Mazda introduces their new CX-80 as a seven-seat SUV, aiming to compete against the Kia Sorento.
The all-new Mazda CX-80 is ready to challenge the Kia Sorento and Land Rover Discovery Sport in the seven-seat SUV market with a generous towing capacity.
This new behemoth boasts impressive towing capabilities, with options for both plug-in hybrid and diesel power. Both engines have a maximum towing weight of 2,500kg, but the diesel is expected to perform better when it comes to hauling heftier loads. Although the hybrid model may seem quicker on paper, the diesel's mid-range pull of 406lb ft should handle your car/caravan pair with ease, while the hybrid can sometimes stumble or jerk when switching between electric and petrol modes.
Peeling back the skin, the CX-80 shares a lot in common with the Mazda CX-60, but don't let that fool you. Mazda has made changes to improve ride comfort, especially for the 2025 version of the smaller model. While the ride is still quite firm, these improvements successfully lower the overall harshness. This is particularly noticeable on winding roads, where the CX-80 handles like a dream, promising stability when towing. The cabin sports a sporty look with plenty of room for driver and passengers in both the front and middle.
I'm excited to put the new Kia Sorento 2.2 CRDi '3' through its paces and see how it stacks up against the CX-80. This seven-seater SUV offers luxury towing at a competitive price, making it well worth a look.
Technical Specifications for the Mazda CX-80
- Price: £52,205 (Exclusive-Line trim)
- Kerbweight: 2136kg* (including 75kg for driver not included in Mazda's published kerbweight)
- Max towing weight: 2500kg
Insights
Comparing the Mazda CX-80 with other popular models on the market, you'll find that it offers a competitive towing capacity and impressive engine options. Let's take a closer look at how the CX-80 compares to the Kia Sorento and Land Rover Discovery Sport.
| Feature / Aspect | Mazda CX-80 | Kia Sorento | Land Rover Discovery Sport ||--------------------------|----------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------|| Towing Capacity | 2,500 kg trailer limit across all options | Around 2,000 kg (varies by engine/market) | Around 2,400 kg || Engine Options Relevant to Towing | 3.3L turbo diesel mild hybrid, 3.3L petrol inline-six, 2.5L PHEV | Diesel and petrol engines | Diesel and petrol engines offering strong off-road torque || Fuel Economy (Towing) | Diesel variant achieves ~49.6 mpg combined | Less fuel-efficient than Mazda diesel | Less fuel efficient, more premium SUV || Drive System | Full-time AWD standard for all variants | AWD available, varies with trim | Sophisticated AWD with off-road capability || Interior/Space | Larger wheelbase (+250mm vs CX-60) with 3-row seating, upscale materials, practical for families and towing needs| Three-row seating, spacious, functional cabin | 5-seat or 7-seat configurations, premium interior || Maneuverability | Tight turning circle (12.4m), aided by all-round sensors and 360° cameras | Good maneuverability but less advanced tech | Advanced off-road tech, but larger turning radius|| Safety and Driver Aids| Comprehensive: Smart City Brake, Pedestrian Detection, Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring | Good safety suite, usually less advanced than Mazda | Advanced safety and off-road assist technologies || Warranty & Reliability| 3 years / 60,000 miles comprehensive warranty | Typically 5 years / 60,000 miles warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles (varies by market) |
Pros of Mazda CX-80 for Towing
- High towing capacity at 2,500 kg, competitive with or better than many rivals.
- Efficient diesel engine with good torque and excellent fuel economy (about 49.6 mpg combined), reducing running costs on tow journeys.
- Full-time AWD system ensuring traction and stability when towing.
- Spacious and practical interior with flexible 3-row seating, helpful for family or crew transport alongside towing needs.
- Advanced safety features and driver aids improve towing safety and confidence.
- Good maneuverability with a tight turning circle and comprehensive camera arrays aids towing in confined spaces.
Cons of Mazda CX-80 for Towing
- Warranty coverage (3 years / 60,000 miles) is shorter than some competitors like Kia, which may concern some buyers.
- Higher starting price compared to mainstream SUVs like the Kia Sorento.
- Plug-in hybrid and petrol options less optimized for towing compared to the diesel version.
The Mazda CX-80, with its impressive towing capacity, poses a challenge not only to the Kia Sorento and Land Rover Discovery Sport in the towing industry but also in the financial aspect as it boasts competitive pricing. This seven-seat SUV, successful in coupling luxury and towing, can also venture into the transportation sector, offering potential for automotive trailer hauling. Moreover, the CX-80 excels in the sports world, showcasing impeccable handling and control, particularly during towing maneuvers.
