Mazda set to overhaul CX-60, CX-70, CX-80 and CX-90 to give flagship SUVs a fresh start, reports say

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Extensive updates are reportedly in the works for Mazda’s troubled larger models, the CX-60, CX-70, CX-80 and CX-90.

The Chugoku Shimbun, a local newspaper in Mazda’s hometown of Hiroshima, published an interview with Mazda’s director Masahiro Moro, where he revealed the mid-to-large SUVs were receiving thorough changes in the upcoming mid-production updates.

Through a translation service, Moro is quoted as saying “we will be making changes to the exterior, interior and powertrain, implementing upgrades on a scale unprecedented to date.”

Mazda’s upcoming hybrid system, Skyactiv-Z, is very likely to be adopted. The system, being developed in-house by Mazda to meet its standards of driver engagement, will debut in the CX-5 in 2028.

Mazda has said Skyactiv-Z is compatible with the larger cars’ straight-six engines.

Interior changes are more speculative. One possibility is the adoption of the more screen-based interface recently debuted in the CX-5.

A bumpy ride

Mazda’s highest priority to fix its flagship models is to address its chassis and transmission.

Previous Chasing Cars assessments of Mazda’s premium SUV range have offered a generally unsophisticated result, achieving neither comfort or sharp handling – though recent updates have shown a measurable improvement.

The transmission, an eight-speed auto developed in-house, has also been criticised as lacking smoothness, and audibly shunting between gears.

On-the-fly updates have reduced the suspension’s stiffness, despite the reported objection of some engineers who felt driver engagement was lost as a result.

The price is right?

Mazda Australia has repeatedly introduced new entry-level variants and reduced the price of the CX-60, CX-70, CX-80 and CX-90 to spur sales.

Though Australian sales meet Mazda’s current targets, these targets are themselves reductions on previous ones. In the last Japanese financial year (April 2025 – March 2026), global sales of the models were 25% off target – 150,637 vs 200,000.

In the USA, a critical market for the full-size CX-70 and CX-90, a safety-focussed marketing push is underway, to boost demand before the updates come.