The Mazda CX-80 has a tough job in Malaysia. Priced at RM296,610, Mazda’s largest SUV sits in an interesting position within the market. It competes against established seven-seat models such as the Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe and Peugeot 5008, while also creeping into territory occupied by entry-level premium SUVs from BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
That means expectations are understandably high.
After spending time with Mazda’s flagship plug-in hybrid SUV, it quickly became apparent that the CX-80 is not trying to be the most practical seven-seater on sale. Instead, it focuses on delivering a premium ownership experience through stunning design, a genuinely luxurious cabin, impressive performance, and driving dynamics that few rivals can match.
The question is whether that RM319,000 asking price is justified. The short answer is yes — but only if you’re prepared to use the plug-in hybrid system as intended.
A Head-Turner Everywhere It Goes
There are SUVs that blend into traffic, and then there is the Mazda CX-80.
Built around Mazda’s elegant Kodo design philosophy, the CX-80 manages to look both sophisticated and muscular at the same time. The long bonnet, upright proportions, slim LED lighting signatures and large grille give it a premium presence that rivals many luxury-branded SUVs costing significantly more.
During our time with the vehicle, it attracted far more attention than expected. Whether parked at shopping malls, petrol stations or restaurants, people regularly stopped to take a second look.
In a market flooded with futuristic EVs and aggressively styled SUVs, the CX-80 proves that good proportions and clean design never go out of style.
An interior that feels more premium than the price suggests
Step inside and the CX-80 immediately raises the bar. Mazda has built a reputation for producing cabins that punch above their price point, and the CX-80 may be its best effort yet.
The materials feel rich and substantial, panel fitment is excellent, and there is a genuine sense of craftsmanship throughout the cabin. Soft-touch surfaces are abundant, while the dashboard design strikes a perfect balance between modern technology and physical controls.
As luxurious and lovely as it feels to be in the CX-80, the cabin does feel a tad outdated when compared to the latest crop of Chinese SUVs. While competitors are packing their cabins with humungous screens and futuristic-looking interfaces, Mazda has stuck to a more traditional layout.
The upside is that everything feels intuitive and beautifully put together, but those looking for a cutting-edge digital experience may find the CX-80 a step behind the segment’s newest challengers.
The front seats are exceptionally comfortable, offering excellent support for both daily commutes and long-distance journeys. Driving position is spot-on, visibility is good, and all major controls are easy to access.
As impressive as the front row is, the second row steals the show.
Passengers in the middle row are treated to generous legroom, excellent seat comfort, and an overall sense of space that makes the CX-80 feel every bit like a premium family cruiser. Long interstate journeys are unlikely to generate complaints from occupants seated here.
Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the third row. While Mazda deserves credit for offering genuine seven-seat capability, the rearmost seats are best viewed as occasional-use accommodations. Adults will find knee room and legroom limited, especially on longer journeys.
Children will be perfectly comfortable, but if you regularly carry seven adults, rivals such as the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe provide more usable third-row space.
Plenty of performance on paper and on the road
One glance at the specifications tells you that the CX-80 is not short on muscle.
Its plug-in hybrid powertrain combines a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with an electric motor, producing a combined 327 PS and 500 Nm of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Those are serious numbers.
For context, the CX-80 produces significantly more power than most mainstream seven-seat rivals in this price range. The figures also place it comfortably ahead of many conventional petrol-powered SUVs. The result? Effortless performance.
In town, the instant response from the electric motor makes the SUV feel smooth, refined, and surprisingly eager. Traffic gaps are dispatched effortlessly, while low-speed driving feels almost EV-like.
On the highway, the CX-80 truly shines. Overtaking requires minimal effort, acceleration remains strong even at higher speeds, and the SUV feels planted and composed over long distances.
Mazda’s trademark focus on driving dynamics is also evident. Despite its size, the CX-80 remains remarkably composed through corners, with accurate steering and impressive body control. For a large seven-seater, it is genuinely enjoyable to drive.
The Catch: Battery charge matters more than you think
This is where prospective buyers need to pay close attention. The CX-80 is only at its best when the battery is sufficiently charged.
With ample battery reserve, the SUV feels responsive, refined, and effortlessly powerful. The electric motor contributes significantly to the driving experience, masking the vehicle’s weight and delivering the instant torque expected from a modern plug-in hybrid.
However, once the battery charge becomes depleted, the character of the vehicle changes noticeably. The SUV begins to feel heavier and less eager. Acceleration becomes more dependent on the petrol engine, resulting in a driving experience that feels rougher and considerably less energetic than before.
This is not surprising when you consider the physics involved. The CX-80’s battery pack adds considerable weight, and when its electric assistance is reduced, the petrol engine has to work harder to move a vehicle weighing well over two tonnes.
The vehicle remains perfectly usable, but it no longer feels like the same SUV that impressed you when the battery was fully charged. This is why charging discipline is crucial.
If you have access to home charging and are willing to plug in regularly, the CX-80 rewards you with outstanding refinement, excellent efficiency, and performance that comfortably exceeds expectations.
If, on the other hand, you plan to treat it like a normal petrol SUV and rarely charge it, you will not be experiencing the vehicle as Mazda intended. In fact, buyers unwilling to charge regularly may be better served by a conventional hybrid or turbocharged SUV instead.
How does it compare to its rivals?
Against the Kia Sorento, the Mazda offers a more premium-feeling cabin, stronger performance, and superior driving dynamics, though the Sorento counters with a more practical third row.
Compared to the Hyundai Santa Fe, the CX-80 feels more luxurious and engaging to drive, while the Hyundai focuses more heavily on space and family-oriented practicality.
The Peugeot 5008 remains one of the most stylish alternatives in the segment, but the Mazda delivers noticeably better powertrain performance and a more premium overall experience.
The CX-80’s greatest strength is that it manages to bridge the gap between mainstream and premium segments. It offers a luxury-like experience without carrying a luxury-brand price tag.
Verdict
In conclusion, the Mazda CX-80 is one of the most impressive family SUVs currently available in Malaysia. It looks expensive, feels expensive, drives beautifully, and offers a level of performance that few rivals can match. The first and second rows are exceptional, build quality is outstanding, and the plug-in hybrid powertrain delivers effortless performance when operating as intended.
Its third row could be more spacious, and its plug-in hybrid nature means owners must be committed to charging regularly. But if you are willing to embrace the charging habit, the CX-80 rewards you with one of the most complete and sophisticated driving experiences available for the money.
Just remember this – Don’t buy the CX-80 because it is a plug-in hybrid. Buy it because you are prepared to use it as one. Do that, and you’ll discover one of the best-looking, best-driving, and most premium family SUVs in its class.
Specifications
2025 Mazda CX-80 PHEV (Malaysia)
- Price: RM296,000
- Engine: 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder PHEV
- Combined Output: 327 PS
- Combined Torque: 500 Nm
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: AWD
- Electric Range: Up to 60 km (WLTP)
- Seating Capacity: 7
