2022 Mazda CX-60 Review Kenya: Diesel Performance, Fuel Economy & Buying Guide

QUICK VEHICLE SUMMARY

Make: Mazda
Model: CX-60
Year: 2022
Engine: 3.3L inline-6 turbo diesel with mild hybrid system (2.5L petrol hybrid and 3.3L inline-6 petrol also available)
Power: 254 hp
Torque: 550 Nm
Fuel economy: 15–18 km/L (real-world)
Drive type: All-wheel drive (rear-biased), 8-speed automatic transmission
Ideal buyer: Buyers wanting a European-rivalling premium crossover with strong diesel performance and efficiency

EXTERIOR DESIGN

The CX-60 is a genuinely striking car, carrying Mazda's Kodo "Soul of Motion" design language with LED adaptive headlamps and a stance that comfortably rivals its European competition. It sits noticeably larger than the familiar CX-5 in width, height and length, though it remains slightly shorter than the seven-seat CX-8 — this is strictly a five-seater, prioritising space and comfort over maximum passenger count.

Riding on 20-inch alloy wheels, the design carries genuine road presence, and the "Inline 6" badging on the side profile signals something increasingly rare in this segment — a proper six-cylinder engine at a time when most rivals have downsized to four cylinders.

INTERIOR AND COMFORT

The cabin is where the CX-60 genuinely earns its European-rival positioning. A bright, premium beige interior, panoramic sunroof, and 12-inch infotainment system with wireless charging and Android Auto support create a cabin experience that comfortably matches — and in some details exceeds — what buyers would find in a comparably priced Mercedes or Volvo.

Seats are both heated and cooled, the steering wheel is heated and electronically adjustable, and driver assistance technology is comprehensive: head-up display with traffic sign recognition, cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system with genuinely sharp image quality. A 12-speaker Bose sound system with a dedicated subwoofer rounds out the audio experience.

The standout technology feature is Mazda's driver personalization system, which uses facial recognition to identify the driver and automatically adjust the head-up display, steering wheel position, mirrors, and seat settings — a genuinely useful touch for households where multiple people share the car.

Rear passengers get decent legroom and headroom despite the sunroof intrusion, heated seats, and dedicated USB charging ports. Notably, Mazda resisted the temptation to cram in a third row, keeping the CX-60 genuinely practical as a proper five-seater rather than a compromised seven-seater. Boot space is reasonable for most luggage needs, sharing space with the subwoofer housing.

ENGINE AND PERFORMANCE

Under the bonnet sits a 3.3-litre inline-6 turbo diesel paired with a mild hybrid system (badged e-Skyactiv D), producing 254 hp and a substantial 550 Nm of torque — for context, more powerful than a Land Cruiser Prado's 2.8L or 3.0L turbo diesel engines. Power is sent to all four wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission, with a deliberate rear-wheel-drive bias, giving the car a genuinely engaging "pushed from behind" driving character.

This is one of the most refined diesel engines available in this class — noticeably quieter and smoother than comparable four-cylinder diesels like the 2.2-litre found in the CX-5 or CX-8, with none of the typical diesel clatter on startup. The 8-speed automatic uses a multi-clutch plate design that delivers remarkably smooth, near-imperceptible gear changes, and with 550 Nm of torque on tap, overtaking on the highway is effortless — sport mode is rarely necessary given how much power is available under normal driving conditions.

While equipped with all-wheel drive, this is not a serious off-road vehicle — ground clearance limits it to mild off-roading rather than genuine rough-terrain use. Buyers specifically needing serious off-road capability at a similar price point should look toward a Toyota Fortuner or Land Cruiser Prado instead.

Petrol variants (2.5L hybrid and 3.3L inline-6) are also available, with the plug-in hybrid petrol version notably quicker on paper (0–100 km/h in around 5 seconds versus roughly 7 seconds for this diesel), though these variants have not yet been extensively tested locally.

FUEL ECONOMY AND RUNNING COSTS

Despite its six-cylinder displacement, this is a genuinely efficient diesel engine. Manufacturer ratings claim over 20 km/L, and real-world highway driving from Mombasa to Nairobi returned around 15.3 km/L even under some spirited driving, with other owners reporting figures up to 18 km/L under gentler conditions.

These numbers compare favourably against similarly capable diesel SUVs in the Kenyan market — a Land Cruiser Prado 2.8L or Toyota Fortuner 2.8L typically returns around 12 km/L, meaning the CX-60 offers a genuine efficiency advantage despite its larger engine, aided by its mild hybrid system and comparatively lighter overall weight.

On pricing, a 2022 model currently costs around KES 6.2–6.5 million in the Kenyan market — positioned competitively against European rivals like the GLC, XC60 and Audi Q5, and the Lexus RX300, all of which command higher prices for comparable model years locally. Given Kenya's tax structure, where vehicles around 7 years old carry lower import taxes than 4-year-old units like this one, buyers can reasonably expect pricing to become more accessible as these units age into that lower-tax bracket.

RELIABILITY AND COMMON ISSUES

The most significant practical consideration for Kenyan buyers is parts availability. As a genuinely uncommon vehicle locally, sourcing replacement parts can require patience and occasionally importation. This isn't a reflection of the car's engineering quality, but simply a function of how new and rare this model still is in the local market.

The encouraging factor here is that the CX-60 has been sold in South Africa, Japan, the USA and Australia, meaning parts sourcing from international markets remains genuinely viable — buyers just need to plan for potentially longer lead times compared to mainstream models with established local parts networks.

Before purchasing any used vehicle, it is important to verify the mechanical condition, history and ownership background. 0-60 Motoring assists clients through vehicle evaluation and sourcing to reduce the risk of buying problematic cars.

WHO SHOULD BUY THIS CAR?

Buyers wanting a genuine European-rivalling premium crossover experience
Those prioritising diesel efficiency without sacrificing serious performance
Buyers wanting cutting-edge technology features like driver personalization
Families needing genuine five-seat comfort without third-row compromises

WHO SHOULD AVOID THIS CAR?

Buyers needing serious off-road capability rather than mild, occasional use
Those unwilling to plan for potentially longer parts sourcing timelines
Buyers wanting the absolute lowest purchase price in the premium crossover segment
Anyone needing genuine seven-seat capacity

0-60 MOTORING BUYING ADVICE

Choosing the right car goes beyond finding an attractive price. Factors such as reliability, maintenance costs, fuel economy and suitability for your lifestyle should guide the decision.

At 0-60 Motoring, our team helps customers identify vehicles that match their needs and budget through professional car scouting and consultancy. A relatively rare, premium vehicle like the CX-60 requires careful sourcing and thorough pre-purchase evaluation, and our process is specifically designed to help clients navigate these considerations confidently.

COMPETITORS

Volvo XC60 / Mercedes-Benz GLC / Audi Q5 — Established European premium rivals offering strong brand prestige, though typically priced higher for comparable model years in the Kenyan market.

Lexus RX300 — The closest Japanese competitor in terms of pricing, though notably smaller than the CX-60.

Toyota Fortuner / Land Cruiser Prado — Better suited to buyers specifically needing serious off-road capability at a similar price point, though without the CX-60's refined on-road driving character.

Each of these alternatives has its own strengths, and the right choice ultimately depends on how much weight a buyer places on genuine off-road capability versus refined on-road performance and premium technology — an area where professional guidance can help clarify the right fit.

FINAL VERDICT

The 2022 Mazda CX-60 is a genuinely impressive premium crossover that delivers on its promise of taking on European rivals head-on — combining a refined, powerful inline-6 diesel engine, comprehensive technology, and surprisingly strong fuel economy for its class. Its main practical drawback in Kenya is parts availability given its rarity, but for buyers wanting something distinctive and capable without stepping into full off-road territory, it represents genuinely smart value against pricier European alternatives.

If you are considering purchasing a Mazda CX-60 or any other vehicle, 0-60 Motoring can help you find a clean, suitable car through our vehicle scouting and consultancy services. Contact our team before making your next purchase decision.

FAQ

Is the Mazda CX-60 reliable in Kenya?
The engine and drivetrain are well-engineered, though parts availability can be a challenge given the car's rarity in the local market.

How much fuel does the Mazda CX-60 consume?
Real-world driving returns around 15–18 km/L, notably better than comparable diesel SUVs like the Land Cruiser Prado or Toyota Fortuner.

Is the Mazda CX-60 good for off-roading?
It handles mild off-roading well thanks to its all-wheel-drive system, but limited ground clearance makes it unsuitable for serious off-road use.

How much does a Mazda CX-60 cost in Kenya?
A 2022 model typically costs around KES 6.2–6.5 million, with prices expected to decrease as units age into Kenya's lower-tax bracket around 7 years old.

Is the Mazda CX-60 a good alternative to the Volvo XC60 or Mercedes GLC?
Yes, it offers comparable premium features and performance at a generally more competitive price point for equivalent model years.

What should I inspect before buying a used Mazda CX-60?
Confirm parts availability for your specific region, verify service history, and check overall mechanical condition given the car's relative rarity.

Is 0-60 Motoring able to source a Mazda CX-60 for me?
Yes, our car scouting program can source a Mazda CX-60 or similar premium crossovers based on your specific needs and budget.

Is the Mazda CX-60 a good family car?
Yes, it offers genuine five-seat comfort and practicality without the compromises common to crossovers with a squeezed-in third row.