Mazda responds to criticism of its CX-60 medium SUV with suspension and chassis changes, plus a cheaper entry model

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It was the SUV used to kick off “Mazda Premium”, but when the CX-60 medium SUV launched last year it was greeted with what you’d politely call a mixed response.

Media and customers alike criticised the new car’s harsh ride and gearbox stutters. From Chasing Cars’ reviews, founder Tom Baker called the all-wheel-drive CX-60 “clearly underbaked” and contributor Iain Curry said its ride was “mystifyingly harsh” and described its gears as being stuck in treacle.

In response, Mazda Australia has announced the 2025 CX-60, on sale in the first half of next year, will feature “enhanced performance and comfort to even more customers.”

That’s the fancy way of admitting the product wasn’t up to scratch from the outset, and the revised car will have suspension and chassis upgrades.

Mazda Australia has stopped short of admitting there was a problem, instead saying these 2025 upgrades will “improve the already refined driving experience.” 

With respect, that’s head in the sand stuff when very few CX-60 owners have reported a “refined driving experience.”

Improving the breed

Sources say revised, softer rear dampers were already being fitted on the CX-60 production line from October 2023, following the vehicle’s July 2023 launch.

Mazda Australia spent months saying no changes were forthcoming, before suspension hardware and transmission software updates were confirmed in April this year. 

Customers who bought their Mazda CX-60 before October 2023 have been offered a no cost upgrade to the “latest factory specification” suspension.

With this latest announcement, it’s clear there are more running changes ahead for 2025 cars, however there’s been no statement regarding any changes to the oft-criticised transmission.

Mazda Australia’s statement says: “The (2025) CX-60 adds softer rear springs, increased rear rebound damping and firmer front compression damping to improve comfort and offer a smoother driving feel.”

It continues by saying there will be “recalibrated power steering, all-wheel-drive and stability systems… to enhance the overall handling.”

Chasing Cars spoke to Kohei Shibata, program manager for CX-60 and Mazda’s other Large Product models.

Admitting the criticism had affected him and his team, Shibata-San said: “We really strongly felt we had to do something about it. So over the last year, we really concentrated in fixing all those things.

“We didn’t think about the areas which might be uncomfortable in certain driving situations for customers, we didn’t focus (enough), instead focusing on the areas of handling.

“We received a variety of feedback from customers, and the Mazda engineers felt grateful about that.”

Cheaper CX-60 coming

Starting price of a Mazda CX-60 reflects the brand’s premium push. 

At $60,550 before on-roads for an entry-level petrol Evolve, it’s almost $25,000 more expensive than the similar-sized Mazda CX-5 SUV stalwart.

Diesel and plug-in hybrid versions add more to the bill, as do higher spec GT and Azami grades. The tree-topping Azami PHEV with SP option pack is on the road for almost $100,000. Proper prestige pricing.

This month, Mazda launched its all-new CX-80 large seven-seat SUV. Not playing the premium card quite as strongly, an entry-level Pure grade CX-80 starts from $54,950 before charges.

The CX-60 is set to follow suit. 

From 2025 a Pure grade will be offered alongside a fifth Touring grade to sit above Evolve. 

If the costs mirror the CX-80’s line-up, we can expect the CX-60 range to start from around $53,000 for the new Pure grade.

Most reviewers agree there’s potential for the CX-60 to be an excellent luxury medium SUV. Hopefully these updates will bring it closer to realising such potential.