Audi Q8 vs Mazda CX-60
What's the difference?

Audi Q8

—

2025 price

View pricing & specs

Mazda CX-60

$36,980 - $77,985

2025 price

View pricing & specs

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Summary

2025 Audi Q8

2025 Mazda CX-60

By Emily Agar

By Byron Mathioudakis

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo V6, 3.0L

Turbo 6, 3.3L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Unleaded Petrol/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

2.6L/100km (combined)

7.4L/100km (combined)

Energy consumption

—

Electric range

74 km

Battery capacity

25.90 kWh

Seating

Likes

Athletic and sporty looks a winning combo
Drives beautifully
Improved EV driving range

Quality feel
Spacious and practical interior
Superb powertrain and handling capabilities

Dislikes

High price tag is hard to justify
Lacks clever storage options
Small boot compared to siblings

Some suspension noise intrusion
Oddly dated styling inside and out
Still a premium-priced Mazda

2025 Audi Q8 Summary

The Audi Q8 has had a mid-life upgrade and it brings a few minor tweaks to the design, technology and equipment.

Plug-in hybrids tend to rank a little lower on my excitement scale when it comes to available powertrains because I usually find the constant charging inconvenient.

However, the electric driving range of the 60 TSFIe quattro S Line grade has been bolstered by 27km, increasing it to 74km overall.

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2025 Mazda CX-60 Summary

A good car in its own right, the Mazda CX-60 has nevertheless been one of the most disappointing new-model releases of recent times.

After the ongoing critical and commercial success of the CX-5, its somewhat larger premium mid-sized sibling should have been a slam dunk, with BMW-evoking longitudinal drivetrain and terrific in-line six-cylinder engine choices, as well as the surprisingly far-sighted option of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) from the get-go.

Yet, when launched internationally during 2022, the quality, packaging and performance were overshadowed by high prices, a jarring ride, odd handling and erratic transmission calibration, particularly in the aforementioned PHEV.

Now there’s been a wholesale re-think surrounding all of the CX-60’s objectionable systems, as well as a new, lower priced grade, among other updates.

Is it the SUV Mazda should have launched in the first place? Let’s find out.

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Interested in a Mazda CX-60?

Deep dive comparison

2025 Audi Q8 2025 Mazda CX-60

Verdict

The updated Audi Q8 60 TFSIe quattro S line still looks good inside and out. It fits a family comfortably without feeling too big and there’s enough here to satisfy those who like the luxury features.

It's price tag will hurt it but the improved power outputs and driving range is a big plus and makes the plug-in hybrid powertrain make more sense.

Verdict

Have no doubts. The MY25 version of the CX-60 is the SUV that Mazda should have launched in Australia in 2023.

It fulfils the promise of its sophisticated specification, builds on the extensive dynamic abilities of previous models, and now provides a compelling – and unique – choice for medium-SUV buyers who do not need an extended seven-seater.

It may still looks a bit daggy from some angles outside, and we’d like a little bit less suspension noise on the inside, but the CX-60 should now be on Australian family-car shortlists.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with accommodation and meals provided.

Audi Q8 vs Mazda CX-60 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Audi Q8 vs Mazda CX-60
What's the difference?