Mazda CX-60 Individual Review: What Makes It a Quiet Contender in the Range

I’m no stranger to the CX-60. The 3.3-litre Takumi variant still sits high on my personal leaderboard; maybe not the best car in the world, but definitely the best I’ve ever driven, and one I’d happily hand my own money over for. Which meant this 2.5-litre Petrol Individual had big shoes to fill. Less power, fewer theatrics, a petrol engine instead of that smooth straight-six, the odds were stacked against it from the start.

But here’s the thing, all three CX-60 trims look almost identical on the outside, and Mazda absolutely nailed the styling. Understated, elegant, and effortlessly premium. In white, this one looked especially sharp; the contrast between the paintwork and the black accents just works. So before even driving it, I knew two things: it would be a beautiful week, and it would never hit the Takumi’s highs. And that’s fine. This car doesn’t need to compete; it just needs to prove it deserves the CX-60 badge.

Exterior: Distinctively Mazda

The Individual and the Takumi are visually almost twins, save for a few subtle touches. The Individual drops the “Inline-6” lettering on the front quarter (obviously), has no chrome styling, instead of body coloured panels it has black accents along the lower body, and gets its own wheel design. Outside of those tweaks, you’re looking at the same silhouette, and that’s a very good thing.

The long bonnet gives it a proper executive stance, the curvy rear hints at coupe styling, and both the front and back look assertive without trying too hard. It’s unmistakably Mazda, but it also announces itself as the big sibling in the family. And that oversized badge on the grille? Let’s just say no one will need to squint to figure out what you’re driving.

Interior: Simple & Slightly Dressed-Down

The Individual comes with a more dressed-down interior compared to the Takumi. You get a leather-like finish on the dash that still feels premium, just not as soft. The seats are also leather rather than the softer Nappa you find in the Takumi. The only other noticeable difference is the lighter headlining instead of black, and that’s really where the gap ends.

Everything else remains the same, meaning you still get a spacious and comfortable cabin for both front and rear passengers. The layout is simple and uncluttered, with the infotainment screen neatly tucked close to the windshield. The steering wheel has all the buttons you need, and there are plenty of physical climate controls in the centre. Storage is very practical: solid space in the centre console, two front cupholders, and a generous 570 litres of boot space, which is a proper win for families. The panoramic sunroof is a great touch too, even though it doesn’t come with a cover.

Tech & Features: Familiar and Refreshingly Uncluttered

This car is what you would call a boomer’s dream. The tech is not complicated at all, and you don’t even get a touch screen. Many would complain, but it works. You use a rotary dial to control the 12-inch infotainment screen, and it still gives you wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and wireless charging. You get keyless entry, a hands-free tailgate, and four USB-C ports, two in the front and two in the back, and that’s pretty much where the ‘fun’ tech ends.

All the expected safety systems are here: lane departure warning, a reverse camera with a 360-degree view, driver attention alert, and a speed limit alert. What I appreciate is how these alerts are not intrusive. This car warns you politely instead of telling you off. The heads-up display is another highlight, showing your cruise control settings, speed, speed limit, and navigation info. Overall, this car has all the tech you need, and it’s very simple to get used to and live with.

Performance & Drive: Comfort First, Excitement Second

This is where the real difference is felt: the drive. Petrol versus diesel. Long story short, the Takumi diesel engine is better in every way: faster, more responsive, and more efficient thanks to the hybrid assistance. That doesn’t mean the 2.5-litre petrol engine in the Individual is bad, it’s just not as great. The turbo lag is noticeable, the gear changes aren’t as smooth, but the 141 kW (189 hp) and 261 Nm you get from this engine are more than enough for any kind of drive, especially paired with the all-wheel drive system. You never feel like you need more because it delivers just enough.

Where the Individual shines is comfort and quietness. Key technical upgrades make a difference: a softer spring suspension with increased damping force for a more balanced ride, steering refinements through front knuckle adjustments for better precision, and AWD calibration improvements for smoother power delivery and traction. NVH enhancements also mean reduced transmission noise, giving you a more serene cabin experience.

The Individual is the better family car. The Takumi is the fun one.

In terms of efficiency, I hovered around 10.1–11.9 L/100 km in mixed driving, but on the highway I managed around 7.9 L/100 km, which isn’t bad at all for an engine of this size.

Price & Verdict

The Mazda CX-60 2.5 Individual Edition Auto AWD lands at R888 700, sitting squarely in that awkward middle ground of any model range. It isn’t the “best deal” on paper, if you’re willing to stretch a little, the Takumi diesel remains the standout in value and refinement. Or, if you’d rather save, the entry-level CX-60 at R706 700 gives you plenty of car for less, though it does swap to rear-wheel drive.

That said, the Individual is not a bad buy. In fact, it shines in one area where the Takumi doesn’t quite dominate: comfort. Mazda’s recent upgrades to the CX-60, particularly improved sound insulation and better ride comfort over varied surfaces, make this model arguably the most cosseting option in the line-up. If plush, quiet, long-distance cruising is the priority, this is the sweet spot.

I have a soft spot for Mazda because they usually get things right, and the broader CX-60 range proves it. There’s genuinely something for every type of driver. The Individual Edition feels designed for families who love road trips, who might not use the car every day, but still want a luxurious, relaxed cruiser for long weekends and cross-country escapes.

Final Scorecard: 7.2/10

Category	Rating out of 10	Notes
Design	8	Sleek and premium with that unmistakable Mazda elegance.
Performance	8	Plenty powerful for what’s on the market at this price point. The 141 kW (189 hp) setup does the job and then some,
Tech & Features	7	Not cutting edge, but you get everything you actually need in a simple, easy-to-live-with package.
Drive	8	The turbo lag is noticeable but not dreadful. Once you're moving, it’s very comfortable and settles into its role as a long-trip companion with ease.
Price	5	There are stronger deals out there, even within Mazda’s own catalogue. This one falls right in the middle, and the middle isn’t always the sweet spot.