Mazda CX-60 SUV - Practicality & boot space

The Mazda CX-60 is a strict five-seater, although Mazda may decide to bring its upcoming seven-seat plug-in hybrid SUV to the UK as well. Size-wise, the CX-60 is around 20cm longer than the Mazda CX-5, and the wheelbase (the distance between the front and rear wheels) is much bigger. The two cars are roughly the same height, though, so the CX-60 looks a bit sleeker. Its sportier appearance is also aided by the lack of roof rails.

Mazda CX-60 interior space & storage

What’s striking in the front seats is just how wide the centre console is. Mazda isn’t alone in this - the Mercedes GLC has a similar feel - but it does make the footwells feel quite narrow.

Those in the rear get a bit more legroom than in the CX-5, as you’d expect given the longer wheelbase, but the difference isn’t enormous. Headroom was decent even with the panoramic sunroof, so overall adults are unlikely to feel cramped in the back of the CX-60. The rear seats should also give a reasonable view out, while the sunroof helps it to feel light and airy when you want it to.

The CX-60 does okay for interior storage; the door bins are a good size, there’s a phone tray ahead of the gear lever and the centre console storage area is useful. 

Boot space

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Typically, plug-in hybrids offer less space than petrol or diesel cars. We’ll have to wait to see if that’s the case with the CX-60, but its size means that you won’t be short of boot space even with the hybrid engine. Luggage capacity stands at 570 litres with the rear seats in place; some way north of the Q5 TFSI e’s 450-litre load bay - although Mazda does include the underfloor storage area in that figure. It’s the biggest boot in any Mazda currently on sale; the Mazda CX-5 and Mazda6 Tourer estate both offer around 520 litres. Dropping the seats brings a similarly generous 1,726-litre space.

The boot cover lifts up with the tailgate so it’s always out of the way; there’s also a mesh partition that could be used as a dog guard. You can fold the rear seats individually using levers in the boot, but we’d like to see a few more hooks and things to keep your luggage from moving around. The CX-60’s boot is large, and unrestrained items will end up flying across the space around corners.

Towing

Not all plug-in hybrids are capable of hauling a trailer, so the CX-60 scores well here. Its towing capacity is a useful 2,500kg, so a medium-sized caravan or car trailer are fine to be hitched up to Mazda’s first PHEV. Among the CX-60’s five driving modes is a specific towing mode.