Mazda CX-80 seven-seater confirmed for Australia as third luxury SUV product

Mazda’s new CX-80 model is likely to be priced between $68k – $85k and will offer straight-six powertrains like the CX-90

Mazda has officially announced that it will bring a third model from its new large luxury SUV series to the Australian market, with the CX-80 set to arrive a number of months after the current CX-9 bows out of Australia in late 2023.

Based on the same RWD-biased architecture as the CX-90 and CX-60, the CX-80 is likely to also utilise Mazda’s new line of straight-six engines and plug-in hybrid options.

Like the CX-60 and CX-90, it’s likely that both petrol and diesel straight-six engines will be available. A mild-hybrid 48-volt system is also likely to be installed.

Mazda CX-8 2023 turning out of park — The updated Mazda CX-8

The new CX-80 is set to be slightly bigger in proportions than the existing CX-8 that currently measures in at 4900mm long, 1840mm wide and 1725mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2930mm.

Although timing is unconfirmed, Chasing Cars understands the CX-80 is unlikely to arrive in Australia this year, with an early 2024 release date firming as the more likely outcome.

For those with a lower budget, a more affordable three-row Mazda SUV will continue to be available in the CX-8 which could be on sale until 2025, given its recent update.

2023 Mazda CX-90 rear 3/4 static city in background — Mazda has already revealed its CX-60 and CX-90 SUVs

How does the CX-80 fit in the Mazda SUV lineup?

The Mazda CX-80 is set to sit in the Mazda family above the current CX-9 SUV, rather than the CX-8. Mazda says the new model will be a “slightly different proposition” to the CX-9.

Mazda Australia’s marketing director Alastair Doak said that “the CX-80 is set to take these reigns (from the CX-9) … ensuring that the widely lauded qualities of the CX-9 are further refined and advanced as part of Mazda’s latest cutting-edge model introductions”.

2023 Mazda CX-9 front — The current Mazda CX-9

Mazda’s new 60, 80 and 90 models are more aimed at the premium SUV segment, as Mazda pushes its models to compete with the likes of BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi.

Although we haven’t seen the new model yet, Mazda says the new CX-80 will offer three rows of seating.

However, while the CX-80 will be aimed at the premium sector, Mazda will retain the existing CX-8 model as a more affordable, three-row family-focussed SUV offering in Australia.