2026 Mazda CX-80 Review: Southeast Asia’s New Premium SUV Contender
The 2026 Mazda CX-80 has landed in Southeast Asia. Here’s a detailed, original review of Mazda’s new premium SUV – interior, performance, safety, features, price, pros & cons, and why it matters for families and enthusiasts.
A New Chapter in Mazda’s Story
Mazda‘s always been the punchy carmaker. For years, it’s been the marque for those who don’t simply purchase a vehicle to travel from A to B—but to revel in the journey. Think about that weighty little Miata that taught everyone “less is more.” Or the RX-7, the rotary-engine renegade that makes petrolheads drool even today?
But it’s different now. The world is going electric. Families desire more space, more safety, and more cars. Luxury is not merely leather seats now—it is technology, eco-friendliness, and brand status. And Mazda? Mazda is not going to be left behind.
That is where the 2026 Mazda CX-80 comes in. It is not merely another SUV. It is Mazda‘s declaration to Southeast Asia: We can offer premium as well—and do so with heart.
Consider it the spiritual successor to all Mazda has ever represented: driver engagement, craftsmanship, and innovation—and now encased in a three-row luxury SUV form factor to navigate Jakarta traffic, Kuala Lumpur school pickups, and road trips to Chiang Mai.
Interior – Craftsmanship You Can See, Feel, and Smell
The first time you open the door of the CX-80, you don’t quite feel like you’re entering a mass-market SUV. You feel like entering the lobby of a boutique hotel where every surface has been selected with attention to detail.
Mazda refers to this as “Japanese premium,” and it’s a mindset that manifests everywhere. The Nappa leather isn’t simply sewn; it’s modeled. The woodgrain inlays don’t appear plastic—they appear hand-labored, as if ripped directly out of a Kyoto artisan’s studio. Even the sound of the buttons clicking has been calibrated to be pleasing, almost like listening to an old Hi-Fi system.
Practicality has not been overlooked. The CX-80 offers three rows of seats—either as a six-seat captain’s chairs (business-class luxury for the second row) or seven-seat bench (for large families who still need to bring everyone to the mall on Sundays).
And then there’s the tech:
A 12.3-inch infotainment display with seamless connectivity of your smartphone
Bose 12-speaker surround sound system that makes your cabin feel like a concert hall
Panoramic sunroof that makes traffic congestion feel more spacious
Driver Personalization System that recalls your seat, mirror, and steering preferences as if it knows you better than your spouse
In short: this isn’t an interior you put up with. It’s an interior you want to brag about.
Performance – A Hybrid with Personality
SUVs this size aren’t supposed to be entertaining, right? Well, Mazda didn’t receive the memo.
Under the bonnet of the 2026 CX-80 is a 2.5-liter gasoline engine complemented by an electric motor, making it a plug-in hybrid (PHEV). Combined, they deliver 328 PS and 500 Nm of torque—figures that read well on paper but drive even sweeter on the road.
Here’s what sets it apart:
The electric motor provides you with torque on demand off the line—ideal for zooming between lanes in Bangkok.
The petrol engine takes over seamlessly when you require long-distance cruising.
And with 59 km of pure electric range, you can cover most city commutes on electricity alone without burning a drop of fuel.
Mazda’s famous i-ACTIV AWD system keeps things planted in unpredictable conditions—whether it’s a sudden downpour in Kuala Lumpur or slippery mountain roads in Bali. Pair that with an 8-speed automatic transmission tuned for smoothness, and you’ve got a car that feels more graceful than it has any right to at nearly five meters long.
And yes—it’s still a blast to drive. Steering is sharp, body roll is in check, and you find yourself wanting to take the long route home. That’s Mazda DNA coming through.
Safety – Because Southeast Asia Roads Need It
Let’s face it: driving in Southeast Asia is a game of hypersensitivity. One moment clear, the next moment a motorbike zips into your blind spot. Traffic codes?Optional at best.
That’s why Mazda filled the CX-80 with its i-ACTIVSENSE safety array. You receive:
- Adaptive LED headlights that can look around corners
- Blind Spot Monitoring that’s essentially a sixth sense
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert for parking lot mayhem
- Lane Keep Assist to prevent you from wandering on long road trips
- Adaptive Cruise Control that turns highway traffic nearly relaxing
- And a bulwark of airbags and strengthened chassis engineering
That is to say: the CX-80 is driving with a ghost co-pilot who never winks.
Capabilities – More Than a Luxury Badge
Luxury SUVs tend to be criticized as being “mall crawlers”—large, shiny, and never venturing on rough pavement. The CX-80 dispels that myth.
Yes, it’s smooth enough for chauffeured rides around Kuala Lumpur. But with AWD, liberal ground clearance, and tough suspension calibration, it can tackle gravel, mountain roads, and even a bit of light off-road foray.
Consider family vacations in Cameron Highlands, beach breaks in Bali, or highway hauls all the way to Chiang Mai. The CX-80 is not trying to be a Land Cruiser, but it doesn’t bat an eyelid when adventure beckons.
And when you’re not adventuring? There’s more than enough cargo space for shopping hauls, school bags, and luggage.
Pricing and Availability – Premium Comes at a Price
Mazda isn’t shy about where it wants to position the CX-80: firmly in the premium SUV bracket.
In Indonesia, it lands at around Rp 1.2 billion (roughly US$75–80k).
In Malaysia, it starts from RM 331,610 (US$70–75k).
That puts it toe-to-toe with European rivals like the Audi Q7 or Volvo XC90. But Mazda sweetens the deal with:
5-year warranty (up to 150,000 km in some markets)
8-year battery warranty for the hybrid system
Service packages that make ownership less intimidating
It’s not cheap, but then again, luxury rarely is.
Pros and Cons
Why You’ll Love It
- Truly premium interior design and build quality
- Smooth yet powerful hybrid performance
- Flexible 6- or 7-seat configuration
- Stuffed with safety features for crazy SEA roads
- Warranty backing that fills you with confidence
What Could Make You Think Twice
- Price tag is high relative to mass-market SUVs
- Single PHEV offer only—no petrol-only option in SEA
- EV-only range is small for heavy electric users
Final Verdict – Mazda’s Premium Gamble Pays Off
The 2026 Mazda CX-80 is not merely a new SUV—it’s a new face for Mazda in Southeast Asia. It takes all the things that the company has always been cherished for—driver feedback, Japanese craftsmanship, and detail—measures it up to be a luxury package that can finally compete with the best of Europe.
It won’t be to everyone’s taste. The price tag alone guarantees that. But for those seeking a high-end SUV that offers family usability, eco-friendly hybrid credentials, and real-world driving enjoyment—the CX-80 is testament to Mazda maturing without losing its heart.
FAQs
1.Q.- Is the 2026 Mazda CX-80 on sale in Southeast Asia?
Yes, it has just launched in Indonesia and Malaysia, with other countries following soon.
2.Q.- How is the CX-80 different from the CX-60 or CX-90?
The CX-80 is bigger, with three rows of seats, and is perfect for families.
3.Q.- How much is the CX-80 in Malaysia and Indonesia?
Around RM 331K in Malaysia and Rp 1.2B in Indonesia.
4.Q.- What is the electric range of the plug-in hybrid?
Approximately 59 km of pure EV range—ideal for city drives.
5.Q.- Who is the CX-80 for?
Families, executives, and SUV buyers looking for European-level luxury but with Mazda’s own Japanese flair.
