Mazda CX-60 vs Mazda CX-9
What's the difference?

Mazda CX-60

$36,980 - $77,985

2025 price

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Mazda CX-9

$18,990 - $42,990

2021 price

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Summary

2025 Mazda CX-60

2021 Mazda CX-9

By Byron Mathioudakis

By Justin Hilliard

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 6, 3.3L

Turbo 4, 2.5L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol/Electric

Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

7.4L/100km (combined)

8.4L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Quality feel
Spacious and practical interior
Superb powertrain and handling capabilities

New 10.25-inch display
Seven-seater's versatility
Comfortable ride

Dislikes

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

Expensive AWD option
Six-seater's compromises
Older ANCAP safety rating

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?

2021 Mazda CX-9 Summary

The second-generation Mazda CX-9 may have been on sale in Australia for nearly five years now, but it remains the second best-selling large SUV using unibody construction (as opposed to old-school, off-road-focused body-on-frame).

That said, it is getting on a bit, so Mazda’s given it an update with a twist for 2021, hoping to inject a little bit more life into its flagship model.

And when we say twist, we mean it. After all, who would’ve thought there’d ever be a six-seat CX-9? Well, we’ve checked it out to see if it’s the version we needed all along. Read on.

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Deep dive comparison

2025 Mazda CX-60 2021 Mazda CX-9

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.

Verdict

The CX-9 is still a great option for families looking for a large SUV, even if it is starting to show its age as new rivals continue to launch with newer technologies.

That said, the availability of a luxury-focused six-seat configuration (Azami LE AWD) for the first time might be enough to convince some buyers to give it further consideration.

But for others who need the versatility of seven seats, this is still the CX-9 we’ve all come to know and love – but just a little bit better – particularly in its best-selling Azami AWD form.

Mazda CX-60 vs Mazda CX-9 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mazda CX-60 vs Mazda CX-9
What's the difference?