Cupra Ateca vs Mazda CX-60
What's the difference?

Cupra Ateca

—

2025 price

View pricing & specs

Mazda CX-60

$36,980 - $77,985

2025 price

View pricing & specs

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Summary

2025 Cupra Ateca

2025 Mazda CX-60

By Laura Berry

By Byron Mathioudakis

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Turbo 6, 3.3L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Unleaded Petrol/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

7.1L/100km (combined)

7.4L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

The 'mysterious' brand
Volkswagen quality and engineering
Lower price into the Ateca model

Quality feel
Spacious and practical interior
Superb powertrain and handling capabilities

Dislikes

Safety tech could be more cutting edge
Fuel economy on the high side
No head-up display

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

2025 Cupra Ateca Summary

Not many people even know what a Cupra Ateca V is… and this is the second best thing about this small SUV. The first best thing is that Cupra is owned by Volkswagen.

So, this means you can have your mysterious SUV not many other people drive while knowing it’s underpinned by one of the largest car manufacturers in the world which makes cars millions of people drive and one which also has a reputation for high quality vehicles.

The big news here is the Ateca model range has a new and lower entry fee with the arrival of this V grade. See, until now the only Ateca Australians could buy is the high-performance VZx which while really sporty also came with a pretty big price tag.

So, how much is the Ateca V and what do you get for the money? We found this out at the Australian launch along with how practical and safe it is and what it’s like to drive.

View full pricing & specs

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.

View full pricing & specs

Interested in a Mazda CX-60?

Deep dive comparison

2025 Cupra Ateca 2025 Mazda CX-60

Verdict

The Cupra Ateca V is a much needed more affordable way into this small SUV while still offering a high-end feeling with plenty of standard features. Yes, the V isn't as high-powered as the VZx but it's still great to drive in the city and on the open road. Big on the inside and small on the outside the Cupra Ateca can perform urban and (small) family duties well.

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

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.

Cupra Ateca vs Mazda CX-60 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Cupra Ateca vs Mazda CX-60
What's the difference?