The entire essence of towing is enjoying the ability to go your own way. In which case, a used Mazda CX-60 could be a fine towing option, because Mazda is a company that has never done anything by the book.
So, should it be on your list if you’re after the best used car for towing a caravan? Let’s take a look.
You can also see what we make of the CX-80, a car which is closely related to the CX-60 under the skin.
What’s a used Mazda CX-60 like inside?
Mazda is renowned for its sports cars, and that heritage comes through very clearly in the CX-60, which has a decidedly purposeful-looking cockpit that wraps around the driver and front passenger.
However, while it feels snug and sporty, there’s actually plenty of space on offer, with both headroom and legroom feeling generous, and plenty of adjustability in the driving position, something the best tow cars always provide.
Behind, there’s good space for three fully grown adults, to the extent that even if someone tall is in either front seat, there’s still plenty of room for someone lanky behind.
Just be aware that, if you have tall teenagers in your family, the optional panoramic sunroof can eat into some valuable headroom.
As with most modern cars, the CX-60 has a large screen front and centre, but it bucks the trend by only being a touchscreen when the car is stationary. On the move, functions are controlled using the rotary controller between the seats. There are proper buttons for the climate control system, which is welcome.
And if you find a car on Homura spec or above, it has facial recognition, so adjusts everything the way you like it, which is useful if someone else has been driving.
Otherwise, the CX-60 is very well kitted-out, with climate and cruise controls, heated and electrically adjustable front seats, a heated steering wheel and a head-up display even on entry-level cars.
Better still, the interior feels exceptionally well put together from decent materials, so we would expect any rattles and squeaks to remain largely absent over time.
Don’t forget to add in the right towing equipment too, to help you experience a stress-free time when towing.
How does a used Mazda CX-60 drive?
Mazda offers a few powertrain options – one is a 197bhp 3.3-litre six-cylinder diesel, another is a 251bhp mild-hybrid version of the same engine, and there’s a 323bhp plug-in hybrid model with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor.
The plain old diesel makes the best option for those who are looking at buying a car. It is strong and smooth, and still has a decent turn of pace despite being the lowest-powered motor in the range.
If there’s one thing to be aware of, it’s that this model is two-wheel drive. If that isn’t an issue, it’s a fine choice.
The diesel model has got a slightly gruff engine sound, but this is drowned out by the road noise, which is a little bit too intrusive, something we highlighted when we reviewed the 2024 Mazda CX-60 3.3 e-Skyactiv D MHEV 254ps AWD Homura.
Even so, the CX-60 corners neatly and with a sporty feel, although the ride isn’t what you’d call silky. And bear in mind that other cars will be quieter on a long motorway journey.
The CX-60 is certainly a strong tow car that isn’t unsettled by crosswinds, and which stops swiftly and in a straight line when called upon.
What will a used Mazda CX-60 tow?
- Kerbweight: 1920kg
- Towing limit: 2500kg
- Noseweight limit: 100kg
- 85% match: 1632kg
Running costs
- Insurance group: 33
- Annual VED: £640*
- Average economy: 56.5mpg
- Full service: £160
(By Servicing Stop, 0844 324 5262, servicingstop.co.uk)
Trouble spots
Mazda is known for reliability, so it’s surprising that it’s had a number of recalls. The first was to resolve an issue in which the engine stop-start system would fail to restart the engine after a stop. An instrument cluster software issue caused another recall, as did the transmission control module. Software updates sorted these. A full list of recalls can be found at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk.
*All cars subject to £440 VED luxury vehicle supplement for the first five years of life.
What to pay for a used Mazda CX-60
- High: Price: £44,000; Model: 3.3 D Homura Plus; Year: 2025; Miles: 3500
- Sweet spot: Price: £23,000; Model: 3.3 D, Homura; Year: 2024; Miles: 25,000
- Low: Price: £14,500; Model: 2.5 e-Skyactiv Takumi; Year: 2022; Miles: 129,000
Verdict on a Maxda CX-60
The Mazda CX-60 is a perfectly capable towing machine that’s also enjoyable to drive when not hitched up.
It has a sporty feel, and the interior is roomy and well equipped. And being a diesel, it only sips fuel.
Take a look at what we have to say about choosing flat or convex towing mirrors too.
Alternatives to consider
BMW X3 (2018-present)
BMW’s mid-size SUV is a cracking tow car. All of the engines are strong, and the higher-powered motors offer genuinely eye-opening performance. Yes, the X3 is a five-seater, but it offers good space for everyone, and the boot is ample. The BMW SUV is good to drive, too, both when hitched and solo. It barely notices when a tourer is attached, and is a lot of fun cross-country.
Jaguar F-Pace (2016-2024)
The F-Pace is genuinely good fun to drive, and has an ideal blend of sharp responses and long-distance comfort. It’s also a practical daily car, with plenty of space for five adults and a decent boot that’s more than capable of taking all of their kit. And every model comes with a vast amount of standard equipment, so you will always feel like you’ve ‘arrived’.
Land Rover Discovery Sport (2014-present)
A Discovery offers something that many rivals can’t – the ability to carry seven people. Later models have far more efficient powertrains, and upgraded interiors with the very latest infotainment tech. It never gets bothered by crosswinds or even emergency manoeuvres, and of course, you won’t get stuck in a 4×4.
See what we made of a used Honda CR-V when we took a look at it recently too, a tow car which provides sensible running costs and stable towing.
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