2025 Mazda CX-80 PHEV Review: A Proper Cabin Layout Meets Stiff Competition

Mazda stretched the wheelbase of the CX-60 by a full 250 millimeters to create its new European flagship. The 2025 Mazda CX-80 e-Skyactiv PHEV enters the large three-row SUV segment with a longitudinal, rear-biased architecture. Dealerships in Germany price the base Exclusive-Line at 55,350 EUR. You will pay 62,200 EUR for the higher Homura trim. It competes directly against the Skoda Kodiaq iV starting at 49,230 EUR. Kia asks 61,140 EUR for the Sorento PHEV. You can pick up a Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV for 56,700 EUR.

The manufacturer claims an electric driving distance of 60 kilometers under the WLTP testing cycle. Official figures suggest an energy consumption of roughly 23.8 kWh per 100 kilometers. This rating depends heavily on laboratory conditions and a gentle right foot. You should treat these numbers as an optimistic baseline rather than a guarantee.

Real-world range typically falls 15 to 30 percent below WLTP figures depending on weather and driving style. Expect about 40 to 45 kilometers of pure electric driving in mild city conditions. Highway travel at 130 km/h will deplete the battery much faster due to aerodynamic drag. Once the pack is exhausted, fuel consumption will climb to around 6.5 to 7.5 liters per 100 kilometers.

A 17.8 kWh lithium-ion battery pack sits under the floor. Plug-in hybrids demand high power density from their cells to supply instant torque without firing the combustion engine. This chemistry balances rapid discharge capabilities against overall pack volume. Cold weather will significantly reduce the efficiency of these cells. You must plug the car in daily, otherwise you are just hauling around heavy inactive minerals.

Mazda engineers bolted a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine to an electric motor. They placed this entire assembly longitudinally on their Large Product Group platform. A wet multi-plate clutch replaces the traditional torque converter in the eight-speed automatic transmission. The goal seems to be achieving the direct shift feel of a manual gearbox. The actual result often includes low-speed dithering and clunky transitions when the gasoline engine wakes up under heavy load. The mechanical layout heavily favors the rear wheels before sending torque forward.

A double wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension carry the chassis. Mazda received harsh criticism for the stiff, bouncy ride in the earlier CX-60. They removed the rear anti-roll bar for this larger model. They also softened the rear springs while firming up the dampers to control the extra mass. The vehicle handles corners with impressive composure for a three-row family hauler. It remains firmer than most buyers in this segment might expect.

Physical controls dictate the cabin experience. A dedicated climate panel sits below the air vents with genuine buttons and switches. You control the 12.3-inch infotainment display using a tactile rotary dial on the center console. The touchscreen functionality is locked while the vehicle is in motion. This prevents you from taking your eyes off the road to dig through submenus. This setup is safer and far less frustrating than the glass slabs dominating modern car interiors.

The stretched wheelbase provides generous legroom for second-row passengers. The Homura trim allows you to swap the middle bench for two captain’s chairs at no extra cost. Accessing the third row involves a single button press to tilt and slide the middle seats forward. The rearmost seats are suitable for children but remain cramped for adults on longer journeys. The 12-speaker Bose audio system delivers excellent sound clarity.

The 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine is a proven block with a long history of durability. The risks lie within the complex eight-speed wet-clutch transmission and its integrated electric motor. Early production units of the related CX-60 suffered from software glitches and transmission complaints. Mazda has likely ironed out the worst offenses, but this remains a highly complicated mechanical assembly. You should maintain strict fluid change intervals for that gearbox. A naturally aspirated engine helps long-term ownership prospects, but the drivetrain electronics warrant mild caution.