Held back? Mazda CX-80 large SUV reveal could be delayed until next year - report

The Mazda CX-9’s upcoming successor, the CX-80, could be delayed by months as reports from Japan say the large SUV could make its global debut in the first quarter of 2024.

Originally expected to be revealed this month, September 2023, the Mazda CX-80 will join the CX-90 as a pair of premium large SUVs to replace the CX-9, expanding Mazda’s SUV offering even further.

Japanese auto magazine Best Car says the delay means the CX-80 large SUV is “expected to debut in early 2024”, a few months after apparently planned.

When asked earlier this year by Automotive News Europe if the CX-80 would make its debut in 2023, Mazda Europe CEO Martijn ten Brink said simply: “Yes, we will see it by year end.”

Effectively set to be the three-row version of the mid-size CX-60 SUV, expect to see similar styling as shown by the render released by Best Car.

As it’s a similar size (but different style) to the CX-90, expect to see the CX-80 share its drivetrain options - a 2.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor making 240kW and 500Nm, or two turbocharged 3.3-litre straight-six engines, one diesel making 187kW and 550Nm and a petrol good for  254kW and 500Nm.

It’s already been confirmed the CX-80 will land Down Under, with Mazda Australia Managing Director Vinesh Bhindi saying at the time that it would provide more premium options for customers seeking a large SUV.

“The First-Ever Mazda CX-80 will play a key part in growing our premium product portfolio by distilling the exemplary qualities of the CX-60 and CX-90, while offering our customers an even broader choice of options, as we continue to expand, enrich and diversify the Mazda range,” said Bhindi.

Stay tuned for the eventual reveal of the Mazda CX-80, with local pricing and specification to come after the global debut.