Mazda unveiled the CX-80, a new three-row midsize crossover SUV, last week.
It is not going to be available in the United States, unlike the CX-70 and CX-90 crossovers, but it does have the same interior and platform. Later this year, sales will begin in Europe, and by the next year, it will be available in more areas.
The CX-80 is essentially an extended version of the two-row CX-60, which was not available in the United States when it was introduced in Europe last year. With a wheelbase that is 9.8 inches longer and a roofline that is about one inch taller than the CX-60, the CX-80 has the same width as the CX-60 but more room for third-row passengers.
Both crossovers share the same powertrain. This implies a selection between plug-in hybrid, diesel, and gas vehicles.
The plug-in hybrid powertrain combines a 2.5-liter inline-4 with a single electric motor integrated with the transmission, while the gas and diesel powertrains have turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-6 designs. A 17.8-kwh battery is also part of the plug-in hybrid powertrain, providing a respectable range when using only electricity.
An 8-speed automatic transmission and a mechanical all-wheel-drive system are standard on all powertrains.
The engines on the rear-wheel-drive platform are positioned longitudinally. The platform also has a multi-link arrangement at the back and double-wishbone suspension up front. Although the ride quality of the CX-90 is good, more upscale options like air springs and adjustable dampers are absent. The CX-80 does not have those high-end parts either.
The CX-80’s interior has a dashboard with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a digital instrument cluster. There are still physical controls and a rotary dial, in addition to a voice assistant. The infotainment panel may double as a touchscreen when utilizing Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.