Mazda has finally delivered the long-awaited seven-seat SUV that slot right into the gap between the CX-60 and the CX-90. Say hello to the 2025 Mazda CX-80 – a stylish, premium SUV that mixes Japanese craftsmanship with family-friendly practicality. For fleet buyers, HR teams, and savvy novated lease customers, this new arrival offers a compelling combination of performance, space, and prestige that will turn heads in both the company carpark and the school pick-up zone.
A Mazda for the Grown-Ups
The CX-80 builds on Mazda’s push into the premium space. It’s aimed at buyers looking for something more refined than a Toyota Kluger, but who don’t want to pay European luxury car prices. That means a long bonnet, sharp LED headlights, and clean body lines that scream confidence without being over the top. Think of it as a more mature Mazda – the family-sized equivalent of a tailored suit with weekend adventure potential.
For those used to the tight interior of the CX-60, the CX-80 is a breath of fresh air. It shares a lot under the skin, including the longitudinal rear-wheel drive architecture, but stretches out with more room in the second and third rows. And for buyers who want six seats instead of seven, there’s a captain’s chair option that elevates second-row comfort to a business class experience.
Engines That Mean Business
Mazda offers the CX-80 with three drivetrains: a 3.3-litre turbocharged petrol inline-six, a 3.3-litre diesel mild hybrid, and the 2.5-litre four-cylinder plug-in hybrid (PHEV). Each powertrain is matched to an eight-speed automatic and offers full-time all-wheel drive in Australia.
The diesel will likely be the fleet and long-distance favourite, delivering torque and economy in equal measure. It’s punchy off the mark and cruises effortlessly. For salary packaging and novated leasing customers, the plug-in hybrid will be the pick. It offers up to 60km of electric-only range – enough to cover the daily commute without sipping a drop of petrol.
The petrol six? That’s more of a heart-over-head choice – smooth, powerful and refined, but less efficient than the diesel or PHEV.
Fit for Purpose
Mazda has made it clear this is a vehicle for grown-up families and executive buyers who value craftsmanship as much as capability. From a fleet perspective, the CX-80 PHEV can help businesses reduce their carbon footprint without transitioning to a full EV charging network. It also brings fringe benefits to employees looking to reduce their personal tax burden through novated leasing.
It’s also a strong contender for local government pool fleets, especially with the flexible seating and efficient drivetrains. The diesel variant will appeal to regional councils covering long distances, while the PHEV could be ideal for metro-based departments with short daily runs.
What’s It Like Inside?
Mazda does interiors like no one else at this price point. In the CX-80, it’s all about tactile materials, minimalist design, and clever functionality. Top-spec models get Nappa leather, real wood trim, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that pairs with a central infotainment screen. Importantly for families and fleet users alike, there are plenty of USB-C ports, cup holders, and rear air vents in all three rows.
Boot space with the third row in use is decent, and with the seats folded, it’s huge – ideal for road trips, sports gear, or tools of the trade. And yes, it’ll take a full-size pram without a struggle.
Mazda has also packed in all the expected safety tech – adaptive cruise, blind spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and its smart See-Through View camera system that gives a top-down look at your surroundings. Perfect for tight city parks or backing a trailer.
Behind the Wheel
On the road, the CX-80 drives with a confidence rarely found in this class. Thanks to its rear-drive platform and perfectly weighted steering, it feels planted, even on winding country roads. The diesel engine is the standout for towing and highway driving, while the PHEV delivers smooth, silent urban performance.
Ride comfort is tuned for Australian roads, with a firm but compliant feel. This isn’t a soft roly-poly SUV – it’s one that communicates with the driver, especially when fitted with the turbo six-cylinder. If you like driving, you’ll appreciate the CX-80’s balance.
That said, it’s not pretending to be a sports car. This is a 5-metre-long SUV built for comfort, safety and practicality – and it delivers.
Final Verdict: Who’s It For?
The Mazda CX-80 is ideal for:
- Fleet managers needing a flexible seven-seat option with green credentials.
- Novated lease buyers wanting a stylish family car.
- HR departments offering executive-level vehicles for staff in regional or metro roles.
- Families graduating from a CX-5 who want space without jumping into a boring box on wheels.
Mazda has hit the sweet spot here – a large SUV with personality, performance and polish. It offers just enough luxury to feel special, but not so much that you’ll worry about the kids ruining the back seat.
Whether you’re loading up for a long-distance trip or just managing the weekday chaos of school and sport, the CX-80 rises to the occasion.
