outclassed its rivals with sportier behaviour and a premium feel that punched well above its price bracket. Now, Mazda wants to take that “Premium” mission further.

Enter the Mazda CX-60. Built on an entirely new rear-wheel-drive platform and imported fully (CBU) from Japan, this is the car designed to catch the eye of current CX-5 owners looking for their next logical upgrade. But at roughly RM200,000, does it justify the jump, or has Mazda brought a product for a market that doesn’t quite exist?

The Aesthetic: Grace and Presence

Walking up to the CX-60, there is no denying its presence. It carries the familiar Kodo design language, but the proportions have shifted. Thanks to the new longitudinal engine layout, the hood is longer, the cabin is set further back, and the stance is significantly wider. It looks expensive—easily mimicking the road presence of a European SUV twice its price. If you want a car that signals you’ve “arrived” without the ostentation of a German badge, the CX-60 hits the mark perfectly.

The Cabin: Tech-Forward but Familiar

Inside, Mazda continues to provide a masterclass in ergonomics, with the familiar physical controls found on the rest of its product range.

At this price point, you are getting a panoramic sunroof, a crisp Bose sound system, and a power-adjustable steering column that works in tandem with a 2 driver memory system.

However, the “premium” evolution feels a bit stagnant in terms of materials. While the assembly is rock-solid Japanese CBU quality is evident, the switchgear and touchpoints don’t feel like a generational leap over the current CX-5.

It is a very nice place to sit and the equipment jump is noteworthy but it doesn’t quite disrupt the luxury segment the way we hoped it might.

The Drive: A Case of Confused Identity?

This is where the CX-60 becomes a polarizing proposition. Under the hood lies the very familiar 2.5-litre Skyactiv-G naturally aspirated engine, paired with a new Mazda-developed 8-speed automatic gearbox.

Just like the 6-speed that came before, this new transmission ditches the traditional torque converter for a multi-plate clutch. This gives it quicker shifts up and down the range – sportier than anything else offered by the other Japanese carmakers.

On paper, the RWD architecture promises another step in “Jinba-Ittai” (oneness between horse and rider). While it has an ‘organic’ drive feel behind the wheel, there’s a bit of a disconnect between the potential of the chassis and the engine we get here in this lone specification.

This naturally-aspirated engine feels somewhat breathless compared to the punchy 2.5 Turbo found in the top-spec CX-5. It might be tough for Mazda to upsell existing CX-5 Turbo customers to this CX-60 considering it’s a less powerful engine. The 2.5L non-turbo isn’t under-powered, but it’s certainly not punchy enough to ‘wow’ enthusiasts.

Then there is the ride. Mazda has tuned the CX-60 with a very firm, “sporty” suspension. On a smooth track, it’s composed and sharp. On the typical pockmarked Malaysian B-road, however, it becomes restless. It’s significantly harsher than the CX-5, which might be a deal-breaker for family-oriented buyers who prioritize comfort over cornering G-forces.

It feels like a sports SUV chassis searching for an engine with more “shove” to justify its stiffness. Given the longitudinal set-up, it’s a little tough to understand what exactly this particular set-up is good for, especially when you consider the powertrain options in other markets. There’s a 2.5 PHEV, 3.3L straight six turbo, and 3.3L straight six turbo diesel. Perhaps the base model is the only one that would bring its price down sufficiently to market in Malaysia, but it’s still a little tough to swallow.

The Value Proposition

At the RM200,000 mark, the CX-60 finds itself in a strange vacuum. It is cheaper than a Toyota Harrier and Subaru Forester and better equipped than a base BMW X1 or Mercedes GLA. You are getting a lot of “metal” for your money, all backed by that legendary Made-in-Japan build quality and Bermaz dealer network.

Is the Mazda CX-60 the ultimate CX-5 upgrade? It depends on what you value. If you want the most handsome, tech-laden, and well-equipped SUV in the RM200k bracket, the CX-60 is a compelling choice. If you’re keen to stick with Japanese, it’s a compelling rival against the two models we mentioned in the previous paragraph. Certainly the price point and equipment level make it more sensible and appealing than the current BMW X3.

However, if you were expecting a softer, more refined “limousine” version of the CX-5, you might be disappointed. The CX-60 is a bold, stiffly-sprung statement of intent. It’s a car for the driver who wants to feel every bit of the road—even the parts of the road they’d rather forget.