Mazda CX-60 Plug-In Hybrid Will Send 300+ HP (!) to Its Rear Wheels

An all-new Mazda plug-in hybrid crossover has been teased ahead of its upcoming March 8 debut. For a crossover destined for the cramped cities of Europe and Japan, the 2023 Mazda CX-60 puts down a respectable 300 hp through its new rear-wheel-drive-based platform. It's also likely a preview of what we can expect in upcoming U.S. Mazdas, too.

Plenty Of Power

Mazda's first PHEV doesn't disappoint with that power output. The powertrain combines a 2.5-liter I-4 gas engine with an electric motor that's linked to a battery pack. Battery capacity and overall range will likely be announced closer to the March reveal. And while 300 hp would be sufficient in a vehicle this size, Mazda promises its output will actually exceed 300 hp. T he output is clearly a continuation of Mazda's apparent objective to bump up the power in its cars across the board, introducing more turbocharged models just a few years ago. We love to see it. 

The CX-60 is the first of two all-new electrified crossovers Mazda plans to introduce to the European market by next year, joined by a three-row crossover that will be called the CX-80. It will be built on the same rear-wheel-drive-based platform as the CX-60, and a similar plug-in hybrid application also expected. 

Pictured: Mazda CX-50

More To Come

We care about the CX-60 because it's anticipated to be a slightly more compact version of Mazda's planned CX-70 crossover coming to the U.S. soon. The CX-70 is expected to be a bit wider and larger overall, and may or may not come with the same 300-hp, plug-in hybrid powertrain option. A larger, wider version of the CX-80 is also planned for the U.S., dubbed the CX-90, which will debut before the CX-70. 

Mazda has previously announced future plans for multiple hybrid powertrains on the same new platform. These plans, confirmed for the U.S. market, include I-6 gas and diesel engines that are meant to be compatible with inline "mild-hybrid" electric motor-generators, alongside a plug-in hybrid option. Smart money is that the PHEV variant will be similar to the CX-60's 300-hp setup. Mazda is expected to offer rear- and all-wheel-drive versions of these new vehicle when they go on sale, depending on market and model. In an update, Mazda has announced the CX-60's interior will be every bit as premium as its drive layout, with a "Kaichô-inspired" design leveraging uniquely Japanese crafts methods and materials.