Mazda operates on a smaller scale compared to other global carmakers. But go to places like Rockwell in Makati, or the parking areas of upscale malls, or any major hospital’s basement, and you would think Mazda is a top five player. Such is the ubiquity of the Mazda badge in certain areas.
But why are professionals, businessmen, and people of understated status drawn to this Hiroshima-based carmaker? The answer to this question is encapsulated by one model—the 2026 Mazda CX-60.
The CX-60 is the middle child in the next-generation ‘CX’ line, Mazda’s hybrid-powered lineup. Right there you already have one feature that people always on the move treasure: the freedom from number coding. In a CX-60, you go where you want, when you want to, without worrying if you’re driving during window hours or if you need to enter the Kingdom of Makati.
On the outside, the CX-60 is beautiful, with a paint job that’s one of the best in the business. And while this Deep Crystal Blue hue looks amazing in person, it’s not the easiest to photograph. So expect this crossover to turn heads on the road, but it’s not a natural when it comes to flexing on Instagram. And we believe that’s also why its target market appreciates it.
Another thing its market truly appreciates is the cabin. Set your eyes on the CX-60 interior for the first time and you will mistake it for a much more expensive car. Swathes of tan suede upholstery greet you, along with nappa leather seats with quilted suede accents. A 12.3-inch infotainment screen displays navigation and music, while a 12-speaker Bose system can either pump you up or calm you down. And Wireless Apple CarPlay means you no longer have to clutter your beautiful dashboard with cables.
The cabin is so cosseting, you will forget there’s a 3.3-liter hybrid turbodiesel powertrain under the hood in this CX-60 3.3L AWD Turbo-D Sport variant. That’s also because the sound insulation inside is so good. Step hard on the accelerator to summon 250hp and a herculean 550Nm of torque, and all you will hear is a muffled growl while the horizon approaches you at a rapid pace. There’s enough power on tap for relaxed overtakes and quick sprints. And there’s an excess of class to look good doing so.
There’s also a gasoline variant called the CX-60 3.3L AWD HEV Turbo, which comes in a more elegant trim. It still has a 3.3-liter engine under the hood, this time with 280hp and 450Nm. That’s more than enough power and grunt for expressways and overtaking. The driving experience combines the precision and agility you’d expect from a sports car like the MX-5, but in an SUV package—offering a smooth, responsive ride with a touch of luxury. Whether you’re carving through mountain passes or cruising on open roads, the CX-60 feels nimble and engaging, proving that even a larger vehicle can bring the thrill of a sports car to the SUV world.
Because as with nearly all Mazdas, the CX-60 is a joy to drive. The steering is telepathic, the throttle feedback is honest, and the handling belies this crossover’s dimensions. Driving it around is effortless. When you get to your destination, parking is also a breeze thanks to sensors and a 360-degree camera.
On a long drive, you can access the i-Activsense driver-assist technology to reduce the mental load of driving. It can warn you of blind spots, autonomously brake in case of emergency, automatically control the high beam through its radar, and alert you (if you want) if you’re drifting lanes. When you don’t want to be bothered by constantly accelerating and braking, just activate Mazda Radar Cruise Control and the CX-60 will follow the speed—constantly—of the vehicle in front of you. Once you’ve had this feature in your car, you will always look for it.
If you’re not up to the task of tackling Metro Manila traffic, as most of us are, and you let your driver take the wheel, the rear seat is more than ready to comfort you. Watch the world whiz by as you ponder life, or just think of nothing at all and take a quick nap. The CX-60 can do all these things because it’s the right size. If it were smaller, the rear seats wouldn’t be so comfortable. If it were bigger, it would be harder to maneuver in our tight metropolis. The CX-60 is the Goldilocks of Mazda’s electrified triumvirate.
All this power, performance, and plushness would not be out of place in vehicles costing a million more. At P2.79 million for the gasoline-powered AWD HEV Turbo variant and P2.89 million for the AWD HEV Turbo-D Sport, the CX-60 delivers at a price point just a little north of other top-spec Japanese SUVs. And it is all wrapped in an eye-catching package that will turn the right heads—those who value subtle elegance, tasteful details, and technology that can be appreciated.
The Mazda CX-60 is not for everyone—instead, it calls to select, specific individuals. But if you hear the call, if its design and refinement appeal to you, be ready for a rewarding ownership experience unlike any other at this price range.
Created in partnership with Mazda Philippines
Shot on location at Bridgetowne Destination Estate
