The 2025 Mazda CX-80: A Review of Mazda's Flagship Three-Row SUV

The 2025 Mazda CX-80 arrives as a pivotal entry in the increasingly competitive three-row SUV segment, aiming to elevate Mazda's brand image and directly challenge established premium rivals like the Volvo XC90 and Audi Q7. As a stretched, three-row version of the popular CX-60, the CX-80 shares much of its DNA with its five-seat sibling, but it's the added space and family-oriented features that define its mission. This review synthesizes expert opinions from a range of automotive publications to provide a comprehensive look at the CX-80's design, performance, interior, and overall value proposition.

Design and Exterior: A Study in "Graceful Toughness"

Mazda's "Kodo: Soul of Motion" design language is on full display with the CX-80. The vehicle's styling has been widely praised for its elegant and sophisticated appearance, which gives it a premium feel that belies its non-premium price point. The high bonnet line, imposing front fascia, and cab-back silhouette create a powerful and confident stance. While some reviewers note that the longer rear doors and quarters make it look a bit "ungainly" from certain angles compared to the CX-60, the overall consensus is that the CX-80 is an attractive vehicle that stands out from its mainstream competitors like the Kia Sorento and Toyota Kluger. The GT trim, with its glossy black trim and 20-inch alloy wheels, is particularly noted for its "midnight elegance." The CX-80's dimensions—just under five meters long with a wheelbase of over three meters—are a key factor in its appeal, offering a substantial road presence and promising ample interior room.

Powertrain and Performance: A Tale of Two Engines

The CX-80 is offered with a choice of powertrains, but the reviews consistently highlight a clear favorite. The star of the show is the 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-six mild-hybrid diesel engine. Reviewers universally praise this engine for its gutsy performance, refined character, and "mega" sound. It pulls hard across the rev range with plenty of off-boost torque, making for a satisfying and engaging driving experience. Its impressive fuel efficiency of around 5.2 L/100km is another significant selling point, particularly for drivers who log a lot of highway miles.

In contrast, the 2.5-liter plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain receives a more mixed reception. While its on-paper performance figures—a 0-100 km/h time of 6.8 seconds—look impressive, the driving experience is often described as less engaging. The transmission can feel "ponderous" as it juggles power between the petrol engine and the electric motor, and the engine can sound strained and loud when the battery is depleted. The PHEV's 60km of electric-only range and excellent fuel consumption figures of around 1.6 L/100km are undeniable pros, especially for company car drivers and those who can regularly charge at home. However, for those seeking pure driving pleasure, the diesel is the superior choice.

A point of contention across both powertrains is the eight-speed automatic transmission. While it performs capably at speed, it can be "shuddery" and "lurchy" at low speeds, which can make parking and slow-speed maneuvering a tricky affair.

Driving Dynamics: The Unfulfilled Premium Promise

Mazda has a reputation for delivering a dynamic driving experience, even in its larger vehicles. With the CX-80, the reviews indicate a chassis tuned more for comfort than sharp handling. The suspension, which features softer springs than the CX-60, is described as "underdone and unbalanced," with the rear feeling softer than the front. The handling is not as "crisp" as its smaller sibling, and a noticeable amount of body roll is present when pushed in corners. While the steering is generally accurate and the car is easy to drive, the overall dynamic talent is found wanting, especially given the strength of the straight-six diesel engine. This is a crucial point where the CX-80 falls short of its stated premium aspirations and is outmatched by competitors like the Kia Sorento, which is noted for its sharper handling.

The ride quality is also a mixed bag. On smaller 18-inch wheels, the ride is more composed. However, on the larger 20-inch wheels, which come standard on higher trims, the ride can feel "brittle" and transmits a surprising amount of road noise.

Interior and Technology: A Blend of Luxury and Functionality

The interior of the CX-80 is a strong point, with reviewers consistently praising its upmarket feel and high-quality materials. The cabin design is described as "contemporary yet sophisticated," with a clear influence from premium German brands like BMW. Higher trims feature Nappa leather and real wood trim, creating a truly luxurious environment. The build quality is excellent, and Mazda has been lauded for resisting the industry trend of an all-touchscreen interface, opting for a functional array of physical buttons and a rotary controller for the infotainment system. This makes the system easier to operate on the move, though some find the interface "fiddly" on rough roads.

The CX-80's primary purpose is to be a practical family hauler, and it largely succeeds in this regard. The longer wheelbase liberates a generous amount of room in the second and third rows. The second row can be configured with a standard bench or with individual "captain's chairs," which can include a center console or a walk-through. The third row, while not ideal for full-sized adults on long trips, is deemed "respectable" and well-equipped with dedicated cupholders and USB-C ports. The cargo space is competitive for the segment, offering 258 liters with all seats up, expanding to a substantial 1,971 liters with all rear seats folded flat.

On the technology front, a full suite of i-Activsense safety features is standard across all grades. A head-up display is also standard, though strangely, adaptive cruise control is reserved for the higher "Plus" trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, which is a welcome feature.

Conclusion: A Premium Experience for a Non-Premium Price

The 2025 Mazda CX-80 is a well-rounded and compelling three-row SUV that successfully bridges the gap between mainstream and premium offerings. Its beautiful design, impressive build quality, and luxurious interior make it feel more expensive than it is. The straight-six diesel engine is a standout, offering a combination of power, refinement, and efficiency that is hard to beat.

However, the CX-80 is not without its flaws. The suspension tuning is a missed opportunity, lacking the dynamic flair of other Mazdas and falling short of its premium rivals. The low-speed behavior of the transmission is a consistent point of criticism, and the PHEV powertrain, while efficient, doesn't deliver the same driving pleasure as the diesel.

Ultimately, the CX-80's value proposition is its greatest strength. It offers a significant portion of the premium SUV experience—elegant design, a high-quality interior, and a superb engine (the diesel)—at a price point that undercuts its German and Swedish competitors by a considerable margin. While it may not be a class leader in every single metric, it covers all the bases well and presents a very attractive option for families seeking an upscale, stylish, and practical vehicle without the luxury-brand price tag.