Volkswagen T-ROC vs Mazda CX-60
What's the difference?

Volkswagen T-ROC

$24,880 - $62,890

2024 price

View pricing & specs

Mazda CX-60

$36,980 - $77,985

2025 price

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Chery Tiggo 8 PRO MAX

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Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

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Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2024 Volkswagen T-ROC

2025 Mazda CX-60

By Chris Thompson

By Byron Mathioudakis

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 1.4L

Turbo 6, 3.3L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Unleaded Petrol/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

6.3L/100km (combined)

7.4L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Easy and fun to drive
Sturdy, quality feel
Value without options

Quality feel
Spacious and practical interior
Superb powertrain and handling capabilities

Dislikes

Options become pricey
Minor ergonomic quirks
Might feel outdated to some

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

2024 Volkswagen T-ROC Summary

For a small SUV that technically starts under the $40,000 mark, the 2024 Volkswagen T-Roc has a fair bit going for it.

It’s still in its first generation, but updates have made some parts of the T-Roc feel properly up to speed. And the parts that haven’t? Well, maybe that’s not such a bad thing.

We’re driving the mid-spec Style 110TSI, which sits above the base CityLife, but below the R-Line. Then of course, there’s the wicked R variant.

But is this a Euro that could replace your trusted Japanese small SUV?

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

2024 Volkswagen T-ROC 2025 Mazda CX-60

Verdict

So that’s the T-Roc, a bit of Euro style that’s still priced to take the fight to some small SUVs from Japan or Korea.

Is it the cheapest style-forward small SUV you can get? No, but it’s far from the expensive end of things.

Plus, if you can resist ticking some option boxes, it beats some value-focused rivals and looks good doing it.

If the feeling of a sturdy fit-out and a confidence inspiring drive is important to you, I reckon the T-Roc should be an entry on your shopping list.

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.

Volkswagen T-ROC vs Mazda CX-60 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Volkswagen T-ROC vs Mazda CX-60
What's the difference?