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Mazda CX-80 2025 review – New premium three-row SUV is a critical model for Mazda in the fight against Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento and Volvo XC90

Irishu
Mazda CX-80 2025 review – New premium three-row SUV is a critical model for Mazda in the fight against Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento and Volvo XC90

Just like the CX-90 and CX-60, the 80 suffers from a wide and long transmission tunnel that eats up storage space. The cup holders are stingy and the wireless charging pad under the center console is difficult to access.

The comfortable center armrest opens in a butterfly shape to reveal two USB-C charging ports and a shallow storage area. The door compartments are designed to nicely hold a 600mL or 1.0L camping bottle, offering extra storage for wallets, receipts, granola bars, microfiber towels…whatever you want.

The CX-80’s multimedia display is touch-compatible when using wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, but is otherwise controlled by the rotary dial. As a silly apologist, I’d love it, but the world has moved on since this multimedia system hit the market. A touchscreen for quick keyboard input and simple shortcuts would be welcome.

2025 Mazda CX-80

Additionally, Mazda’s software overlay is starting to look dated, and with Hyundai and Kia offering more connected and full-featured systems, the CX-80s are looking a bit stale. The flip side, of course, is the ease of interaction for important actions.

Familiar controls for audio and security systems are located on the steering wheel, and below the touchscreen is a set of switches for heating and ventilation, heated and ventilated seats, and other shortcuts. The head-up display shows speed, speed limit and navigation instructions, but is difficult to see with polarized sunglasses.

In the second row, the CX-80 comes with a separate air conditioning zone and integrated sunshades, while all trims feature a pair of USB-C charging points accessible to rear passengers. The six-seater layout seems to be the everyday layout. All Australian cars will get the second-row center console, rather than the European-style crossover with the canned drinks tray.

  • 2025 Mazda CX-80
  • 2025 Mazda CX-80
  • 2025 Mazda CX-80

Space is plentiful, with plenty of headroom under the panoramic sunroof, plenty of leg and toe room, and a stadium layout that facilitates visibility. With the captain’s chair setup, the two seats slide fore and aft by 120mm and then have adjustable recline from 15-33 degrees. They are comfortable with good back support, but lack side bolsters for cornering.

ISOFIX anchor points and top tether anchors would come second, but European-spec cars lacked top tether anchors. Three spacious rows of seats will also be offered in Australia.

The third row is not as roomy as the CX-90, but is perfectly usable for adults up to 170cm tall. Getting in is easy, too, thanks to gorgeous doors and a one-touch fast-forward function. Third-row drivers are treated to USB-C charging points, cup holders, and air vents.

  • 2025 Mazda CX-80
  • 2025 Mazda CX-80
  • 2025 Mazda CX-80
  • 2025 Mazda CX-80

The electric tailgate opens quite quickly to reveal 258L of storage space behind the third row of seats, enough for school bags. There’s also a 12-volt outlet and a household electrical outlet, but no spare tire. Folding the third row flat increases space to 678L and then to 1971L with the second row folded.