Honda ZR-V vs Mazda CX-60
What's the difference?

Honda ZR-V

$37,900 - $54,900

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Mazda CX-60

$36,980 - $77,985

2025 price

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Summary

2026 Honda ZR-V

2025 Mazda CX-60

By Jack Quick

By Byron Mathioudakis

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 2.0L

Turbo 6, 3.3L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

5.0L/100km (combined)

7.4L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Finally cheaper hybrid trims
Incredible fuel efficiency
Affordable servicing

Quality feel
Spacious and practical interior
Superb powertrain and handling capabilities

Dislikes

No spare wheel
Roof-mounted rear centre seatbelt
Small touchscreen

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

2026 Honda ZR-V Summary

Honda used to be a big deal in Australia back in the 1990s and early 2000s but I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s moved off your radar in recent years.

The Japanese carmaker has seemingly fallen out of favour in the last few years following its move to an agency retail model which negates haggling on price with dealers.

However, Honda is making a resurgence and it’s putting a heavier focus on hybrid power.

The ZR-V small-to-medium SUV has been updated for 2026 and picks up new, more affordable hybrid trims, among other minor tweaks. Read on to see if this car should be on your shortlist.

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

2026 Honda ZR-V 2025 Mazda CX-60

Verdict

The Honda ZR-V has always been an engaging and fun car that’s the right size for many people. The frugal hybrid powertrain has always been the pick too.

It’s great that Honda has finally introduced more affordable hybrid trims with this update which addresses one of my biggest criticisms of this car previously.

If you’re willing to forgo some luxury features, this entry-level hybrid trim is a fantastic car that still offers enough creature comforts to be driven daily.

Hopefully Honda has some renewed sales success with this car as I believe it’s a clear benchmark for the segment.

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.

Honda ZR-V vs Mazda CX-60 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Honda ZR-V vs Mazda CX-60
What's the difference?