Picture this: you’re cruising down I-95, the skyline of Miami in view, in a sleek, powerful SUV that turns heads without emptying your wallet. That’s the 2025 Mazda CX-60, a midsize luxury SUV that’s shaking up the US market. Launched globally with big updates, it’s now priced lower, starting at ~$40,000, and packed with premium features. With a smooth six-cylinder diesel, a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and a new budget-friendly four-cylinder petrol option, it’s a fresh rival to the BMW X3 and Lexus NX.

Why should you consider the Mazda CX-60? This blog dives into 10 reasons it’s a standout for US drivers, from its plush interior to its sporty drive. We’ll cover specs, costs (~$800/year maintenance), tips for city and highway driving, and a few reasons to think twice. Written in plain English, it’s perfect for families in Chicago, commuters in Atlanta, or enthusiasts in Austin. Let’s explore why the CX-60 is your next ride!

Top 10 Reasons to Buy the 2025 Mazda CX-60

1. Drastic Price Cuts Make It a Bargain

The CX-60 is now a luxury SUV at a mainstream price. Mazda slashed prices for 2025, dropping the CX-60 from its original ~$55,000+ BMW X3-rival range to a starting point of ~$40,000 for the base Pure trim (four-cylinder petrol). The sweet-spot GT diesel trim, with a six-cylinder engine, hits ~$48,000—way less than a BMW X3 ($60,000+) or Audi Q5 ($55,000). In the US, where value matters, this makes the CX-60 a steal for buyers in Dallas or Seattle looking for premium features without the premium cost. The Touring trim (~$45,000) offers a great balance of tech and comfort, perfect for suburban families. These cuts reflect Mazda’s shift from chasing luxury pricing to delivering real-world affordability, making it competitive with the Toyota RAV4 (~$35,000) or Honda CR-V (~$38,000).

For US drivers, this means getting a near-luxury SUV with leather seats and a big touchscreen for the price of a loaded midsize crossover. Imagine pulling up to a soccer game in Phoenix with a CX-60 GT diesel, knowing you saved $10,000–$15,000 over a German rival. That’s extra cash for road trips or college funds.

Pro Tip: Go for the GT trim (~$48,000) for premium perks like Bose audio, saving big compared to a Lexus NX ($50,000+).

2. Smooth Six-Cylinder Diesel Power

The CX-60’s diesel engine is a gem for long drives. Its 3.3L straight-six diesel pumps out 251 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, delivering smooth, muscular performance. Whether you’re passing trucks on I-80 near Denver or climbing hills in San Francisco, this engine feels effortless. It’s refined, with a quiet hum that’s more polished than the four-cylinder grumble in a Jeep Cherokee. Real-world fuel economy hits ~35–40 mpg, saving you ~$500/year compared to gas-guzzling SUVs (~25 mpg, $4/gallon). In the US, where diesel is ~$3.80/gallon in states like Ohio, this efficiency adds up.

The diesel’s torque makes towing small trailers (e.g., boats for Lake Tahoe) a breeze, with a ~4,400-lb capacity. For drivers in rural Texas or Montana, it’s a reliable workhorse that still feels premium in city traffic. Compared to the CX-60’s petrol or PHEV options, the diesel’s blend of power and economy is the top pick for cross-country road trippers.

Pro Tip: Use high-quality diesel to keep the engine purring, especially in dusty areas like Tucson.

3. Smoother Ride for US Roads

The CX-60’s ride is now comfy for city and highway. Mazda fixed the CX-60’s early crashy suspension with 2025 updates, improving ride quality by ~20% over 2024 models. Revised spring rates, adjusted damping, and a removed rear anti-roll bar make it soak up bumps better, per tests at Australia’s Lang Lang proving ground. In Chicago’s potholed streets or Atlanta’s uneven suburbs, the front suspension feels less sharp, handling cracks without jarring passengers. On I-95 in Florida, it cruises smoothly, though some firmness remains for a sporty feel.

The Touring trim’s 18-inch wheels offer the best comfort for rough US roads, like those in Detroit, compared to the GT’s 20-inchers. It’s not as plush as a Lincoln Nautilus but beats the stiff BMW X3 for daily driving. For families in Seattle or commuters in Boston, the CX-60 now balances Mazda’s sporty DNA with family-friendly softness, making school runs or long drives more pleasant.

Drawback: Minor suspension noise in the rear on bumpy roads.

Pro Tip: Choose 18-inch wheels for smoother rides in cities with poor roads, like Philadelphia.

4. Luxe Interior That Feels High-End

Step inside, and the CX-60 feels like a luxury hotel. The cabin is decked out with soft leather seats, a pebbled leather dashboard, and optional Rivera Stone upholstery that looks chic. The GT trim (~$48,000) adds a panoramic sunroof, heated front/rear seats, and a heated leather steering wheel—perfect for chilly Minneapolis winters or sunny Miami drives. A 12-inch touchscreen supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, letting you sync your phone easily in L.A. traffic. Hard buttons for climate and infotainment keep things simple, unlike the finicky screens in some rivals.

The Bose audio system (GT) pumps out clear, rich sound, great for blasting music on a road trip to Orlando. Three-zone climate control keeps everyone cool, from front seats to rear passengers in Houston’s heat. Compared to the Lexus NX or Acura RDX, the CX-60’s interior feels just as upscale but costs thousands less, appealing to US buyers in Charlotte who want luxury on a budget.

5. Roomy for Families and Gear

The CX-60 is built for family life. Its rear seats offer ample legroom and headroom for three adults or kids in car seats, outdoing the cramped Mazda CX-5. In New York City, it fits three across comfortably for carpools or Uber rides. Rear perks include heated seats, USB-C ports, air vents, a household power outlet (rare), and a cupholder armrest, keeping passengers happy on drives to the Jersey Shore. The 477-liter trunk (16.8 cu ft) swallows strollers or golf bags for weekends in Scottsdale, AZ, and remote seat releases expand space for bigger loads.

For US families, the 5-seater layout suits small households or couples in Raleigh, NC, unlike bulkier 7-seaters like the Chevy Traverse. A space-saver spare tire (under the trunk floor) beats rivals’ no-spare setups, giving peace of mind on rural Oregon roads. The CX-60’s practicality makes it a versatile daily driver.

Pro Tip: Fold rear seats for ~1,800 liters (63.5 cu ft) of cargo space when hitting Costco.

6. Top-Notch Safety Tech

The CX-60 keeps you safe on busy US highways. Standard Level 2 ADAS includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, auto emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. In Atlanta’s stop-and-go traffic, parking sensors and a rearview camera make parallel parking a breeze. On I-70 through Colorado, lane alerts and safe distance warnings prevent mishaps, while rear cross-traffic alerts help in crowded mall lots in Dallas. Six airbags, ABS with EBD, and a sturdy chassis aim for a 5-star NHTSA rating, matching European standards.

This safety tech rivals Volvo XC60’s at a lower price, reassuring parents in San Diego or commuters in Washington, D.C. The system handles US roads well, from urban grids to poorly marked rural routes, though lane assist may need tweaking in construction zones.

Pro Tip: Disable lane-keep assist in tight city streets like Boston’s North End for easier driving.

7. Sporty Steering That’s Fun to Drive

The CX-60 drives like a sports car disguised as an SUV. Its steering is heavy and precise, inspired by Mazda’s MX-5, giving you confidence on curvy roads like California’s Pacific Coast Highway. The rear-wheel-drive-biased AWD platform adds agility, making it more engaging than front-wheel-drive FWD rivals like the Honda CR-V. In Austin, it zips through corners with minimal lean, perfect for enthusiasts who love a spirited drive. It’s light enough for city parking in San Francisco but firm enough for autocross in Las Vegas.

US drivers will appreciate the CX-60’s sporty edge over cushy SUVs like the Toyota Highlander, blending fun with practicality for daily commutes or weekend getaways.

8. Efficient and Smooth Transmission

The CX-60’s 8-speed automatic is now less clunky. Mazda’s unique in-house transmission, with a multi-plate clutch system, was smoothed out in 2025, making shifts nearly seamless in most conditions. In Phoenix rush hour, it glides through gears without fuss, ideal for stop-and-go traffic. On highways like I-40 in Tennessee, it pairs well with the diesel engine for effortless cruising. While it can occasionally clunk into first gear when slowing, it’s a big improvement over early models, per Australian tests.

Compared to off-the-shelf ZF automatics in BMWs, Mazda’s design adds character, appealing to drivers in Denver who value innovation. It’s reliable for US roads, from snowy Chicago winters to hot Miami summers.

Pro Tip: Drive in Normal mode for smoother shifts in city traffic, saving fuel (~35 mpg diesel).

9. Strong Value Compared to Rivals

You get more car for your money with the CX-60. At ~$48,000, the GT diesel trim offers six-cylinder power, premium audio, and a panoramic sunroof—features costing $60,000+ in a BMW X3 or Mercedes GLC. The base Pure trim (~$40,000) undercuts loaded mainstream SUVs like the Ford Edge (~$45,000), while the Touring (~$45,000) adds leather and tech for less than a Lexus NX (~$50,000). In the US, where budgets matter, this value shines for buyers in Orlando or Salt Lake City.

The CX-60’s build quality, with soft-touch materials and sturdy construction, ensures longevity, boosting resale value (~50–60% after 3 years). For cost-conscious families or young professionals in Raleigh, it’s a smart investment with luxury perks.

Pro Tip: Compare dealer incentives in states like Texas for extra savings on the Touring trim.

10. Premium Features at a Lower Price

The CX-60 packs high-end perks without the high-end cost. The GT trim includes Matrix LED headlights, a power tailgate with kick-to-open, and 20-inch alloys, rivaling pricier Germans. In Seattle’s rainy streets, the headlights adapt for clear visibility, while the tailgate makes loading groceries easy in Chicago’s suburbs. The panoramic sunroof brightens road trips to Yellowstone, and heated rear seats keep kids cozy in Minneapolis winters. These features, standard on GT, cost extra on rivals like the Acura RDX.

For US buyers in Nashville or Portland, the CX-60 delivers a near-luxury experience at a midsize SUV price, making it a no-brainer for those who want style and tech on a budget.

Pro Tip: Test the Bose audio at dealers to experience its road-trip-ready sound.

Why You Might Hesitate

To keep it real, here are reasons the CX-60 might not be for everyone:

• Firm Ride: Despite improvements, the ride can feel stiff on rough roads like Detroit’s, with some rear suspension noise.
• Transmission Quirks: Occasional clunks into first gear may annoy in stop-and-go L.A. traffic.
• Limited Storage: Small cubbies mean less space for phones or snacks, a hassle for families in Miami.
• No Plug-In Hybrid Appeal: The PHEV is heavy and less refined, not ideal for eco-conscious Seattle buyers.
• Sparse Dealer Network: Mazda’s limited US dealerships (e.g., fewer in rural Montana) may mean longer service waits.
• Ground Clearance: ~6.9 inches is low for off-roading in Colorado’s Rockies compared to a Jeep Grand Cherokee.
• No Manual Option: Enthusiasts in Austin may miss a stick shift, unlike some niche rivals.

These drawbacks matter for budget buyers, off-roaders, or those needing ultra-smooth rides. Test-drive on local roads to check comfort and quirks.

Pro Tip: Visit dealers in big cities like Houston for faster service and better inventory.

Verdict: Why the 2025 Mazda CX-60 Rocks

The 2025 Mazda CX-60 is a luxury SUV that punches above its price tag in the USA. Starting at ~$40,000, it offers six-cylinder diesel power, a plush interior, and sporty steering for thousands less than a BMW X3 or Lexus NX. Its a smoother 2025 ride, Level 2 ADAS, and premium features like Bose audio make it a family-friendly steal for drivers in Chicago, Miami, or Denver. Maintenance (~$800/year) and minor quirks (firm ride, clunky shifts) are small trade-offs for its value and style. If you want affordable luxury with a fun-to-drive edge, the CX-60 is your pick.

Test-drive one today, join Mazda forums for tips, and share your thoughts below! Check our 2025 Toyota RAV4 Review for more SUV buzz. Hit the road and enjoy the CX-60’s magic!

Sources

• Mazda Has Slashed The Price! (Mazda CX-60 2025 Review), Chasing Cars, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIEs3UX4Hso
• Mazda CX-60 Review, Top Gear, https://www.topgear.com
• Mazda CX-60 2025: Prices Slashed, What Car?, https://www.whatcar.com
• Mazda CX-60 Diesel Review, Carwow, https://www.carwow.co.uk
• Mazda CX-60 Ride Improvements, Autocar, https://www.autocar.co.uk
• Mazda CX-60 Pricing and Specs, CarExpert, https://www.carexpert.com.au
• AAA Fuel Prices, https://gasprices.aaa.com
• Mazda USA, https://www.mazdausa.com