The Mazda CX-80 is an all-new model for Mazda. It’s the third model to launch in New Zealand using Mazda’s Large Architecture platform, which was first introduced in the CX-60 and CX-90. The CX-80 is a three-row SUV with a focus on premium comfort and performance.
The Homura model we are road-testing here is the top specification plug-in hybrid.
What We Like and Dislike About The 2025 Mazda CX-80 Homura PHEV
| What we like | What we don’t like |
| Styling and attention to detail Performance, drive and handling Interior features and tech HUD Sound system | Ventilation |
What’s In The 2025 Mazda CX-80 Range?
There are four models in the new CX-80 range across two specification levels. Two are “SP” models, while our one in this review is the top-of-the-range “Homura Plug-in hybrid” spec. From mid 2025, Mazda are adding to their range a Homura mild Hybrid with the e-SKYACTIV G 3.3 powertrain.
The Homura versions add more luxury and features like panoramic sunroof, driver personalisation system, power tailgate and a Bose sound system
The four models in order are then:
- Mazda CX-80 SP Hybrid: e-SKYACTIV G 3.3: $74,990
- Mazda CX-80 SP Plug-in Hybrid: e-SKYACTIV PHEV 2.5: $80,990
- Mazda CX-80 Homura Hybrid: e-SKYACTIV G 3.3: $82,990
- Mazda CX-80 Homura Plug-in Hybrid: e-SKYACTIV PHEV 2.5: $89,490 (our test car)
2025 Mazda CX-80 Colour Range
The colour range available for all models is:
- Soul Red Crystal Metallic*
- Machine Grey Metallic*
- Rhodium White Metallic*
- Jet Black Mica
- Deep Crystal Blue Mica
- Platinum Quartz Metallic
- Melting Copper Metallic
- Artisan Red Metallic*
*$700 Premium Paint surcharge applies for these colours
Our Review Vehicle’s Optional Equipment
While our car had no optional equipment fitted, the full price does include 1,000 kms of Road User Charges (RUC).
For a full list of specs and options available for the Mazda CX-80 Homura PHEV, head on over to Mazda New Zealand’s website.
How Does The 2025 Mazda CX-80 Homura PHEV Compare To Its Competition?
| Make/ Model | Engine | Power/ Torque kW/Nm | Seats | Fuel L/100km | Towing Capacity | Boot Space, litres | Price |
| Volvo XC90 Mild hybrid | 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-hybrid | 184/360 | 7 | 8.1 | 750/2,400 | 680 | $112,990 |
| Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy | 1.6-litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol hybrid | 148/440 | 7 | 7.1 | 750/1,650 | 750 | $99,990 |
| Toyota Highlander Limited ZR Hybrid | 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol-hybrid | 142/242 | 7 | 6.2 | 700/2,000 | 1,370 | $89,990 |
| Mazda CX-80 Homura | 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol | 241/500 | 7 | 1.7** | 750/2,500 | 687 | $89,490 |
| Nissan Pathfinder Ti-L | 3.5-litre, V6 petrol | 202/340 | 7 | 11.7 | 750/2,700 | 750 | $88,490 |
| GWM Tank 500 Ultra Hybrid | 2.0L Turbo petrol-hybrid | 255 / 648 | 7 | 8.5 | 750/3,000 | 795 | $82,990 |
| Skoda Kodiaq Selection TDI | 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel | 142/400 | 7 | 6.8 | 750/2,500 | 845 | $78,300 |
**The WLTP is a 30-minute test, with a dynamic velocity profile consisting of accelerations followed by short braking. There are four driving phases to simulate urban to highway scenarios, the average and the maximum velocities are 46.5 km/h and 131.3 km/h, respectively, and the distance covered is 23.25 km.
It’s no surprise, then, that this car, like any other plug-in hybrid with a range greater than the distance covered in the test, will always record a low WLTP fuel consumption performance. This performance is then valid if journeys are less than the EV range and the car can be recharged for the next journey, e.g. the daily commute.
Please note that DriveLife does its best to ensure the information above is correct at the time of publication, however, prices, specifications and models can change over time. Please bear that in mind when comparing models in the comparison table.
First Impressions Of The 2025 Mazda CX-80 Homura PHEV
I have to say my first impressions were very favourable. According to the description, it is Mazda’s latest flagship SUV designed specifically for the European market. Having recently experienced the latest BMW X3, I can understand their reasoning. It is stylish without being ostentatious.
This large seven-seat SUV presents a coherent and visually appealing design that accommodates its size effectively. The colour of our test vehicle, “Melting Copper Metallic,” is a new addition to Mazda’s palette—a copper-bronze shade that accentuates the forms in various lighting conditions. While I am typically not partial to black wheels, this combination complements the body colour excellently. The entire vehicle exemplifies the Mazda design language, resulting in a well-balanced overall package.
What’s The Interior Like In The 2025 Mazda CX-80 Homura PHEV?
The interior is very attractive, in a restrained-elegance sort of way. While there is a lot of black used in the interior, the light-coloured headlining and front pillars, together with the full-length moonroof/opening sunroof, make the interior pleasantly light and airy. Black leather is used on the seats and steering wheel, and all touch points have a soft finish. To break up the interior, silver textured surfaces have been placed across the door cards and for the centre console to good effect. All the materials are of a high quality, beautifully detailed and finished, giving the interior a premium feel.
The steering wheel has standard button sets on the horizontal spokes, the usual set of controls for phone and audio on the left and cruise control on the right, and the wheel rim has a heating option.
The overall dash layout is clean and uncluttered, with everything located just where you would expect it to be. The instrument cluster itself is an all-digital screen, displaying much of the information in a traditional and easy-to-read dial format. The background tone and some fonts change colour to indicate which drive mode has been selected, white for Normal, red for Sport, purple for EV, and orange for Off-road. The screens have a few configuration options that can be user-selected. Supplementing this is a Heads-up Display (HUD) projecting key data onto the windscreen in the driver’s line of sight. It can display your current speed, the detected speed limit, and the cruise control setting.
In the centre of the dashboard is the common Mazda free-standing infotainment screen. The screen is a generous 12.3 inches, and it can be operated as a touch-screen when either Android Auto or Apple CarPlay are connected. However, when using the native Mazda system, and by default, control is only via the command wheel. This is one of those road-safety features Mazda have built in, and I do tend to agree with their logic there – operating a touch screen can prove distracting. That said, I do applaud them for allowing the driver to make their own choices by including an override option, albeit one located deep within the settings menus.
Using the command wheel to navigate the infotainment system works extremely well, and it quickly becomes intuitive. In my opinion, it’s a safer alternative to touch-screen operation, and it has the bonus of not leaving any fingerprints on the screen.
Within the infotainment system is a cool “new” feature where the driver can enter their height, and the car will then make a comprehensive set of adjustments to the seat, its position, height, back etc., the relative position of the steering wheel, adjusting the height and reach, and the mirrors. As part of this package, it has programmable memory settings for up to two drivers.
In the centre of the dashboard, beneath the infotainment screen, is a comprehensive set of physical buttons for controlling the climate air-conditioning system. It comes complete with zone controls for both front seat occupants, and options for heated and ventilated seats, and the heated steering wheel. It’s refreshing to see actual buttons and not simply functions buried within a touch-screen infotainment system.
On the left side of the dashboard is a good-sized glove box, containing the car manual and a first-aid kit – nice touch.
All four doors have pockets suitable for a good-sized drink bottle alongside other items. For the third row of seats, cup/drink bottle holders are moulded into the side wall/armrest, alongside further USB-C power outlets.
Lower in the centre console, there is a wireless charging pad for a single phone, a 12-volt power outlet useful for a dash cam, and USB-C sockets. One of the latter can be used to data-connect a phone for Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, however, connection is also available via Bluetooth.
Centred is the main gear selector, the drive modes selector and the main command wheel for navigating the infotainment system. Also, a second physical knob can be used to control the stereo inputs and volume – so handy. A hinging panel uncovers two cup holders.
Behind this is the padded centre armrest comprising a longitudinal split cover allowing one or both covers to be opened to a good-sized storage container beneath, together with two further USB-C sockets.
Overhead, alongside the interior light, are the controls for the opening portion of the glass roof and blind options.
Passengers in the second row seats have their own set of climate air conditioning controls and vents, and a couple of USB-C power outlets. The two outermost seats in this row are heated.
This second row is split 60/40 and tilts and slides to provide access to the third occasional row of seats. These seats are provided with further cup holders, air vents and USB-C power outlets.
All windows behind the front doors have darker tints for shading and privacy, and supplementing this, both rear side doors also have sunshade/privacy mesh screens that pull up from the windowsill to hooks located at the top of the window. This is such a great feature, especially for very young families.
The boot offers very useful load options, from light shopping when all seven seats are occupied, to a handy wagon when both second and third seating rows are collapsed. With the seats down, the boot floor is flat, level with the boot opening. Under the boot floor is a small amount of additional storage; however, most of this space is allocated to the charging cable, space for storing the rear cargo blind, a few tools and the tyre repair kit – there is no spare wheel.
Keeping with the family useful vehicle, there are also two mains power outlets in the boot area, taking advantage of the PHEV battery. While these are limited to 1,500W, they are handy to have.
What’s The 2025 Mazda CX-80 Homura PHEV Like To Drive?
On first getting in, I activated the automated system to adjust the steering wheel, seat and mirrors to me. I was somewhat sceptical about the worth of such a system, a gimmick perhaps? How wrong I was. It made such a good first attempt that I really did not need to change anything. In fact, over the week, the only alterations I made were simply to explore the range of movement available. There are two programmable memory buttons to save the settings for a couple of drivers. These “tech” features aside, I would suggest a further tangible benefit of having powered adjustment options is the increased fineness with which alterations can be made – easier to get that “perfect fit” than it is with manual systems, like, for example, notched seat rails.
The CX-80 has four drive modes: Normal, Sport, EV, and Off-road. EV mode does as you’d expect, offering only EV power for as long as you have range left in the battery. Normal isn’t that far different, keeping the drive in EV for as long as you have charge, starting the petrol engine only when the load increases, like climbing a hill, or when you ask for increased performance via the accelerator pedal. Sport is similar but with an increased focus on performance, so the petrol engine kicks in more quickly and often to deliver a more responsive drive. Off-road simply focuses on grip in more loose/slippery terrain, handy for the family ski trip and the like.
On start-up, unless the hybrid battery is too low, the car starts in EV mode, and so your journey commences silently. When the petrol engine fires up, it is detectable, but not intrusive, and the transition between the two provides a seamless increase in power delivery, just as you would expect. In pushing hard, the car displays a surprisingly effective turn of speed, quicker perhaps than you might think for a larger 7-seater SUV. As the revs of the petrol engine climb, it emits a healthy soundtrack that simply encourages you to continue. It is a very satisfying drive.
It is impressive just how quickly you can change modes, selecting the Sport mode for quick overtaking certainly worked very effectively, providing instant enhancement of the throttle response. For most of my time with the car, I had little reason not to leave it in the Normal mode as this delivered an effective balance between performance and economy, for the driving I was doing, a mix of around town and out on the open road.
The driver has a super clear dashboard. The information is clearly laid out with easy-to-read fonts used throughout. Supplementing this is a Heads-up-display (HUD). I am such a fan of these presenting the key information in the line of sight of the driver, removing the need to frequently check down onto the main dash. It identifies your current speed and cruise control settings. The car can also detect road speed signs and will display these within the HUD, too. This can be so handy when using cruise control, a simple button press can alter the speed set point to the new speed limit for the zone you have just entered. I found this most convenient. The adaptive cruise system comes with optional lane assistance. I like the way you can easily choose to use or deactivate the lane keep to suit the road conditions and your preferences. As with other Mazdas, there is a limit function where you can set the upper speed, and then simply drive the car on the accelerator pedal. I do enjoy this feature in the twisty roads where you can enjoy the car while knowing your “max speed” is being managed within the actual speed limit.
Complimenting this is the classic Mazda handling. Despite its size, it drives very well, is secure on the road and inspires confidence in the driver. In Sport mode and presented with a twisting road, the size of the car shrinks around you. I found it very rewarding of an enthusiastic drive. And I am pleased to say, the experience was equally positive from the observations made by my passengers (occupying seats in the first two rows at least). The suspension easily soaked up the poorer road conditions, and together with well-controlled roll in the corners, it makes for a competent all-round car. Road and wind noise are well managed.
Despite its size, there is good visibility all round, and this is supplemented by a comprehensive camera system for reversing and parking. A button enables you to activate the camera system should you wish to use it when it hasn’t automatically started. A convenient extra function is when reversing, you can have the door mirror dip, enabling you to see the kerb and rear wheel on that side. To activate this, all you need to do is set the door mirror adjuster switch (on the driver’s arm rest) to the left or the right, and on selecting reverse, it will dip the mirror on that side. While this might sound over complex, dipping only a single side, it does mean that the other side mirror remains in place, where you can continue to observe approaching traffic.
The seats, while firm, provide great comfort and support. On the longer trips, the seats remained very comfortable, and the side bolsters offered good support on twisty roads. On the cold mornings, seat heaters were appreciated both in the front and in the outer two seats in the second row. On the subject of heating, I was a little surprised to find that only a portion of each side of the steering wheel was actually heated. Yes, it is where your hands should be positioned, but on any corners, you do notice those unheated portions of the wheel.
A quality sound system is always appreciated, especially so on longer trips. The stereo in the CX-80 is a very credible 12-speaker BOSE system. When a car has a better-than-average stereo, it is worthy of a “Bohemian Rhapsody test” (Freddie Mercury’s classic). For me, this track offers a comprehensive musical range of voice and instrumental with which to judge a stereo’s ability to accurately reproduce the track while maintaining clarity and fullness of sound across the range. The test is simply to play the song at near maximum volume and subjectively determine a rating based on how well the track is reproduced. The Bose system does not disappoint, easily delivering excellent clarity across the spectrum of sound from treble to a very healthy bass. I rated it a good 8 out of 10.
Another noteworthy feature is the headlights; they are fantastic. The auto functions are thoroughly reliable, and the high-beam is spectacularly good. As well as the road, masses of the environment along each side are also illuminated. In fact it is not all that different from daylight conditions. In doing so, I find that it significantly reduces driver fatigue when driving longer distances at night. Assisting the use of this function is the ability to automatically detect other road traffic and automatically dip the lights so as not to blind them. This feature also works very well, able to accurately detect other cars several hundred metres away.
While I appreciated having physical controls for the ventilation system, I found it difficult to find a single stable setting, requiring occasional re-adjustment simply to maintain comfort.
I am a fan of cars with at least one Wi-Fi charging pad, preferably two. The single pad in the Mazda grips the phone well, and in combination with its ability to connect Android Auto wirelessly, this to me is the perfect combo. Unfortunately, I found the wireless connection of Android Auto could be slow to connect or respond at times, and so more often I would simply plug it in directly, somewhat negating the benefit of the Qi charger.
Other smart features like the proximity key, worked brilliantly. On approaching the car, it would auto-unlock and lock on leaving it. Similarly, the auto-electric powered boot becomes an everyday convenience you quickly accept without thinking. So many of these and other features worked so seamlessly that you only really recognise their usefulness when you swap to a car without them.
The battery is of a sufficient size to offer a practical WLTP EV-only range of 59km, just enough for my daily commute. I tested this travelling over a couple of days on 100% EV mode, charging up in the evenings. In the second part of my time with the car, I simply drove it like a non-plug-in hybrid, just to see what it might deliver when driven this way. With the car set to Normal mode, and while it would choose to run in EV at every chance possible, the fuel consumption climbed to around 6 l/100km.
READ ON TO CHECK OUT OUR SUMMARY OF THE 2025 MAZDA CX-80 HOMURA PHEV.
2025 Mazda CX-80 Homura PHEV – Specifications
| Vehicle Type | Hybrid / SUV |
| Starting Price | $89,490 |
| Price as Tested | $89,490 |
| Engine | 2.5-litre 4-cylinder plug-in Hybrid |
| Power, Torque kW/Nm | 241/500 |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Spare Wheel | Tyre Repair Kit |
| Kerb Weight, Kg | 2,267 |
| Length x Width x Height mm | 4,990 x 1,890 x 1,714 |
| Boot Space / Cargo Capacity, Litres (seats up/seats down) | 258 / 687 / 1,221 (behind 3rd row / 3rd row collapsed / 2nd row collapsed) |
| Fuel tank capacity, litres | 70 |
| Fuel Economy, L/100km | Advertised Spec – Combined – WLTP 1.7 Real-World Test – Combined – ~ 6 Low Usage: 0-6 / Medium Usage 6-12 / High Usage 12+ |
| Towing Capacity Kg, unbraked/braked | 750 / 2,500 |
| Turning circle metres | 11.6 Small: 6-10m / Medium 10-12m / Large 12m+ |
| Warranty | 5-year unlimited km Comprehensive New Vehicle warranty 5-year unlimited km Corrosion and Anti-Perforation Warranty 5-year 100,000 km servicing at no extra cost 5-year unlimited km Mazda on Call Roadside Assistance 8-year 160,000km Battery Warranty |
| Safety information | ANCAP Rating – 5 stars Rightcar.govt.nz – 5 Stars – CX80 |
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