Automotive Business Magazine – Q2 2026 – Digital edition - Magazine - Page 58
REV I E W
MAZDA CX-80 2.5 E SKYACTIV PHEV
Calmly commanding
Mazda CX-80 2.5 e
Skyactiv PHEV
review
BY ADRIAN SIMPSON
M
azda has been on a
mission lately. While
other brands chase
digital theatre and
oversized grilles, Mazda
has been building
something quieter –
and arguably more
interesting.
The CX-80 is the latest and largest
expression of that philosophy. Nearly
five metres long at 4,995 mm, with a
3,120 mm wheelbase and genuine three
row seating, this is Mazda stepping
confidently into full size SUV territory.
I had the petrol plug-in hybrid version,
badged 2.5 e Skyactiv PHEV AWD 327ps.
On paper, it reads like a sensible family
machine. In practice, it is far more
rounded than that.
Power and performance
The CX-80 PHEV pairs a naturally
aspirated 2.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol
engine with a 129 kW electric motor and
a 17.8 kWh lithium ion battery running
at 355 volts. Combined system output is
327ps and 500 Nm of torque.
That gives it a 0 to 62 mph time of 6.8
seconds and a top speed of 121 mph. For
a vehicle weighing over 2.2 tonnes, that is
more than respectable.
It does not feel frantic or overly
eager. Instead, it delivers power in a
smooth, linear way that feels mature
and controlled.
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AUTOMOTIVE BUSINESS
Q2 2026
The eight-speed automatic
transmission replaces a traditional
torque converter with a clutch system,
which helps the drivetrain feel direct.
Throttle response in Sport mode is
sharp without being aggressive, and the
transition between electric and petrol
power is seamless.
Mazda’s i Activ all-wheel drive is
standard on the PHEV and distributes
torque intelligently. Combined with the
rear-wheel drive architecture, the CX-80
feels balanced through corners in a way
many large SUVs do not.
Electric range and efficiency
Official WLTP figures quote up to 38
miles of electric only range. In mixed
real-world driving, that feels achievable
for local commuting if you are disciplined
about charging. Weighted combined fuel
consumption is quoted at up to 176.6
mpg, with CO2 emissions between 35
and 38 g/km under WLTP testing. Those
numbers depend heavily on keeping the
battery charged, as with any plug-in
hybrid. On petrol alone, the combined
WLTP figure is 34.9 mpg. The fuel tank
holds 70 litres, which gives decent long
distance flexibility even when the battery
is depleted.
Charging is straightforward. Using a
domestic 2.4 kW socket, 0% to 100%
takes around eight hours. With a Mode
3 AC charger, this drops to around 2h20.
Both Type 2 cables are included.
