Towcar review: Mazda CX-60 3.3 diesel

James Batchelor is impressed with the towing ability of a bigger-engined, mild-hybrid diesel version of Mazda’s popular SUV

No, your eyes aren’t deceiving you – we have reviewed the Mazda CX-60 before, but this one is a little different. The car we tested last year was the brand’s first plug-in hybrid and, while there was much to like, its towing performance fell a little short. This CX-60 is the much anticipated diesel version that should offer more to the caravan owner.

Comfort – 72%

Mazda is going big on SUVs. The CX-60 is currently the Japanese brand’s range-topper, but it will be displaced later in 2024 when an even larger, seven-seat CX-80 arrives. Both models are an attempt by Mazda to push itself into more premium territory where the likes of Audi and BMW reign supreme, and both cars use a suite of new engines showing Mazda doesn’t believe the days of the internal combustion engine are numbered just yet. One of which is a diesel.

This isn’t some weedy DERV that relies on a big turbocharger for its muscle, but a throaty 3.3-litre straight-six. In a nod to efficiency, it’s a mild-hybrid with a 48V system that is said to help this sizeable engine cough out just 142g/km of CO2 and return a claimed 52.3-55.4mpg. The only gearbox available is an eight-speed twin wet clutch automatic.

Mazda says that in normal, everyday driving, the big 3.3 will be cleaner than a smaller four-cylinder turbocharged diesel – and when you compare the engine to a four-pot DERV, on paper it is generally cleaner and more efficient.

Aside from the engine, this CX-60 is the same as the one we tested before, so it scores well in terms of styling, equipment and driving manners compared to rivals from the likes of Audi, Lexus and Volvo. Unlike its competitors, though, the CX-60 shies away from having an enormous touchscreen.

The letterbox-like display on top of the dash isn’t distracting and is safely operated while driving with a rotary dial on the centre console.

There’s no shortage of equipment in the CX-60, either. Even the entry-level car gets black leather upholstery, heated front seats and steering wheel, a colour head-up display and an electric tailgate. Our Homura test car adds a sportier exterior design as well as a Bose stereo, and gets Mazda’s Driver Personalisation System (that uses facial recognition to set the seating and steering wheel positions for different drivers), while the top-drawer Takumi has hand-stitched fabrics, and Maple wood and metal trim.   

The CX-60 may look like a seven-seater from the exterior, but there are only five seats inside. Rear space is generous with passengers sitting higher than those in the front for a good view out at a small cost to headroom (kneeroom is better). The seats are heated (on Homura and Takumi), there are USB-C charging ports and even a three-pin socket. Boot room measures 570 litres, expanding to 1,726 with the seats down, which is greater than those offered by many of its rivals. There’s only one towbar available from Mazda and it’s a semi-electric one for £1,188.

Driving – 76%

Mazda offers two flavours of its 3.3-litre diesel – one with 197bhp and rear-wheel drive, and the car tested here with 251bhp and all-wheel drive.

Press the starter button and the big unit fires into life and idles with a gravelly tone, but once warmed up it’s a typically smooth six-cylinder engine. Acceleration is mighty and helped by the sizeable 550Nm (406 lb ft) of torque. Thanks to strong mid-range punch, the engine never feels short of breath, spinning freely up to 4,500rpm before needing to change gear. Speaking of which, the eight-speed ‘box is well matched to the engine and never restricts it.

The CX-60 steers in typically Mazda-like fashion with crisp responses and a surprisingly agile chassis. That big frame is kept in check with coil springs and passive dampers, which do a good job through twisting bends, with body lean well suppressed. Unfortunately, the downside is a rather brittle ride quality around town – a feel that is exacerbated by the Homura’s standard-fit 20in wheels – and a feeling that the back axle isn’t tied down enough. Point the car down an undulating country road and the front axle does a good job at dealing with the road surface, while the rear has a tendency to hop and skip. It’s by no means unpleasant, but in my opinion a BMW X3 has a more consistent ride and a Volvo XC60 gives a more supple feeling on all roads.         

Towing – 78%

When we last drove the CX-60 we felt its plug-in hybrid system, while great for occasional towers, was a bit lacking for more regular holidaymakers. Once the 39-mile electric was gone, the car felt strained when having to rely solely on its 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. The big 3.3-litre diesel cures this at a stroke.

The following towing impressions are taken from the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s Towcar of the Year Awards 2024 judging, where the CX-60 was tested on a variety of roads and manoeuvres, towing a 1,721kg caravan. When getting up to motorway speeds on Millbrook’s high speed bowl or on its hilly, twisting Alpine route, there’s a delicious feeling of all-round power and torque when towing. Again, the gearbox allows the engine to breathe while always selecting the right ratio when needed, and just feels better matched to towing than the plug-in hybrid.

The CX-60 has the normal array of driving modes plus a dedicated ‘Towing’ mode. Selecting it calibrates the car for the business of towing, but we felt the rear end, no matter what mode was selected, was a little too soft. The ride does feel more compliant when towing compared to when driving solo.

Elsewhere, the rear quarter window provides enough visibility to aid reversing manoeuvres, and towing mirrors can be easily attached.

Verdict – 75%

The Mazda CX-60 3.3-litre diesel is an extremely capable towcar that can cope with heavier caravans. Its engine delivers strong acceleration, while sharp steering and an agile chassis give neat and tidy handling. It’s well-made and well-equipped, and while some rivals deliver better ride comfort, the CX-60 has a good overall package.