2026 Mazda CX-60 Debuts in Japan: Enhanced Refinement, New Burgundy Interior, and Premium Upgrades

Mazda's Large Product Group, built on the longitudinal rear-wheel-drive platform, has consistently impressed enthusiasts since its debut. Following the global rollout of the CX-80, the pioneer of the series — the Mazda CX-60 — has now received its 2026 Product Improvement (PI) update in Japan. While the exterior design remains largely unchanged, the updates focus heavily on addressing customer feedback with meticulous attention to detail.

Ride & Handling: Refining "Jinba-Ittai"

The highlight of this update lies in enhanced ride comfort and NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) performance.

Acoustic Upgrades: To reduce wind noise at higher speeds, Mazda has fitted acoustic laminated glass on the front doors.

Chassis Tuning: Engineers have refined the rear suspension with softer springs and recalibrated shock absorbers. These changes directly address previous criticisms of a stiff ride, delivering a more refined and comfortable damping experience while preserving the sharp handling that defines Mazda's "Jinba-Ittai" philosophy.

Interior Quality: New Emotional Value

Mazda truly shines when it comes to interior craftsmanship. The Japanese specification now offers a Burgundy Nappa leather package, complemented by elegant red stitching and sophisticated black hairline-finish trim. This combination strikes an excellent balance between sporty character and genuine luxury.

Tech Enhancements: The infotainment system has been upgraded with the integration of Amazon Alexa. It also adds a new "Trailer View" function to the 360-degree camera system, making towing easier and safer.

Safety Boost: The i-Activsense safety suite now includes a new Driver Monitoring-linked cruise control. This upgrade brings the CX-60's safety technology on par with the flagship CX-80.

Exterior Aesthetics: Darker Accents

The most noticeable visual update is the revised colour palette. Mazda has replaced the previous Sonic Silver with the bolder Polymetal Grey. Additionally, XD (diesel) models now feature black metallic exhaust finishers instead of chrome, paired with blacked-out wheels. These changes give the CX-60 a more mature, stealthy, and sophisticated appearance.

What About the Malaysian Market?

Currently, Bermaz Auto, Mazda's official distributor in Malaysia, has already opened bookings for the existing CX-60, with prices starting from RM198,900. Although the current model is still in its local pre-launch phase, Bermaz is known for bringing in updates relatively quickly. There is a strong possibility that the 2026 Product Improvement refinements — particularly the suspension and NVH enhancements — will eventually be incorporated into the Malaysian specification.

Powertrain Outlook: In Japan, the CX-60 continues to offer three powertrain options — 2.5L naturally aspirated, 2.5L PHEV, and the powerful 3.3L inline-6 turbodiesel. For the Malaysian market, the 2.5L four-cylinder engine is expected to remain the primary powertrain choice.

The 2026 CX-60 evolution is "typically Mazda" — no flashy facelift, just a deep and meticulous focus on the often-overlooked details such as suspension refinement, soundproofing, and overall driving logic. For Malaysian buyers who appreciate premium quality and a refined driving experience without joining the German SUV crowd, this updated CX-60 is definitely worth waiting for.