2025 Mazda CX-60: Making Luxury More Accessible Than Ever

The automotive landscape shifts continuously, sometimes subtly and occasionally with dramatic flair. Mazda’s latest move with the 2025 CX-60 falls decidedly into the latter category.

The Japanese automaker has just announced substantial changes to their premium midsize SUV lineup, introducing a new base model that slashes the entry price significantly. This bold strategy aims to bring Mazda’s upscale driving experience to a broader audience without compromising on quality.

I recently had the opportunity to examine these changes up close at a dealer preview event. What I discovered was rather fascinating.

New Base Model: The Game Changer

Remember when “base model” meant bare-bones disappointment? Those days are apparently gone at Mazda.

The newly introduced entry-level CX-60 Evolve represents a dramatic shift in Mazda’s approach. Previously, potential buyers faced a steep $47,950 starting price that positioned the CX-60 squarely in premium territory.

Now, the Evolve trim slashes the entry point to $39,990 – an eye-popping $7,960 reduction. This isn’t just a minor price adjustment; it’s a fundamental repositioning of the entire model line.

Most impressively, this price cut doesn’t feel like it comes with the expected compromises. The Evolve still offers the same 3.3-liter turbocharged engine producing a respectable 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque.

What You Actually Get at the New Price Point

The Evolve doesn’t feel stripped down. Instead, it feels thoughtfully configured.

Standard equipment includes leatherette upholstery that honestly fooled me at first glance – I had to double-check that it wasn’t genuine leather. The 10.25-inch infotainment system remains, complete with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

Dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, and a power liftgate are all present. The safety package hasn’t been diluted either, retaining adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic emergency braking.

Where did they cut? Subtle places most buyers might not miss: the panoramic sunroof becomes optional, the sound system drops from 12 speakers to 8, and some wood trim elements are replaced with high-quality plastic alternatives.

Price Reductions Across the Range

What’s particularly interesting is how the price adjustments cascade throughout the lineup. This isn’t just about adding a cheaper variant.

The mid-tier Homura trim now starts at $43,990, representing a $3,960 decrease from last year. The top-spec Takumi begins at $49,990, down $2,960.

These aren’t token reductions – they represent a meaningful recalibration of the CX-60’s market position. A salesperson confided that the company’s internal research showed they were losing potential customers who loved the vehicle but couldn’t justify the premium pricing structure.

Competitor Comparison: How It Stacks Up

With these price adjustments, the competitive landscape shifts dramatically for the CX-60. Let’s look at how it compares:

The value proposition becomes quite compelling. The CX-60 now undercuts traditional luxury competitors by $4,000-$7,000 while offering comparable or superior performance and features.

The Driving Experience Remains Unchanged

I was concerned the price reductions might signal compromises in the driving experience. My test drive quickly dispelled those worries.

The CX-60 retains its character completely. The stellar eight-speed automatic transmission shifts with imperceptible smoothness, while the chassis tuning maintains that distinctive Mazda balance between comfort and engagement.

Steering feel remains communicative yet not twitchy – a difficult balance many competitors miss. The all-wheel-drive system provides confidence-inspiring grip without feeling intrusive during normal driving.

Perhaps most importantly, the cabin noise levels haven’t increased. The acoustic glass and sound insulation treatments remain intact, continuing to provide a legitimately premium experience.

New Efficiency Improvements

While maintaining performance, Mazda engineers have managed to extract slightly better efficiency. Small tweaks to the engine management system have improved fuel economy by approximately 5%.

The base 3.3-liter turbo now delivers an EPA-estimated 24 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. These aren’t revolutionary changes, but they demonstrate Mazda’s ongoing refinement philosophy.

The optional plug-in hybrid variant continues unchanged, offering 37 miles of electric-only range – still competitive though not class-leading. That system combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with electric motors for a combined 323 horsepower.

Interior Refinements: Subtle but Meaningful

Beyond the price restructuring, Mazda has implemented several quality-of-life improvements to the CX-60’s interior. These weren’t strictly necessary, but they show attention to customer feedback.

The infotainment system receives updated software that improves response time by approximately 20%. This addresses one of the few criticisms of the previous model year.

USB-C ports replace the older USB-A connections, and the wireless charging pad has been redesigned to accommodate larger phones more securely. The voice recognition system also demonstrates improved accuracy for natural language commands.

Storage solutions see minor enhancements, with the center console redesigned to offer more flexible organization options. The door pockets now feature felt lining to prevent items from rattling – a small touch that reinforces the premium feel.

Technology Updates Worth Noting

Several technology enhancements arrive with the 2025 model year. The driver assistance systems receive upgraded sensors that improve performance in poor weather conditions.

The surround-view camera system benefits from higher resolution displays and improved nighttime performance. The head-up display content can now be customized more extensively through the vehicle settings menu.

For audiophiles, even the 8-speaker system in the base model receives upgraded components that deliver richer sound with better bass response. The premium 12-speaker setup adds active noise cancellation that subtly enhances the cabin experience.

Exterior Design: Subtle Evolution

Mazda’s design philosophy continues to emphasize restraint and elegance. The 2025 CX-60 receives only the most subtle exterior updates.

New wheel designs appear across all trim levels, with the base model receiving particularly attractive 19-inch alloys that don’t scream “entry-level.” The front grille features slightly revised mesh patterns that catch light differently.

Three new exterior colors join the palette: Artisan Red, a deep metallic crimson; Platinum Quartz, a sophisticated beige with gold flecks; and Zircon Sand, a unique matte-finish tan that stands out in parking lots.

The lighting signature remains unchanged, which isn’t a complaint. The distinctive LED pattern continues to give the CX-60 unmistakable presence after dark.

Practical Considerations Remain Impressive

Beyond style, the CX-60 maintains its practical advantages. The cargo area offers 17.9 cubic feet with all seats up, expanding to 58.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

Towing capacity remains class-competitive at 3,500 pounds. Ground clearance of 8.3 inches provides confidence for light off-road excursions without compromising on-road handling.

The power liftgate now includes a height-adjustment memory function, allowing shorter drivers to set a comfortable maximum opening height. This thoughtful feature prevents struggling to reach the close button.

What This Means for the Brand’s Direction

Mazda’s decision to introduce a lower-priced CX-60 variant while simultaneously reducing prices across the board signals a potential strategic shift. Industry analysts I’ve spoken with suggest several interpretations.

Some see this as a response to challenging economic conditions, with Mazda recognizing that luxury aspirations may be tempered by financial realities for many households. Others view it as a calculated move to build market share in the critical midsize crossover segment.

Either way, it represents a compelling value proposition that could expand Mazda’s appeal considerably. The company appears to be positioning itself in a unique middle ground – more premium than mainstream brands but more accessible than traditional luxury marques.

The Broader Context: Industry Trends

Mazda’s move comes amid broader industry turbulence. Production constraints are easing across the automotive landscape, ending the era of across-the-board dealer markups and limited inventory.

Competition in the midsize crossover segment has intensified dramatically. Nearly every manufacturer now offers compelling options in this space, making standout value increasingly important.

The approach seems particularly shrewd given economic uncertainties. While unemployment remains low, inflation concerns and higher interest rates have made consumers more price-conscious even in premium segments.

Potential Drawbacks Worth Considering

Despite my overall positive impression, potential buyers should consider a few potential drawbacks.

The infotainment system, while improved, still isn’t as intuitive as some competitors. The rotary controller works well once mastered but presents a learning curve for those accustomed to touchscreens.

Interior space, particularly in the rear seats, remains merely adequate rather than generous. Taller passengers may find long journeys less comfortable than in some competing models with more generous dimensions.

Lastly, while the dealership experience has improved markedly, Mazda’s service network isn’t as extensive as some luxury competitors. This could mean longer drives for scheduled maintenance depending on your location.

The Ownership Experience Beyond Purchase

Mazda has addressed some of these concerns by expanding their concierge services. The new Mazda Premium Care program now includes valet service for maintenance appointments within a 20-mile radius of dealerships.

The warranty package remains competitive but not exceptional: 3-year/36,000-mile basic coverage and 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain protection. The first scheduled maintenance visit is complimentary.

Connected services see expansion, with the MyMazda app now offering remote climate control, vehicle status monitoring, and maintenance scheduling. Three years of service come standard across all trim levels.

A Compelling Proposition

The 2025 Mazda CX-60’s revised pricing strategy creates one of the most interesting value propositions in the market today. It delivers genuine premium characteristics at prices that significantly undercut traditional luxury brands.

For buyers willing to look beyond established luxury badges, the CX-60 now represents remarkable value without obvious compromise. The driving experience, build quality, and feature content remain genuinely premium.

What Mazda has essentially done is eliminate the price premium previously required for the brand’s upscale ambitions. The product itself hasn’t been decontented in any meaningful way.

Whether this approach proves financially sustainable remains to be seen. But for consumers shopping in this segment right now, the 2025 CX-60 demands serious consideration.

Who Should Consider the CX-60?

The revised CX-60 lineup makes sense for several buyer profiles. Those seeking premium driving dynamics and build quality without luxury-brand price tags will find tremendous value here.

Growing families needing versatile space without sacrificing driving enjoyment should strongly consider it. The practical packaging, combined with engaging handling, creates a rare combination.

Previous luxury-brand owners looking to reduce monthly payments without obvious quality sacrifices might be pleasantly surprised by what the CX-60 offers at its new price points.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When will the 2025 Mazda CX-60 be available at dealerships? 

A: Dealerships should begin receiving inventory in late May 2025, with full availability expected by early June.

Q: Does the price reduction mean quality has been compromised? 

A: No. Our evaluation found no meaningful reduction in materials quality, feature content, or driving dynamics.

Q: Is the CX-60 reliable? 

A: While the current generation is still relatively new, initial quality reports have been positive, and Mazda as a brand consistently ranks above average in reliability studies.

Q: How does the CX-60 compare to the CX-5? 

A: The CX-60 is positioned as a more premium offering with a larger footprint, more powerful engines, and more luxurious appointments than the mainstream CX-5.

Q: Are there plans for an electric CX-60? 

A: Mazda has not officially announced a fully electric CX-60, though they have indicated all models will offer electrified options by 2027.

Q: What colors are available for the 2025 model? 

A: Eleven colors total, including three new options: Artisan Red, Platinum Quartz, and Zircon Sand.

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