IndiaAIFounders — A deep dive into the all-new Mazda CX-80 PHEV

The steady march of electrification has reached Mazda Philippines as it has just launched the 2027 Mazda CX-80 PHEV, seen here in the launch color dubbed Melting Copper (yes, ‘melting’).

This marks the first time a plug-in hybrid has joined the Mazda lineup in the Philippines, bridging the gap between the brand’s hybrids and a fully electric vehicle. PHEVs are still a rarity when it comes to legacy Japanese automakers—this joins the Outlander and the new Nissans as some of the only available options for now.

The CX-80 PHEV is a three-row SUV that, like all Mazdas, tries to embody the Jinba Ittai (person and horse as one body) philosophy, which helps it stand out against other SUVs in the segment.

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Variants and prices

PHOTO BY Carlo Chungunco

The CX-80 PHEV comes with only one powertrain option, with the three variants instead altering the seating configuration. It comes in either a six- or seven-seater configuration, with the former replacing the middle seat with a permanent armrest and center console that provides storage space and cupholders.

Below is the official price list.

Mazda CX-80 2027 Philippine prices

Mazda CX-80 2.5L 8AT PHEV - P4,180,000
Mazda CX-80 2.5L 8AT PHEV Premium - P4,230,000
Mazda CX-80 2.5L 8AT PHEV Exclusive- P4,280,000

The design

PHOTO BY Carlo Chungunco

From the outside, Mazda is doing the ‘same look, different sizes’ approach to design, as the CX-80 is quite similar to other models in the CX-two-digit line like the CX-60 and CX-90. Yes, there are differences, but there is more in common to make this three-row PHEV look undoubtedly like a Mazda at heart.

The design hides the biggest trick of this car, though: The front and rear ends make the CX-80 look much smaller than it is. Only when you look at it from the side will you realize that it is much, much larger and longer than most SUVs. It makes the car look more dynamic, and I feel that the Mazda design language translates well to an SUV of this size.

The finish featured here is the aforementioned Melting Copper, and it looks very different in the shade and in the sun. Either way, it is a very striking color that, while I don’t feel it will be the best-selling option, will turn heads down the road.

The inside

PHOTO BY Carlo Chungunco

The interior of the CX-80 is typical Mazda, which means it very much punches above its weight class. Materials are top-notch, with Nappa tan leather covering much of the seats and touchpoints, accessorized with nice materials such as suede. It’s that feeling of quality that really makes the interior something you want to be sitting in.

The driving position embodies Jinba Ittai. The 10-way power-adjustable seats can be positioned low enough to give you that feeling of sitting in a car rather than on one. It is a very nice and comfortable yet reasonably engaging driving position, especially for an SUV this size.

PHOTO BY Carlo Chungunco

Two 12.3-inch screens dominate the view, with the center being a large, clear display that, notably, is not a touchscreen. This means two things: First, there are large, easy-to-use buttons for climate control, the lack of which is one of the complaints we had with the new CX-5 (where you had to use the touchscreen for the air-con). Second, you control most of the functions with the Mazda rotary dial on the center console. This has its pros and cons. It is much easier to use while keeping your eyes on the road, but it can take a while to get used to. Having driven Mazdas for a while, it came second nature to me, but your mileage may vary.

The second row in the six-seater is one that (surprisingly) closely mimics the feel of the front seats. The armrest has storage that opens in a similar manner, and the seats also have ventilation, which is uncommon for backseats. Overall, a very nice place to be in.

The third row is definitely usable, though maybe not for someone my height (6’2”). With each seat having its own air-con vent and USB-C ports, it’s a nice place to be in for kids or smaller adults. These seats fold flat to open up a nice, low, and practical cargo area. Those who want to load this up should be happy.

Under the hood

PHOTO BY Carlo Chungunco

The CX-80 is powered by the e-Skyactiv plug-in hybrid system. With its 2.5-liter in-line-four gasoline engine and single electric motor, it has a total power output of about 327hp, with a 0-100kph time of 6.8sec. It comes with a 17.8kW nickel-manganese-cobalt battery, which enables an EV-only range of about 65km. I find this quite adequate, as this already allows you to go from Makati to Laguna and back without needing a drop of gasoline.

Charging with the included portable charger with booster can be as quick as only 2.5 hours from empty to full (if you have a 40-amp connection). But even if the charger is plugged into a regular 220V outlet, the CX-80 can recharge in about seven hours or overnight, which is about perfect.

Behind the wheel

PHOTO BY Carlo Chungunco

How does it drive? The short answer? Like a Mazda. It is a rear-wheel-drive-based all-wheel-drive system, meaning it still sends most of its power to the rear wheels, which lends it an air of dynamism that is normally reserved for smaller SUVs. The car’s powertrain can be put into normal, sport, off-road, or EV mode, which would dictate power delivery. In general driving, it accelerates in a linear fashion, which is a hallmark for EVs, which would make most buyers happy with how responsive it feels.

Extra features

PHOTO BY Carlo Chungunco

It is no exaggeration to say that the CX-80 is absolutely loaded with tech. Other than the air-conditioned front and middle seats (really, one of the best inclusions ever), Mazda has thrown everything but the kitchen sink at the CX-80 PHEV.

Apple Carplay and Android Auto are both standard, which is expected of all cars at this point. Audio is piped in through a very nice 12-speaker Bose sound system, which means there’s less to upgrade when it comes to audio capability (do people still upgrade audio setups in cars these days?).

For safety, the CX-80 has the full suite of advanced driver-assist systems, including radar cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and driver monitoring. This is complemented with a full array of 360-degree cameras, which make it easy to park this relatively long SUV.

As to the PHEV advantage, there are two actual power AC power outlets in the rear that can power devices up to 225V and a whopping 1,500W. This means you can run a Nespresso machine, no problem, from the rear of this PHEV. Handy for those who want to try their hand at going off-road, or, if you’re like us, have a lot of gadgets or camera gear that need topping up mid-shoot.

So, any thoughts on the all-new Mazda CX-80 PHEV? Let us know in the comments.

More photos of the Mazda CX-80 PHEV 2027:

PHOTO BY Carlo Chungunco

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