Mazda CX-60 vs Renault Koleos
What's the difference?

Mazda CX-60

$36,980 - $77,985

2025 price

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Renault Koleos

$12,980 - $26,990

2022 price

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Summary

2025 Mazda CX-60

2022 Renault Koleos

By Byron Mathioudakis

By Tim Nicholson

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 6, 3.3L

Inline 4, 2.5L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol/Electric

Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

7.4L/100km (combined)

8.1L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Quality feel
Spacious and practical interior
Superb powertrain and handling capabilities

Decent value
Visually appealing
Spacious, comfortable cabin

Dislikes

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

Average ride quality
Dated multimedia and in-car tech
Lacks engagement as a driver’s car

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?

2022 Renault Koleos Summary

There’s no shortage of models to choose from if you’re after a family-friendly medium SUV. The problem is, it might take a while to get your hands on one, with lengthy wait times for some of the best sellers due to current delays caused by a global parts shortage and supply chain dramas.

But there are a handful of models with healthy stock in dealerships right now and available for immediate delivery. One of them is the Renault Koleos.

It's coming to the end of its life cycle and lacks the shine of some of its fresher rivals, but it’s a lot of car for the money.

We spent a week with the limited edition Koleos Black Edition to see if it is worth a trip to your Renault dealer, or if you should sit tight and wait for one of its newer rivals.

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Deep dive comparison

2025 Mazda CX-60 2022 Renault Koleos

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

To be fair to Renault, when the second-generation Koleos launched in 2016, it was a competitive offering. The problem is, a bunch of medium SUV rivals have been replaced in that time and some of them - Toyota RAV4, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5 and Hyundai Tucson, to name a few - are high-quality offerings with an engaging drive and the latest tech and in-car features.

Unfortunately, that leaves the Koleos towards the rear of the medium SUV pack.

It offers solid value-for-money, handles reasonably well and is still one the best-looking SUVs on the road. But beyond that, the Koleos can’t keep pace with those top-notch rivals.

Mazda CX-60 vs Renault Koleos What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mazda CX-60 vs Renault Koleos
What's the difference?